- Home
STAMPED CONCRETE VS. PAVERS
Stamped concrete and pavers are the most popular hardscape options on the market today due to their durability, relative affordability, and appearance, but which is better? Take a look at the pros and cons so you can decide which is best for you.
Stamped Concrete
Advantages:
- Cost: Typical industry price is between $12-$18 per square foot installed, depending on the size, pattern and application.
- Numerous Patterns to choose from: Flagstone, textured stone, rock skin, slate, bluestone, brick and cobblestones.
- Variety of Colors: Stamped concrete is often composed of at least two colors, a base color that is mixed in the concrete or toweled into the surface, and a second color called a release agent that is broadcasted on top of the concrete just before stamping. The relationship of these two colors is what gives stamped concrete its unique antiqued look and allows it to look like the real thing (slate, flagstone, or brick) for a fraction of the cost of the natural material.
- Sealed Protection: Stamped concrete is then sealed, which protects it from the elements and pool chemicals and salt from salt water pool systems.
Disadvantages:
- Possible Cracks: Concrete, by its nature, tends to crack. It is our job to place control joints to cause the concrete to crack where we want it too….but sometimes concrete cracks where it wants to anyway.
- Color Variations: If more than one truckload of concrete is required, there is no guarantee that the colors of the two trucks will match perfectly. To prevent this from happening, we use a color hardener powder versus an integral color.
- Resealing and Coloring: The sealer needs to be re-applied every 2 to 3 years, but it makes it look brand new again.
- Somewhat slippery: The surface can be somewhat slippery without the addition of an anti-skid agent (shark grip) mixed in with the sealer, or speckled sand added under the sealer. This is a must and will prevent the concrete from being slippery.
- Future Lighting and Underground Utility Work is difficult due to the nature of poured concrete.
Interlocking Concrete Pavers
Advantages:
- Cost: Typical industry price is between $18-$30 per square foot installed, depending on the size and style that you choose.
- No Cracking: Pavers won’t crack … if installed correctly.
- Can be Expanded at a later date: Paver patios or walkways can easily be added onto in the future.
- Easy to Fix: If underground utility repairs are needed, a seamless fix is possible.
- Lighting can be Added at the time of paver installation or in the future. Wiring for paver lights, and nearby path and accent lighting can easily be incorporated into paver patio areas and walkways.
- Not slippery: Pavers are not slippery, unless sealed, which is seldom done around pools.
Disadvantages:
- Sinking: There’s a possibility that pavers will settle and move over time, especially in areas where there was extensive backfill or new construction.
- Weeds: Weeds can grow up between pavers unless polymeric sand is applied. This is sand with a polymer additive that binds the pavers together as it hardens. While it minimizes weed growth, polymeric sand needs to be re-applied every couple of years.
- Limited Colors: Colors and pattern selections are somewhat limited.
- Color Variations: Unwanted color variations can occur, even between different pallets of material from the same truck.
- Installation Time: Installing pavers typically takes longer than installing concrete.
SO WHICH ONE DO YOU PREFER?
A few things to consider are the compatibility of the material with existing elements of the yard, color compatibility, and if you plan to expand the patio in the future. One thing is for sure, considering the durability and beauty of both of these patio materials, it’s hard to go wrong.
Stamped Concrete vs Pavers? We do it all!
CONTACT FS LANDSCAPING CONTRACTORS TODAY!
Since 1997, we have specialized in designing and building swimming pools and outdoor living spaces. We are considered to be one of the top swimming pool designers in the region.
Let's talk about what is better for you... Stamped Concrete or Pavers?
Call us today!
