What’s the Difference Between Stamped Concrete vs Patio Pavers?

Pavers vs. Concrete for Patios, Driveways, and Pool Decks

 

Concrete Slabs

A typical slab is a concrete layer of approximately three to four inches poured to cover your driveway, patio, or pool deck. It's a cost-effective, durable surface that requires little maintenance, is easy to install, and protects the area.

 

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete is identical to a regular slab, but resembles flagstone, brick, and even wood with a finished texture. This decorative effect demands a greater budget, but adds to your patio or driveway more charm and curb appeal than an unfinished slab.

 

While often used interchangeably, separate materials are concrete and cement. In concrete, cement is a major component, not the finished mixture.

 

Stone or Brick Pavers

Pavers are individual tiles that make a solid surface fit together. They are particularly famous for their longevity and customized look. Although the most popular alternatives are stone and brick, many variations can be found to match your budget and style.

 

Other Paving Stones

• Clay pavers

• Travertine

• Flagstone

• Cobblestone

• Bluestone

• Porcelain

• Marble

 

Interlocking Pavers

Interlocking pavers fit into each other perfectly, resulting in a reasonably smooth surface. They build a more anticipated, less natural look, but are simpler to install and do not need mortar.

 

Concrete Pavers

Molded concrete mixed with aggregate is used in this form of a paver. Installation requires a sealant to prevent moisture from entering and preserving the color of the porous material.

 

Pavers vs. Concrete Cost Per Square Foot

The cost per square foot of building a concrete patio or driveway varies between $6 and $10. Meanwhile, the price varies between $10 and $20 per square foot for paver construction. For driveways and pool decks, these ranges are usually similar.

 

Which is Cheaper to Lay: Poured Concrete or Pavers?

For poured concrete, installation expenses are usually lower. In laying each stone and filling the holes, pavers take more time, and hence usually range higher despite a comparable cost per hour.

 

DIY Cost of Pavers vs. Concrete

• Concrete price per square foot: around $1.50 for materials alone.

• Prices for pavers vary depending on the stone you pick.

• A single brick costs $0.50 to $5.00, and you’ll need two for each square foot.

• Flagstone pavers cost $15 to $20 per square foot.

 

Complex ventures, regardless of the content, should be left to professionals. That said, since they do not need specialized equipment or expertise in curing the mixture, tiles are simpler for DIY than concrete.

 

Appearance

Poured concrete tends to be a single, gray color and is simple. Stamping offers you some options for texture and customization. Pavers are appealing because they come in different colors and shapes. You can create custom designs and patterns with ease. 

 

The durability of Concrete versus Pavers

Pavers are up to four times stronger than poured concrete, which ensures that four times as much weight can be carried by them. Over time, slabs appear to break, while pavers will individually come loose.

 

Maintenance & Repairs

A slab is simple to clean, but when it breaks or cracks, fixing your patio costs more. Every 5-7 years, resurfacing your patio or driveway is important. It's harder to clean individual tiles since the surface isn't smooth. Brick repairs and other solutions appear to be quicker since one stone at a time will happen.

 

Length of Life

Poured concrete is up to 25 years and longer in length. Thanks to their stronger material and easier repair process, pavers last up to and beyond 50 years. The specific period depends on the materials, environment, and proper installation being used.

 

Freezing Climate

Slabs can hold up well when properly sealed in cold climates. In freezing temperatures, different pavers behave differently. Healthy and durable options tend to be slate, travertine, and porcelain.

 

Slip Resistance

Poured concrete is not normally slip-resistant, but with the proper coating, it can be. Pavers typically have more texture and, as a result, are more slip-resistant. 

 

ROI or Resale

Driveways paved with stone or brick, due to their longer lifetime and aesthetic appeal, have higher resale value than slabs.