When taking on an outdoor project, many people are faced with the decision of using pavers or concrete to finish their pathway, driveway, or patio.
Are you considering using pavers for your next project?
While pavers are nice to look at, they are not the be-all-end-all of outdoor hard surface design. When compared to pavers, concrete has many advantages, so it’s important to think about both options before making a choice.
Because it’s durable, versatile, and much more affordable, concrete is becoming more and more popular because it can now be colored and textured and is stronger than ever with fiber additives, which reinforce in all directions unlike rebar. Also, concrete can be stamped to make different textures and patterns, so you can make your patio fit the style of your home.
Although pavers are a concrete product, they have several disadvantages compared to poured concrete:
- Pavers can crack and shift over time, whereas concrete is much more resilient.
- Pavers are much more expensive up-front than concrete and requires more maintenance since they need to be sealed and resealed regularly.
This article will explore the advantages of pouring concrete over installing interlocking pavers and why you should seriously consider concrete for your next home improvement project.
What Are Pavers?
Pavers are often used as an alternative to asphalt or concrete for driveways, walkways, and patios. They are also durable and long-lasting, making them a reasonable choice when creating or redesigning an outdoor space.
What Is Stamped Concrete?
Stamped concrete is the concrete design equivalent of pavers in a design where pavers are adjacent to each other—not spaced out with grass or gravel. Stamped concrete is created by pressing a pattern or texture into freshly poured concrete. The mold can be made of rubber, plastic, metal, or other materials.
After the concrete sets, it will have the same texture and color as the mold. The patterns can be pressed to make your concrete resemble wood, brick, slate, flagstone, and more. The result is a surface that looks like natural stone but is less expensive and much easier to maintain.
What Are the Advantages of Stamped Concrete Over Pavers?
Unlimited Designs
There are endless ways to incorporate stamped concrete when designing a patio surface.
You can choose any color, design, and texture you like to create a perfect look for your home. Brick, flagstone, and other natural stone surfaces can be replicated with stamped concrete, or you can choose another unique look.
For a more traditional look, choose a brick or flagstone pattern. Looking for something more modern? A geometric design or an abstract pattern will do the trick.
The possibilities are infinite, so you can really create any style you want.
More Affordable
For patios and walkways, stamped concrete is often a cheaper option than pavers. Paver patios and walkways made of paver stones take much longer to set up and require more materials, skill, and work.
Textured and Slip Resistant
The concrete stamping process can create a non-slip surface for your walkways and patios. There are a few different ways to go about this, but one of the most effective is to use an anti-skid finish.
An anti-skid finish helps to keep people safe, especially as they get older and might be more prone to slipping. If you live in an area where it rains or snows often, stamped concrete with a non-slip texture is a must-have.
Another way to make your concrete slip-resistant is to add an abrasive aggregate to your mix, which can be done by either hand or machine mixing. Another way is to apply an epoxy resin material with embedded abrasive grit, or you can set non-slip strips in the concrete with a trowel.
Concrete is also ideal for accessibility. If you or someone you know uses a wheelchair and needs access to your backyard, concrete provides a smooth, non-slip surface.
Won’t Become Uneven
Because pavers are not a monolithic material—that is, the product is made up of many parts—the end result frequently includes uneven surfaces over the years. The additional labor and expertise it takes to lay them level are also part of the increased initial cost. Also, because each paver is independent, it is possible for each one to move over time.
This can be a problem because uneven surfaces are prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. Stamped concrete, on the other hand, is made in one piece, which means that the surface is much more even and durable.
Stamped concrete is a one-time investment that will last for years. If the concrete is poured correctly, it will stay flat and even for decades.
Although all poured concrete cracks, the cracks shouldn’t be structural if installed properly. Therefore, these cosmetic cracks shouldn’t cause tripping hazards like shifted pavers might.
Drains Better
Stamped concrete is much better for drainage than pavers because pavers are separate pieces and can become uneven, causing water to pool. When this happens, unsightly algae often grows between the individual pavers.
Because concrete is one solid piece, water will flow off more easily. This improved flow means no algae and you can simply sweep it off and use a hose to clean it.
When is it Better to Choose a Concrete Contractor over Pavers for a Patio or Walkway?
When it comes to creating a patio or walkway, choosing the right concrete contractor can make all the difference. A qualified contractor will have the expertise and experience to handle any project, ensuring a durable and long-lasting result. While pavers offer flexibility in design, concrete proves superior in terms of strength, durability, and easy maintenance. Therefore, choosing the right concrete contractor is crucial in achieving a patio or walkway that withstands the test of time.
Conclusion
Pavers are a luxury option for walkways, patios, and even driveways, but they may not provide the most utility or value. Poured decorative concrete can have the same style and elegance as pavers, but it costs much less to buy and requires much less upkeep over time.
If you are in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area and want to add a beautiful, sturdy, and functional concrete addition to your yard, contact Tulsa Concrete Contractor to get a free in-person quote and see all the fantastic things we can do for your home with concrete.
