Is It Cheaper To Lay Concrete Or Pavers?
Are you planning to sprout your driveway, walkway, or patio? If that is the case, you'll probably consider two very different but very popular materials: pavements and concrete. While these are the most common options for renovation of this type, each has unique pros and cons worth considering. Use this guide to find out whether pavers or concrete are the right choice for your driveway, walkway or outdoor living space.
1. Cost Comparison
The cost of concrete is significantly lower compared to the cost of paving stones. On average, concrete costs about $7-$10 per square foot, while paving stones cost about $9-$14 per square foot.
In addition to the upfront costs for these materials , it is important to consider long-term costs. While concrete costs are less expensive, they are generally associated with higher costs for repairs and replacements over time. In the meantime, the pavers are incredibly durable, and it's easy to replace individual stones as needed, so the maintenance costs are lower over time, and the stones will last much longer than the concrete surface.
2. Strength
Concrete slabs are quite tough and impact resistant. However, the paving stones are actually even stronger than concrete and may hold more weight on their surface before cracking occurs. On average, most pavers can withstand up to 8,000 PSIs, while concrete only supports up to 2,500 PSIs. Concrete cracks under excess foot and vehicle traffic while pavers can hold up to much higher levels of pressure without cracking.
3. Value
If you're looking to add value to your home, choose stone pavements over concrete. Concrete does not add a lot of curb appeal to a home or increase the total value of its property. Pavers increase the appeal and attract potential homebuyers, so they add significant value to your investment.
4. Maintenance
In addition to appearance, the main concern for homeowners for most outdoor updates is the amount of ongoing maintenance involved. When you choose concrete, you will enjoy a generally low level of maintenance. One issue that can happen is that weeds go up through cracks between the slabs, so the fewer slabs you have, the better.
In addition, cracks and stains can develop over time. Power washing may remove some stains, and you may try to patch cracks, but these kinds of minor eyes are almost inevitable as your actual ages. You can apply a protective sealant to concrete to help minimize staining problems.
Pavers are less prone to ground cracking and temperature changes compared to concrete. Impacts can potentially cause cracks to develop, but you can replace individual pads as needed.
Overall, the stains on the pavers are less noticeable due to the patterns of the natural stone pavers that help to mask them. However, the many joints between the stones are susceptible to weed growth, so you may need to pull out the weeds or apply the weed killer regularly.
5 Durability
The main issue with concrete material is that the slabs are strongly affected by ground movements and significant changes in temperature. Both of these situations may cause the slabs to split and leave an unsightly crack in the concrete. If the slabs shift too much, they may not remain at a level and may potentially experience drainage problems.
Pavers are designed to withstand ground movements and temperature fluctuations. In addition, the joints between the stones help to drain the water. Many manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty with their products, making it possible to obtain a free replacement if cracks develop in any of your pads. Most homeowners can easily manage the installation of individual stones by DIY.
6. Appearance
As mentioned above, flooring is considered more attractive than concrete and adds more restraint to the home appeal. They are available in a variety of styles , sizes, patterns and colors, which can also be customized. Pavers are also less likely to fade or wear in high-traffic areas compared to concrete due to the fact that the color is embedded throughout the stone. Homeowners can choose from many types of stones when selecting pavements; some of the most common types of stones are made of granite, slate, travertine or sandstone.
It is important to note that while traditional concrete is not considered stylish in appearance, there is an upgraded option that homeowners might want to consider. Stamped concrete has a design that is stamped on the surface , creating a much more attractive appearance than plain concrete. In addition, it can be tinted to give a more dynamic appearance. Stamped concrete costs more than regular concrete, but the surface design helps to minimize the appearance of cracks and stains, thus reducing maintenance costs over time.
Think about your priorities when it comes to upgrade your home's outdoor living space or driveways and walkways. Factors such as cost, style, durability and maintenance will all play a role in finding out which material is the best choice for this home improvement option. Concrete is a good choice for any home, but pavers will offer the best value in the long run if you're able to afford an upfront cost.
Are You Considering Pavers for Patio?
At DPG Pavers and Design, we’ve been providing our customers with specialized Landscape and Hardscape Design and Build services for over 30 years. With offices throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, we are the best curb-appeal and outdoor living space designer and installers for homes, apartments and municipalities. Appearing on HGTV’s Curb Appeal and featured on Discovery Channel’s program Renovation Nation, our team of skilled designers and landscape engineers provide top-quality service and professionalism our customers love. Have a patio in need of an upgrade? Contact DPG Pavers and Design to schedule your free consultation today!
