Trying to decide between stamped concrete for your driveway or patio and interlocking concrete pavers? Consider the pros and cons of each before you settle on one option.
Difference between Concrete and Pavers
Pavers are multi-colored concrete pieces that are interlocked to create a permanent surface for walkways, driveways, and patios. On the other side, in order to imitate brick, flagstone, slate, stone, tile, or even wood, stamped concrete is poured as a solid surface and then embossed or textured. While stamped concrete is relatively new, pavers have been used to render Spanish monastery courtyards, European village paths, and stunning hardscapes in homes around the globe for hundreds of years. This gives pavers a reputation for outstanding longevity that has been demonstrated over time. Pavers do have some limitations that make stamped concrete a popular choice for homeowners who want design patterns that are particularly complex or ornate. At the same time, both pavers and stamped concrete have strengths and weaknesses which may be particularly relevant depending on where you live.
While pavers and concrete seem easy enough, it’s not always cut and dry to determine which one to choose. Below, we’ll give you the Pros and Cons for both pavers and concrete.
Pavers
When properly installed, pavers generally do not crack. These also come with a variety of other benefits that make homeowners desirable. It includes the following:
- In most cases, pavers cost about the same as stamped concrete.
- As they don’t usually require replacement, over time, pavers offer better cost efficiency.
- Quick and smooth repairs include simple replacement of damaged or broken pavers.
- It is possible to mix and match colors and patterns to create amazing designs with accents, bindings, and borders.
Pavers aren’t exactly perfect. Among the most disadvantages are:
- Unless a binding solvent is used, every year or two joint sands will have to be overlapped.
- Unless a binding polymer is used to harden joint sands, weeds may sprout between pavers.
- Improper installation, particularly without proper soil preparation, may cause pavers to move or settle over time.
- Since lots can be slightly lighter or darker from pallet to pallet, installers need to carefully blend the pavers to prevent a blotchy appearance.
Concrete
Stamped concrete offers more ornate design possibilities which give it a “wow” factor because of its distinctive textures and variations. Besides this, several other benefits make it attractive for homeowners. It includes:
- It has a wide variety of colors and patterns.
- The colors on site can be manually balanced as the concrete is so mobile.
- Stamped concrete can be sealed for additional water protection, vehicle leakage, and tank chemicals.
- The paving or natural stone can be closely imitated and has almost unlimited capacity for customization.
Unfortunately, although there are many advantages, stamped concrete has relatively high initial costs, let alone time and money spent on maintenance and repairs. There are also several other disadvantages, such as:
- Concretes are highly susceptible to cracking, particularly in climates with lots of frost and thawing.
- Earthquakes and structural problems can result in the cracking of stamped concrete.
- Due to the need to minimize cracking of control joints and saw cuts, interruptions may occur across stamped pattern lines.
- Salt deglazing can damage ornamental style.
- Because colors can go out under the light, exact matches when repairs need patching are not always easy to identify.
- At least once a year, owners have to reseal their stamped concrete.
- Due to the fact that you can have a hard time installing, you often need a qualified installer.
Are You Considering Pavers for Your Driveway or Outdoor Living Space?
At DPG Pavers and Design, 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 designer 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 Pavers and 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 Pavers and Design to schedule your free consultation today!