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August 27, 2021Pavers vs. Concrete: A Full Comparison Guide
Are you considering putting a beautiful pathway that leads to your front yard? Or maybe you are planning to put a patio in your backyard? If you have thought about either of the two, you might need to decide whether you should use pavers or concrete.
Although many people might think deciding between pavers and concrete is not such a big deal, it is vital to think about it. Pavers and concrete are two different materials, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will give you a complete comparison guide between the two pathway materials.
Why is it important to choose between pavers and concrete?
Adding a new design, such as pavement, to your residential or commercial property is a good investment. It adds beauty to your property, and your visitors will also compliment you for it. But, with that, you must get to choose the suitable material and flooring for your pathways.
Most homeowners would choose between pavers and concrete. Both are excellent materials for pathways and walkways, but they are also very distinct from one another. You need to look into their differences, such as their maintenance, durability, drainage, application, value for money, value for design, and more.
You will learn more about pavers and concrete in this article, so better stay tuned.
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Pavers
Pavers are a material used for many pathways, especially in residential properties. These are less likely to get damaged or incur cracks. The reason behind this is because pavers are installed in an interlocking method and a mix of patterns. Pavers are also made of solid and durable stones. Making pavers is through intense compressive strength, which makes the stone’s density even stronger. With that, water and other elements cannot get through the paved rocks quickly.
Installation
Pavers installation comes with a more complicated process. Thus, it takes more time compared to other pathway installations such as concrete. Pavers installation includes all steps from excavation, grading, compaction, geotextile installation, base preparation and compaction, sand preparation, laying and cutting pavers, preparing the bond beam, stone compaction, and paver sealing. Once you have finished installing the pavers, you can immediately walk on them. Although unlike concrete floors, you still have to wait for a day to cure and dry, you can walk on the pavers right away. However, you need to make sure that the sealant is dry before you walk on it.
Maintenance and Repairs
Pavers are less to break compared to concrete. In terms of stains, it is almost less obvious because natural stones can disguise it from the color. However, the one thing you should look into is your patio pavers. When it comes to maintenance and repairs, it’s easier to repair pavers than concrete pathways. All you need to do is pull out the broken paving stone, adjust the base, and put the replacement stone in it. The process only needs removal and replacement.
Durability
Since pavers come in an interlocking design, it is less likely to crack. The paving stone’s density also prevents water from entering the pavement. Although paving stones expand through time, the sand joints and interlock design will give the stones plenty of room to contract without cracking.
Value for Money
Pavers are more expensive compared to other flooring materials such as concrete. However, the cost that will incur to you during the installation will be worth it in the future, primarily when you sell the property. The reason why pavers are more costly is because of the type of paving stone you choose. Also, the installation process requires help from a professional. On average, pavers can cost up to $15 per square foot.
Value for Design
The best thing about choosing paver stone installation is the wide variety of options it offers. It comes in different shapes, sizes, styles, and colors. As a result, pavers installation is a great choice, especially when you want a more customized look for your property. Other types of paver stones for installation are textured, smooth, cobbled, and rustic. Each style is unique and genuinely a pleasing sight for the eye. Also, the color locks in naturally with the paver stones, and it can last for years.
Advantages of Pavers
· Wide variety of designs and options
· Low-cost maintenance and easy repair
· Pleasing to the eye
· Less likely to incur cracks
· High resale value because of the design
Disadvantages of Pavers
· Hard to clean since these are natural stones
· Paving stones may loosen through time
· Difficult to install
· Can come more expensive
Concrete
Concrete works well as a flooring material in the interior or exterior part of the property. A lot of people have concrete driveways and patios, especially in commercial properties. It is a durable material to use, but you also need to be open to some issues it can cause such as cracking and stains.
Installation
The concrete installation process is less complex. It also comes with just five steps. The steps include excavation, grading, foundation preparation, marking forms, and concrete pouring. When doing a concrete installation, it is advisable to have a professional do the work for you.
Maintenance and repairs
When repairing concrete pavements, you need to remove all broken pieces and mend the affected area. You may do so by patching it using latex or epoxy. However, repaired concrete will not look better after compared to paving stones. However, concrete is not difficult to maintain. When cleaning stained concrete, you may use a power washer to wipe off the stains. You may also add a protective sealant every once in a while to lessen the dirt.
Durability
When it comes to durability, you can always rely on concrete flooring, even for exterior pathways. However, the only thing you need to worry about is the cold season. Snow and cold weather can make the concrete crack.
With that, if your concrete is exposed to water and cold weather, there is a high chance you will need to repair it. Repairing concrete, as explained earlier, is not an easy process compared to repairing pavers. First, you need to start over and redo all the concrete flooring, including the parts not affected by the damage.
Value for Money
Concrete is less expensive compared to pavers. On average, a square foot of concrete can only cost you up to $10. However, unlike pavers that are only expensive during the installation, concrete is the opposite. When cracks and repairs need to be done on concrete, you will have to redo the entire thing. With that, it can cost you more for repairs and replacements. Keep in mind that concrete tends to incur cracks, and it can also mean that you will have to repair it from time to time.
Value for Design
When it comes to design, concrete is less likely to have a higher value than pavers. The reason for this is because concrete is plainer. Unlike pavers in different designs, styles, and colors, concrete only comes with a gray, smooth color.
Advantages of Concrete
· Durable and strong
· Easy to install
· Few maintenances needed
· Affordable and can fit any budget
Disadvantages of Concrete
· Expensive repairs
· Easy to incur cracks
· Not fit for outside temperature such as cold weather
· It can easily stain
· Limited design and style options
Conclusion
To sum it all up, pavers and concrete materials are both excellent choices. However, before deciding on which one to choose, you must consider certain factors. Such factors include your budget, location, and the type of design you want it to be.
We at Green Advisor, Inc. can provide you the best construction advice for your home dilemma. Whether you want pavers or concrete for your pathways, we have an excellent team of professionals to help you out. So contact us today, and let’s start on turning your dreams into reality. Contact Shai at 888-869-0987.
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