Concrete vs Rubber Stepping Stones?
By The DIYPicks Team · Updated July 2026
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Pavestone 12" Square Concrete Step Stone
The default budget-and-durable garden paver: a heavy 12" cast concrete square that walks like a real path. Best for permanent lawn stepping paths where you'll set several and don't mind the weight.
| Type | Square concrete stepping stone / paver |
|---|---|
| Material | Cast concrete |
| Size | 12 in x 12 in x 1.5 in |
| Weight | ~18 lb each |
| Set count | Sold individually (buy multiples for a path) |
| Colors | Pewter, River Red, Rustic Blend and more |
| Best for | Durable, walkable garden and lawn paths |
Gardener's Supply Recycled Rubber Flagstone Stepping Stone
A lightweight recycled-rubber faux-flagstone that flexes over bumpy ground and shrugs off frost. Best for casual paths, renters, or anyone who wants a crack-proof, easy-to-move alternative to concrete.
| Type | Faux-flagstone stepping stone |
|---|---|
| Material | Recycled rubber |
| Size | ~17 in x 18.5 in at widest, 1/2 in thick |
| Weight | Light (a few lb each) |
| Set count | Sold individually |
| Look | Irregular flagstone shape |
| Best for | Lightweight, forgiving path over uneven ground |
Our verdict
Concrete wins on cost and solidity; rubber wins on weight and freeze resistance. Pavestone's 12" concrete paver is ~$5, bears full weight without flexing, and looks crisp, but each stone is ~18 lb to haul and can crack over years of freeze-thaw heaving. The Gardener's Supply recycled-rubber flagstone costs several times more per stone but weighs a few pounds, flexes over uneven ground, and won't crack in frost. Choose concrete for a permanent, budget path where weight isn't an issue; choose rubber for a lightweight, crack-proof path, bumpy ground, or a rental you may relocate.