If you’re looking to install pavers for your driveway, patio, or walkway, Unilock and Cambridge are two of the most popular brands on the market. But how do you decide which one is right for your project?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing between these high-quality paver brands.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Unilock | Cambridge |
| Origins | Founded in Ontario, Canada in 1972 | Originally from England, U.S. manufacturing since 1990s |
| Paver Shapes/Patterns | Diverse selection including large rectangles and unique designs. Mimic natural stone. | Variety of classic shapes like cobble and brick patterns. Offer authentic clay pavers. |
| Durability | Lifetime guarantee against cracks and defects. U-Cara technology for strength. | Extremely dense concrete construction. Limited lifetime warranties. |
| Color Options | Over 80 specialized colors. EnduraColor resists fading. Granite, blue, and burgundy tones. | 35 colors focused on natural hues. Proprietary ColorLast technology. |
| Price | Higher end, premium brand. Average $5-$12 per square foot installed. | Budget-friendly option averaging $3-$7 per square foot. |
| Availability | Extensive network of suppliers and installers across U.S. and Canada. | Primarily East Coast based. Limited suppliers outside eastern U.S. |
| Installation | Unilock Certified Installer training program. | Trained and Trusted installer certification program. |
| Warranties | Limited lifetime warranties against defects and fading. | Limited lifetime structural warranties. 20-year residential fade coverage. |
| Sustainability | Recycled content used in some pavers. Zero water discharge facilities. | Recycles 2.5 million lbs monthly. Utilizes some recycled materials and solar power. |
Overview of Unilock and Cambridge
Unilock and Cambridge are both leading manufacturers of concrete pavers in North America.
Unilock was founded in 1972 in Ontario, Canada. They offer an extensive selection of pavers, retaining walls, and outdoor living products.
Unilock has patented technologies like U-Cara and EnduraColor that provide added durability and long-lasting color.
Cambridge Pavers originated in England in the 1960s. They opened their U.S. manufacturing facility in Maryland in the 1990s. Cambridge offers a wide array of pavers, walls, and outdoor living kits. Their pavers utilize twice the amount of concrete as typical poured concrete.
Key Differences Between Unilock And Cambridge Pavers
Both brands provide quality products that can transform your outdoor spaces. Let’s look at some key differences between them.
- Paver Shapes and Patterns
Unilock and Cambridge offer pavers in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. This allows you to create unique patterns that match your design vision.
Unilock is known for their Umbriano pavers that mimic the look of natural stone. They also have large format pavers like Town Hall that make a bold statement. Unilock offers Beacon Hill pavers with a classic brick shape and EnduraColor pavers that resist fading.
Cambridge has a diverse paver selection including Carmine, Cobble Cambridge, and Brussels Block. Their rich colors and timeless shapes allow for stylish patios and walkways. Cambridge also offersclay pavers that provide an authentic old world look.
Both brands allow you to get creative with eye-catching layouts. Unilock may provide greater diversity in terms of unique, large format shapes. But Cambridge also has plenty of paver styles to craft a stunning design.
- Durability
Durability is a key consideration when selecting outdoor pavers. You want a product that can stand the test of time without cracking or fading.
Unilock pavers feature innovative technology like U-Cara layers that provide added strength and resistance to damage. Many Unilock pavers have a lifetime guarantee and high flexural strength to prevent cracking.
Cambridge pavers undergo a two-stage manufacturing process with double the concrete density of poured concrete. This results in exceptional strength and durability.
Cambridge offers a limited lifetime warranty on most pavers. Their color is infused throughout the paver so it won’t fade or wear away.
Both brands are known for outstanding durability and longevity. In terms of guarantees, Unilock provides more lifetime coverage for fading and structural defects. But Cambridge also produces a hardy paver designed to last.
- Color Options
The right paver color can enhance the aesthetics of your space. Both Cambridge and Unilock offer pavers in a range of natural hues.
Unilock has over 80 color options across their paver collection.
Their EnduraColor line is specially formulated to resist fading for up to 30 years.
Popular choices include granite blends, rich burgundies, and unique finishes like Lunar or Midnight Sky.
Cambridge provides a palette of 35 distinct colors.
Natural earth tones like harvest blend and autumn blend are prevalent in their paver lines.
Cambridge uses a proprietary ColorLast technology to maintain the pavers’ vibrancy over time.
Unilock may have a slight edge in terms of total colors available. But both brands offer plenty of attractive, natural-looking hues that complement landscaping.
- Price
Pavers represent a significant investment, so pricing is often a key factor in choosing a brand.
Unilock is positioned at the high end of the market. Their products provide exceptional quality, but you will pay a premium. Average costs range from $5-$12 per square foot. Their unique shapes and technologies result in higher prices.
Cambridge delivers outstanding quality at a more budget-friendly price point. Their pavers generally range from $3-$7 per square foot installed. This makes Cambridge a great option if you want quality on a potential budget.
In terms of affordability, Cambridge has an advantage over Unilock. But keep in mind that pricing varies by region and complexity of the project. Always get an itemized quote for your specific job.
- Availability
Paver availability can vary by region, so it helps to know which brands have suppliers in your area.
Unilock has an extensive network with representatives across the U.S. and Canada. They have over 1,200 trained installers to ensure products are applied properly. Unilock is readily available at landscape supply stores across North America.
Cambridge has suppliers and authorized installers located throughout most of the U.S. Their products may be slightly harder to source outside of the East Coast. Check Cambridge’s website to find a distributor for your locale.
Unilock likely has the upper hand in availability across different parts of the U.S. Both have authorized installers, but Unilock’s reach is more extensive.
- Quality of Installation
Proper installation is critical for getting the longevity and performance you expect from pavers. Both Unilock and Cambridge place emphasis on quality installation.
Unilock has the Unilock Certified Installer (UCI) program. Installers must meet experience requirements and pass testing to become UCI-certified. This ensures each paver project meets Unilock’s stringent standards.
Cambridge has their Trained and Trusted program for installers. Approved contractors must complete training on Cambridge products and installation methods. You can find local Trained and Trusted installers on Cambridge’s website.
The companies take comparable approaches to installation training and certification. Inquire about installer credentials when getting project quotes.
- Warranties
It’s always wise to review warranties when making a large pavement investment. Unilock and Cambridge both provide strong guarantees against defects:
- Unilock – Offers limited lifetime warranties on most pavers covering fading and structural failure. Umbriano and EnduraColor have 30-year fade warranties.
- Cambridge – Provides limited lifetime structural warranties on their pavers. A 20-year residential fade warranty is included.
The warranties are quite similar for the two brands. Unilock extends their fade coverage to 30 years which is a slight benefit. Overall both offer reassuring guarantees against early cracking or color loss.
- Environmental Sustainability
Eco-friendly manufacturing is an increasing priority for consumers. Both brands take steps towards sustainability:
- Unilock uses some recycled content in their products. Their Umbriano line has up to 75% recycled material. Many facilities have zero water discharge.
- Cambridge recycles 2.5 million lbs of excess materials per month. Their pavers contain up to 20% recycled content. Many plants utilize solar power and reclaim process water.
The companies seem comparable in their environmental practices. They both utilize recycled content and employ water conservation at facilities. Overall, sustainability appears to be an increasing focus for each brand.
- Customer Service Reputation
It’s helpful to consider the customer service experience when selecting a paver company. This gives insight into how helpful and responsive they’ll be if any issues arise.
Unilock frequently earns praise for having knowledgeable staff and helpful customer service. They are responsive in answering questions and providing product samples.
Cambridge also has many positive reviews for their customer service team. Their staff is complimented for being patient, courteous, and providing robust support.
Both brands appear to have strong reputations for customer service. Developing a relationship with your sales rep or local supplier is always wise. But you can expect reliable support from Unilock and Cambridge if needed.
Choosing the Right Brand For Your Project
Now that we’ve compared the key factors, how do you decide between Unilock or Cambridge for your installation?
Here are a few guidelines to help choose the best brand for your needs:
- If you want exciting shapes and patterns, Unilock may be ideal. Their diverse paver selection enables creative designs.
- If you’re looking for premium quality and don’t mind paying more, Unilock is an excellent option. Their pavers deliver outstanding performance.
- If you need lots of color choices for a custom look, Unilock has the edge. They offer over 80 specialized colors.
- If you prioritize finding quality at a lower cost, Cambridge is likely the better value. Their prices are more budget-friendly.
- If you want an authentic clay paver aesthetic, Cambridge has outstanding clay options. Unilock focuses on concrete pavers.
- If ease of local sourcing is key, Unilock may have broader availability across different regions of the U.S.
- If you want the greenest manufacturing practices, both brands utilize recycled content and responsible processes.
Your unique needs and priorities will determine whether Unilock or Cambridge is the right fit. Both deliver outstanding pavers that can vastly enhance your property’s aesthetics. Weigh the factors that matter most as you select the perfect paver for your vision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Unilock and Cambridge are two of the top paver brands. Both offer durable, high-quality pavers in a variety of colors, shapes, and textures. Ultimately the right brand comes down to your budget, design goals, and regional availability.
Certain features may make each brand preferable for different needs:
1. Unilock is best if you want unique shapes and patterns or the most color selection. Their pricing is on the higher end.
2. Cambridge is ideal if you want excellent quality at more affordable pricing. Their clay pavers also have authentic appeal.
But you can’t go wrong with either brand for outstanding pavers that enhance your property’s curb appeal.
Yes, Cambridge pavers are regarded as a top-quality brand in the industry. Some key signs of their quality include:
1. Durable compressed concrete construction twice as dense as poured concrete.
2. Vibrant ColorLast colors that maintain richness over decades.
3. Structural limited lifetime warranties on most pavers.
4. 20+ unique shapes and styles to create customized looks.
5. Trained and Trusted installer program ensures proper placement.
6. Good availability through East Coast distributors.
Overall, Cambridge pavers deliver exceptional performance, beauty, and longevity backed by outstanding warranties. Their quality rivals other top brands but at more budget-friendly prices.
Unilock’s biggest competitors in the paver market include:
1. Cambridge – Competes with Unilock on quality, variety, warranties and reputation. Cambridge provides similar benefits for often lower prices.
2. Techo-Bloc – Another Canadian brand offering diverse modern styles and unique shapes. Quality is comparable to Unilock.
3. Belgard – Known for more affordable prices with wide color selection. Warranties are strong though shapes are more limited.
4. EP Henry – Key competitor with strong East Coast presence. Prices very competitive with Unilock’s ranges.
There are other notable brands like Anchor and Hanover. But Cambridge, Techo-Bloc, Belgard, and EP Henry lead the markets in quality and availability as Unilock alternatives. Each competes in certain areas while Unilock still leads in premium pricing and some technologies.
The best pavers for patios include:
Unilock Town Hall – Large rectangles create bold patterns. Textured surface prevents slips.
Cambridge Cobble Cambridge – Smaller cobble shapes provide timeless appeal. Natural stone tones fit patios beautifully.
Techo-Bloc Sierra – Stylish rectangles with various lengths for visual intrigue. Great durability.
EP Henry Lafitt – Affordable option with four versatile shapes. Authentic brick finish.
Belgard Dublin Cobble – Understated cobble shape in realistic colors and texture. Budget-friendly choice.
Factors like texture, shape, color, price, and durability should inform your decision. Both Unilock and Cambridge offer exceptional patio pavers to create an inviting outdoor living space!
Conclusion
Unilock and Cambridge both deliver distinctive, gorgeous pavers that perform beautifully for decades. Choosing between them requires assessing the factors like pricing, warranty, color selection, and shapes that matter most to your project vision.
With high-grade installation, you’re sure to be satisfied whether you select Unilock for unique style or Cambridge for outstanding value and quality. Your new patio, walkway, or driveway will gain elegance and charm that boosts the aesthetics of any property.
