Why Unilock pavers are the preferred choice for commercial hardscape projects

When an architectural landscape design project moves from concept to construction, every specification carries immense weight. In commercial hardscape design, the choice of paving material determines not only the final aesthetic but also the long-term performance and environmental impact of the project.

Unilock leads the way with proven solutions to meet these high standards. Since establishing the concrete paver industry in North America in 1972, Unilock has continued to innovate, delivering durable, sustainable, and design-forward commercial paver solutions to meet the needs of today’s design professionals.

Four pillars make Unilock interlocking pavers the optimal choice for your next commercial project.

1. Proven Quality

From urban plazas to high-traffic roadways, paver durability is essential in demanding commercial environments.  You can rest assured that every Unilock paver is manufactured to meet, and often exceed, the rigorous standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). In fact, our advanced manufacturing capabilities are the foundation of our paver quality, translating directly into lasting performance on every project:

• High Compressive Strength and Low Water Absorption: Each Unilock paver is manufactured to achieve superior compressive strength and low water absorption. Both of which are key performance indicators of long-term paver durability. High strength resists cracking and structural wear under heavy loads, while reduced absorption protects against freeze-thaw damage and deterioration.
• EnduraColor™ Facemix Technology: This manufacturing process ensures a wear-resistant surface layer with highly concentrated color and finer aggregates. The result is a refined look that resists the appearance of fading, maintaining the rich, vibrant colors of your specified pavers.
• EasyClean™ Factory Sealer: This proprietary, factory-applied protective sealant for pavers delivers enhanced surface protection, making it essential for high-traffic public and commercial spaces.

As North America’s original paver manufacturer, we have created a foundation of proven performance that has built a legacy of trust. Look no further than landmark installations like Navy Pier, GEODIS Park, LegoLand, and the University of Pittsburgh; each one a testament to the confidence designers place in Unilock pavers.

2. Unrestricted Design Flexibility

In commercial hardscape design, achieving the right balance between beauty and performance can be challenging. At Unilock, our comprehensive paver portfolio is built for design freedom, allowing you to realize your creative vision without compromising on function.

• Distinctive Textures: Unilock pavers are well-known for their extensive range of unique textures. Choose from smooth, modern finishes for a clean aesthetic; exposed aggregate surfaces for enhanced durability; brushed textures that offer exceptional traction; and more. This variety ensures your paving design will deliver both function and visual interest.
• Versatile Shapes and Sizes: Hundreds of shapes and sizes give you the freedom to tackle any design or site challenge with Unilock pavers. Whether your project requires support for heavy traffic loads, pedestal installations, or intricate patterns, Unilock offer a perfect solution to bring your vision to life.
• Dynamic Color Palette: Our extensive color collection will add richness and dimension to your design. From warm earth tones, to cool contemporary grays, our colors are crafted to complement surrounding materials and architectural styles, ensuring visual harmony across the site.

In addition to standard product offerings, when your project calls for something truly unique, your Unilock Representative is eager to work with you to create a bespoke paving solution with custom shapes, sizes, and colors, specialized surface texturing, or factory-applied protective sealing.

3. Sustainable Hardscaping

Unilock is committed to a sustainable future, equipping design professionals with high-performance, eco-friendly solutions that can help reduce the carbon footprint of a project and contribute green building certifications.

• Permeable Pavers: Permeable pavers are an essential component of Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement (PICP) systems, offering effective stormwater management by reducing runoff, supporting groundwater recharge, and improving local water quality.
• High SRI Colors: Light-colored pavers feature high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) values. This results in lower pavement surface temperatures compared to dark surfaces, directly reducing their contribution to the urban heat island effect.

• Local Sourcing: With manufacturing facilities located across North America and the use of locally sourced raw materials, specifying Unilock can help minimize your project’s environmental impact.
• EPDs: We provide comprehensive Environmental Product Declarations for all paver products to offer transparency and facilitate informed decision-making regarding the environmental impact of products.
• EcoTerra™ Technology: This innovation is offered in select Unilock products and has the potential to reduce embodied carbon dioxide emissions by up to 15 percent.
• Recycled Content: Our products contain up to 40 percent cement replacement and some custom mix designs can further increase recycled material content.

4. Comprehensive Project Support and Technical Expertise

Our commitment to your project’s success extends beyond the manufacturing plant. Our dedicated commercial sales team has decades of experience and technical expertise that you can leverage to make every phase of the project run smoothly.

• Product Recommendations: Receive project-specific guidance on optimal paver solutions and installation systems to meet your design criteria and budget.
• Technical Assets: Access detailed cross sections, construction details, specifications, and direct technical support so you can confidently build out your project documents and drawings.
• Design Tools: Utilize our BIM files and digital swatches, or request physical paver samples to compare textures and colors firsthand.
• Professional Development: Register for our accredited CEU Seminars to expand your professional knowledge and stay current on industry trends.

Ready to Specify Unilock Pavers?

Unilock pavers deliver the proven quality, unrestricted design flexibility, and sustainable solutions required for today’s most demanding commercial environments. When your project demands reliable material and the highest level of support, choose Unilock pavers.

Explore our products or speak with your Unilock representative today to begin your specifying journey.