Techo-bloc vs Belgard

Pavers & Slabs

Techo-Bloc pavers are engineered to handle the freeze/thaw that occurs in the harshest of climates. 

• We use finer aggregates in our mix designs so there’s more cement to bind the smaller particles together.

• This results in a product that contains fewer potential voids and, therefore, has a lower absorption rate. 

• Lower absorption rates translate into a more durable product that resists freeze-thaw and de-icing salts better. 

• Using finer aggregates also requires an increased percentage of pigment used in the mix. More particles mean more color to coat every little grain of sand and stone and results in a richer and more vibrant color that lasts.

When it comes to styles, both companies offer a large assortment, with Belgard offering 20 styles of pavers and slabs while we offer 48, so you’re sure to find the right look for your project. However, Belgard uses a larger aggregate in their mix so the surface of their pavers and slabs looks more porous, compared to the smaller aggregates used in Techo-Bloc’s mix.

Double-Sided Walls

This category is especially important as the versatility of double-sided walls can not be underestimated. These products make the design and construction of seat walls, outdoor living features and raised patios much easier. Plus, double-sided walls reduce waste on-site as two faces of each unit are useable. 

• Just like Techo-Bloc pavers, our double-sided walls are all interlocking to make installation easier and include our patented anchoring system clips packaged with the product at no charge. 

• Our walls are made with paver manufacturing machines instead of wall block machines, leading to significantly higher density, better resistance to freeze/thaw conditions and de-icing salt resistance, all of which are covered by a lifetime transferable warranty.

Both companies offer several collections, with Belgard offering 6 styles and Techo-Bloc offering 10. Aesthetically, some of the styles offered by both brands are very comparable; however, the difference is in the construction method.

Belgard’s Tandem system requires construction with base units, and then structural units and then fascia units. This increases construction time by 20%, compared to the Techo-Bloc construction method. This time savings is money in YOUR pocket.

Permeable Pavers

Techo-Bloc’s permeable pavements are designed to allow for the proper percolation of surface water into the ground. This: 

• Reduces the risk and severity of flooding

• Eliminates puddles

• Speeds up the melting process of snow

• Reduces winter ice hazards

• Increases cost-savings on de-icing salt and snow removal 

We wanted to ensure we had a wide variety of paver options that were eco-conscious and cost-effective for residential and commercial stormwater management, so we offer 18 different styles. Any design aesthetic is possible with Techo-Bloc.

Belgard offers only 6 styles of permeable pavers, with 4 of those designed to be used for residential use, and no permeable slabs at all.

Pool Coping & Wall Caps

With over 11 million residential swimming pools across the US and Canada, you need to have a solid offering to present when your client is looking for a stunning poolscape: This means coping is essential. Even if you’re not worried about a pool on your next project, one of the best ways to add value to a hardscape project is through the addition of vertical elements. Caps and coping are the grand finale to complete stairs, walls, fire pits and more. Coping is what takes a job from good to great, but only if you can find that perfect combination of color, texture and style.

Techo-Bloc offers 15 different coping options, 8 of which can be used with pools, and all of which are made from precast concrete. And any of our caps can be used on any of our walls and all are available in all of our colors, offering a wide range of style options.

Depending on which region you may find yourself in, Belgard offers anywhere up to 6 wall cap options, and up to 3 of those are able to be used with pool coping and both of which are available in 3 colors. 

Steps

When it comes to steps, all 5 of Techo-Bloc’s offerings (along with the 2 overlay collections for renovations) are constructed from precast concrete, so you get: 

• Colors designed to mimic stone’s color variation

• No potential for irregularities like mineral deposits

• UV-resistant steps

• More consistent look from beginning to end

• Access to the same materials years later, in case you need to replace an individual stone or add to your project

Another huge advantage of our step offering is that it matches perfectly with our paver, slab and wall collections. This makes each Techo-Bloc step unit much more versatile than just a tread. We also offer both drycast and wetcast concrete step options, providing a tremendous range of aesthetic appearances, as well as the ability to match any of our other product offerings. 

Belgard offers 1 drycast step option that comes in 4 colors, created to mimic the look of quarried limestone. For clients who want a sleeker look to their stairs, there are no options currently available at Belgard.

Edges

Stone borders or edges complement your landscaping and help to reduce maintenance by keeping mulch in -- and the grass out -- of flowerbeds. Adding edges around flower beds also helps separate the pavers on the driveway from the greenery, creating well-defined and stunning spaces that won’t shift from ground movement. 

Since every pavement needs an edge restraint anyway, why not ensure those edges are aesthetically pleasing and bring value to your client? Plus, some of our options, like Avignon and Pietra have an edge restraint anchor built right into the design. It's a 2-in-1 deal!

Our 9 edging stone collections add a polished finish to your outdoor space, with enough style and color options to match or enhance the rest of the home’s look. Again, depending on where you live in the United States, Belgard offers up to 3 options, available in 2 colors.