Concrete Paver Vs Concrete

When it comes to landscaping, homeowners often face the decision of whether it is better to go with concrete pavers or concrete. Below we summarize the key characteristics of both to make it easier to decide what is best for your home.

Appearance

Pavers are generally considered more aesthetically pleasing than concrete. Pavers come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and patterns which give homeowners the ability to customize the design and add curb appeal to the home. In addition, pavers are less likely to wear down and lose their color over time unlike concrete which tends to fade.

Strength and Durability

While concrete is quite strong, it is not as tough as a paver. Concrete will begin to crack with increased foot or car traffic while pavers can handle much more pressure before they would crack. Due to the fact that water does not settle on the paver, it does not crack as often as concrete which makes it much more durable over time. Pavers are also less affected by things like the weather, while hot or cold condition can lead to cracking concrete.

Installation

Poured concrete is a much simpler process than paver installation. Concrete slabs are poured and then they will need to dry for a couple of days but then they will be ready for use. On the other hand paver installation takes considerably more planning and work. One of the main reasons for installation of paver is more work is because they must be laid by hand which takes time and manpower. For pavers you will need to excavate and grade the area before the pavers are placed. They will then be linked together with an adhesive-like material. No matter if you go with concrete or pavers it is imperative that you hire a professional to complete the job.

Maintenance

Concrete is a really easy surface to maintain; however, it is inevitable that over time staining and cracking will occur. In order to maintain the concrete, it is important to keep it clean by using a broom to remove dirt or if it becomes really dirty you can have it power washed. You will also want to apply a protective sealant to help prevent cracks.

The most important part of paver maintenance is the joints between the pavers. Over time it is possible that weeds and grass will grow in between the pavers which you will want to remove. In addition, if a paver cracks you can easily have it replaced.

Repairs

Concrete over time will begin to crack and eventually it will need to be replaced which can be costly. You can patch some cracks but it is difficult to match the concrete color exactly which can lessen your homes’ curb appeal. On the other hand, pavers when they are damaged and cracked can easily be removed and replaced. So while the upfront cost of pavers may be more than concrete, the cost to make repairs over time will be less.

Safety

Concrete by nature can be slippery when wet and cause a slipping hazard especially if you were to use it around a pool. Pavers are made to be completely non-slip and even offer some traction to prevent slipping.