Techo-Bloc is one of the most popular paver and wall block brands for Connecticut patios, and a brand we install regularly. As a Techo-Pro certified contractor, we get a lot of questions about which collection to choose and what the color names actually look like outdoors. This guide covers the collections homeowners ask about most.
A note before you start: product lines, sizes and colors change, and not every item is stocked by every supplier. We bring current samples to every estimate so you can see them in daylight next to your house.
Pavers, slabs and what thickness means
Techo-Bloc makes both pavers and slabs. The practical difference is thickness and what each is rated for:
- 60 mm (about 2⅜ inch) pavers and slabs, like Blu 60, are made for patios, walkways and pool decks.
- 80 mm pavers, like Blu 80, are rated for residential driveways and light vehicle use.
- Some large slabs are wet-cast pieces made for walking surfaces only. Aberdeen, for example, is 57 mm thick.
Popular paver and slab collections
Blu 60 Slate
A 60 mm patio slab with a natural slate texture. It comes in modular sizes that are laid together, a large Grande format, and a 6 x 13 format that can be installed as permeable pavement. Colors: Shale Grey, Champlain Grey, Onyx Black, Chestnut Brown, Sandlewood and Chocolate Brown. An HD² version is available in select markets.
Blu 80 Smooth
An 80 mm paver with a smooth, contemporary face, rated for driveways. It’s available with Techo-Bloc’s HD² surface, which Techo-Bloc describes as denser and less absorbent, with richer color. Colors: Beige Cream, Chestnut Brown, Onyx Black, Shale Grey, Greyed Nickel, Champlain Grey and Caffè Crema.
Aberdeen
An oversized slab with a slate texture and a bluestone-like look, in sizes up to 30 x 30 inches. It’s made with Klean-Bloc technology, which Techo-Bloc says protects against scratches, stains and spills. Colors: Azzurro and Rock Garden Brown. Aberdeen is a common choice for homeowners who like the look of bluestone but want a manufactured product. See our bluestone vs. concrete pavers comparison.
Villagio
A 60 mm cobblestone with beveled edges and a timeworn texture, in four rectangular sizes laid together. It’s used for patios, walkways, driveways and decorative borders. Colors: Shale Grey, Champlain Grey, Chocolate Brown, Onyx Black, Merlot, Sandlewood and Chestnut Brown.
Choosing a color
Techo-Bloc uses many of the same color names across collections, which makes it easier to match a patio, wall and steps. A few tips from our projects:
- Greys like Shale Grey, Champlain Grey and Greyed Nickel suit gray, white and blue houses and most natural stone.
- Browns and beiges like Chestnut Brown, Sandlewood, Beige Cream and Caffè Crema warm up brick and tan siding.
- Onyx Black works best as a border or accent rather than a whole patio, since dark surfaces get hot in full sun.
- A contrasting border, like a dark soldier course around a lighter field, frames the patio and makes it look finished.
Techo-Bloc notes that colors won’t exactly match printed swatches and that shades can vary, which is normal for concrete products. It’s one reason to order a project’s material together.
Laying patterns
Techo-Bloc’s design guidance groups patterns into styles such as linear modern, linear traditional, herringbone, checkerboard, parquet, random, modular, flagstone modular and circular. Its advice is to start with the patterns recommended for your product, then consider a border in a contrasting color to define the space. Long, straight lines suit modern products such as Blu 60 Smooth or Aberdeen, while traditional homes often suit cobblestone styles like Villagio.
Wall block and caps
For retaining walls, seat walls and raised patios, two systems come up most:
- Mini-Creta: a split-face block with straight edges for a refined, modern look. Retaining walls can reach up to 10 feet with geogrid, and freestanding garden walls up to about 29 inches.
- Raffinato: a smooth, double-sided block with clean lines, used for seat walls, raised patios and retaining walls up to 10 feet with geogrid (about 24 inches without).
Walls are finished with caps, such as Techo-Bloc’s Architectural or Raffinato caps, glued to the top course with concrete adhesive. For taller walls, read our retaining wall guide.
Fire pits
Techo-Bloc’s Valencia fire pit is a round kit with a split, aged texture, about 49 inches across outside and 29 inches inside, in Shale Grey, Champlain Grey and Chestnut Brown. It works with compatible wood-burning or gas inserts. Fire pits can also be built from wall block like Mini-Creta or Raffinato to match a seat wall. See our fire pits and outdoor kitchens page.
Warranty
Techo-Bloc offers a transferable lifetime warranty on its residential landscaping products, covering structural integrity and surface deterioration from rock salt, with its wet-cast Stonedge line excluded from the salt coverage. The warranty covers the product, not labor, and excludes damage from base settlement or installation that doesn’t follow industry or Techo-Bloc guidelines. That’s one reason the installer matters as much as the product.
Why a Techo-Pro installer matters
Techo-Pro is Techo-Bloc’s network of certified contractors. To qualify, installers must use methods that meet or surpass industry standards, verified by Techo-Bloc, provide a workmanship warranty of at least two years, carry liability insurance and have been in business for at least two years. AQ Masonry LLC is Techo-Pro certified, and our own workmanship warranty is three years.
Want to price a Techo-Bloc patio? Try our patio package builder or see our paver patio installation page.
Common questions
Are Techo-Bloc pavers good for driveways?
Driveway-rated products like Blu 80 are made for residential driveways and light vehicle use. Thinner slabs are for walking surfaces only.
Do Techo-Bloc pavers need to be sealed?
No. Techo-Bloc says sealing is optional and mainly aesthetic. If you want to seal, it recommends waiting at least a year after installation and resealing every three to five years.
Can I see Techo-Bloc colors in person?
Yes. We bring samples to every estimate, and Techo-Bloc also sells product samples online.
Sources
- Techo-Bloc landscaping product categories
- Techo-Bloc Blu 60 Slate
- Techo-Bloc Blu 80 Smooth
- Techo-Bloc Aberdeen
- Techo-Bloc Villagio
- Techo-Bloc Mini-Creta
- Techo-Bloc Raffinato
- Techo-Bloc Valencia fire pit
- Techo-Bloc: choosing products and installation patterns
- Techo-Bloc: become a Techo-Pro
- Techo-Bloc FAQ
- Techo-Bloc residential warranty
