If you’re working on a landscaping or urban design project—whether you’re a landscape architect, a city planner, or just someone looking to improve a space—it’s helpful to know the difference between cobbles, setts, and pavers. Understanding these materials can make it much easier to choose the right one for the look and feel you want.

The Difference Between Cobbles, Setts, and Pavers

What are cobbles?

The word “cobble” comes from the word “cob,” which means a rounded lump. So, a cobble is a rounded piece of stone, and it can be made from granite, limestone, sandstone, or basalt.

Granite cobbles are particularly popular in landscape architecture and public memorials due to their inherent strength.

There’s often a little head-scratching around the difference between cobbles and setts, so it’s not uncommon to hear the term cobbles used when what people are actually referring to are setts.

However, the key distinction to remember is that: cobbles Stone are round while setts are rectangular or square.

Setts

Setts, also referred to as Belgian blocks are broadly rectangular quarried stone with a depth and width of between 75-200mm and varying lengths between 75-450mm and are used in a variety of paving projects.

Originally, they were widely used on steep streets because setts were able to provide horses’ hooves with a better grip than a smooth surface but they are now popular in modern landscaping projects.

Their size can vary depending on the workability of the stone as different rocks will be easier to work with and manipulate than others.

Limestone, sandstone, granite, basalt, and more can all be used to create setts which makes them such a popular and versatile choice. They are also often used to edge paving slabs along garden paths or driveways to create a unique and contemporary look.

What are pavers?

Traditionally,* pavers are larger formats, with rectangular stones (or concrete blocks) used for paving purposes. They come in a variety of materials, including granite, limestone, slate, concrete, and porcelain.

Granite pavers are a popular choice for outdoor paving projects in high-traffic public areas due to the following factors:

• Their inherent strength and aesthetic appeal
• The fact they’re weather and stain-resistant
• Their versatility (coming in a range of colors and surface finishes)

Which to choose – cobble, pavers, or setts?

Cobbles, setts, and pavers each have unique characteristics and applications in urban design and landscaping projects. When selecting materials for your project, it’s essential to consider appearance, durability, and intended use.

As we’ve seen, cobbles are ideal for creating rustic and historic atmospheres, while setts and pavers offer durability, modernity, and versatility in abundance.

At Universal Granimarmo, we offer a wide range of high-quality granite products, including setts and pavers, to meet your project needs.