Pavers vs. Concrete for Your Driveway or Patio
DPG Pavers - Paving Contractor
Every aspect of your home is an investment - even your exterior surroundings. Trying to decide between stamped concrete or interlocking concrete pavers for your driveway, patio or pool deck? As two affordable outdoor options, in this article we’ll explore how they compare in terms of aesthetic appeal, durability, maintenance, and cost so you are able to make an informed choice on your next outdoor living space.
1. Aesthetic Appeal - What Looks Prettier?
Pavers are multi-colored pieces of concrete, which are interlocked to form a durable surface for walkways, driveways, and patios. On the other hand, stamped concrete is poured as a solid surface and then embossed or textured to resemble brick, flagstone, slate, stone, tile, or even wood. Because of its distinctive textures and variations, stamped concrete offers ornate design possibilities. It offers a wide array of colors and patterns, colors can be hand-blended on site, can be sealed for weather-durability, and has the ability to imitate segmented paving or natural stone. Paver colors and patterns can be mixed and matched to make stunning designs with accents, bandings, and borders. Considering the patterns for interlocking pavers are seemingly endless along with the various color choices available, pavers can give your space a unique look and give it a “wow” factor that concrete just might not be able to beat.
Winner: Interlocking Stone Pavers
2. Durability - Which Lasts Longer, Pavers or Concrete?
Concrete slabs longevity is greatly affected by the movement of the earth. Slabs are prone to splitting and cracking if the ground beneath it shifts. With pavers, water rarely settles on the surface because of the numerous joints in between each piece. Pavers are rated to be four times as strong as a typical concrete slab, which means they can handle four times as much weight on their surface before they would crack. Hands down pavers last longer, look better and hold up to the demands of outdoor environments much better than concrete.
Winner: Interlocking Stone Pavers
3. Maintenance - What Do I Have to do to Keep Pavers or Concrete Looking Great?
Both types of paving materials are easy to maintain, with similar maintenance, cleaning, and protective measures. To preserve the integrity of your patio, driveway, or walkway installation, maintenance is highly encouraged. If weeds find their way through the surface, just remove them as soon as they appear. Stains can usually be removed with a concrete cleaner, but you should check with the manufacturer for recommendations so as not to damage the concrete. Concrete staining and cracking will often occur so opt for a protective sealant and regularly sweep with a broom to ensure any dirt, grime, or stains don’t become permanent. Most paving stones generally require little care, but the joints between each stone may need attention from time to time if you choose not to use a sealer. The installation process and materials will limit weed growth; however, weed, moss, and grass can grow in between the joints over time. If this occurs, it is necessary to remove the weeds or treat the area with weed killer. Most heavy maintenance work on stamped concrete requires heavy machinery like a jackhammer to replace the area in need. Individual pavers spaces will need to be filled in with sand from time to time to ensure proper upkeep. A properly installed and maintained interlocking paver driveway can be expected to last 25 to 50 years.
Winner: Interlocking Stone Pavers
4. Cost - Which Costs More to Install, Interlocking Stone Pavers or Concrete?
Costs for an interlocking paver driveway can vary significantly. A professionally installed driveway, patio or pool deck using top-quality pavers can run higher than stamped concrete as the pavers themselves vary in cost depending on the size and style you choose. Standard concrete slabs are generally lower in cost to install per square foot than the alternative, however the long-term costs are considerably greater. Most sources suggest that the upfront cost of stamped concrete tends to be a more inexpensive option in relation to pavers. Long-term cost efficiency between the two, however, is relative to factors including proper installation, climate, and periodic maintenance.
Initial Winner: Stamped Concrete
Long-term Winner: Interlocking Stone Pavers
Are You Considering Pavers for Your Driveway or Outdoor Living Space?
At DPG.Pavers, we’ve been providing our customers with specialized Landscape and Hardscape Design and Build services for over 30 years. DPG.Design, headquartered in San Ramon, California is the best curb-appeal and outdoor living space designers in the San Francisco Bay Area. 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. DPG.Design offers 2-D and 3-D conceptual home and landscape design plans that allow you to visualize your dream space and make that dream-concept a reality.
Have a driveway in dire need of replacement? Moved into a new home and not happy with your home’s curb appeal? Can’t seem to finish your backyard project? Contact DPG.Design to schedule your free consultation today!
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