Concrete vs Paver: Which is a Better Choice for Your Home?

Your outdoor project is taking shape, but one crucial decision remains: concrete or pavers? The wrong choice could mean costly repairs, slippery walkways, or a lackluster look. Both materials have their merits, yet each comes with its own unique set of challenges. Concrete is durable but can crack. Pavers are stylish, but they might cost more. What should you choose to create a beautiful, functional space?

To make your job easier, this article delves into the details of concrete vs paver. By the end, you will know enough to make a smart choice that will make your outdoor space both beautiful and useful. Let’s explore which option best fits your vision and needs.

Paver vs Concrete at a Glance

What Are Pavers?

Pavers are flat pieces of material with similar shapes that are put together to make a hard surface. Most exterior pavers are made of solid stone, concrete, or brick, which last a long time. For a pool deck, flagstone and travertine are the best options for pavers.

What Is Concrete?

Concrete is a strong surface material that is frequently used for a variety of construction and remodeling projects, including driveways, sidewalks, and support beams for foundations. Concrete is made up of cement, water, sand, and gravel. When poured, it can be made into slabs or blocks, and it can have differing finishes and shapes.

Concrete vs Paver: What’s the Difference?

Concrete and pavers both serve as brilliant surface materials. Nonetheless, there are key differences between pavers and concrete that allow each to prevail in certain situations. Have a look at those distinctions:

Appearance

Pavers and concrete can have comparable or distinct final appearances. The material’s design decisions, such as its texture, color, and shape, are the main differentiators. It is possible to shape, brush, or stain concrete, but it does not come in as many designs as pavers.

Pavers give a project a more polished appearance and feel. Herringbone, bone, and basket weave patterns highlight the features of statement pavers. Besides, pavers made of brick, concrete, or stone each have their own distinct style and appearance.

On the other hand, concrete can be decorated in a variety of ways and has a simple finish. The most typical appearance is a smooth, light broom finish. Many techniques, like stamping, stenciling, and polishing, can be used to give concrete more texture and make it look like pavers and patterns. On top of that, concrete can also be stained with acid- or water-based stains over the course of several days.

Cost

Cost is a vital factor for any surface project. When choosing the best design for your project, you should think about 

• Your budget 

• How much the materials and labor cost

• How much it will cost to dig up and level the area where you will be installing the materials

In terms of materials, the cost of pavers versus concrete is relatively straightforward. Compared to paver installation, concrete costs less in terms of materials and labor.

Depending on the size and type of pavers, interlocking pavers can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $9,000 for the surface of a driveway. The average price of a paver driveway is $6,100–$30,400, or $10–$50/sq ft. The main things that affect the cost are the size of the driveway and the type of pavers used. Removal of old materials and demolition could also increase the cost of your project.

Of the two surface options, concrete is the less expensive one. The average price of a concrete driveway is $3,000. Prices range from $1,800 to $6,000. For installation, this costs about $4 to $15 per square foot. 

Durability

Surfaces can last longer if they are made of good materials and are maintained regularly. When surfaces outside your home begin to show signs of damage like cracks, chips, or stains, it is time to call in the experts for driveway service repair. 

Thankfully, both pavers and concrete are very good at standing up to the weather and heavy foot traffic. Pavers are stronger than typical concrete slabs. It might sound astounding, but pavers can withstand four times as much weight as concrete. This is probably because their surfaces are more compact and locked together in a pattern. Besides, individual pavers can be easily replaced with new ones if they get damaged. Obviously, this is a lot easier to fix than repairing concrete. 

Conversely, concrete is known to be a strong building material, but it can crack easily and not hold as much weight per square inch as paver stones. Therefore, the slab’s stability is at risk from both surface elements and any movement or erosion of the ground below.

Installation

For some projects, you might be able to install pavers and concrete yourself. Yet, you should think about the skills and tools you will need to get the surface ready and lay the materials. Any changes to the ground or removal of old building materials must also be considered as part of the installation choice. Your home’s resale value and the durability of the paver or concrete will be affected by how they were installed.

Usually, pavers are laid one at a time in a pattern like a herringbone or basketweave. Then, they are held in place with mortar or interlocking edges. Installation of pavers takes more time than concrete since each has to be done one at a time. You can get help figuring out the details of your project by talking to a paver installer near you.

With concrete, the installation process is simplified by pouring wet concrete into a mold. Prefabricated concrete slabs are generally pretty easy to install, too. Depending on whether the surface is sharply graded or you want extra finishes, your project may need more installation steps and thought. A concrete contractor can help you figure out the schedule and the specifics.

Life Span

Stone and long-lasting surfaces are two of the few product categories that house projects can rely on for the long haul. For example, both concrete and pavers last a long time, which is a plus. If you want to get your money’s worth, these surfaces are appealing. However, the weather and daily use can shorten their lives.

The average lifespan of pavers is 50 to 100 years, making them the most long-lasting option. You can further strengthen the materials by sealing the pavers. It also does not necessitate a complete replacement if you accidentally break a few pavers here and there.

The average life span of concrete is 25 to 30 years, so it can definitely hold its own. However, concrete usually cracks from the cold and ice if you live in a colder climate or experience seasonal changes. Regularly sealing your concrete and fixing any cracks will keep it healthy and make it last longer.

Resale Value

Valuation is always what makes a product worth using, not how useful, pretty, or long-lasting it is. The same goes for concrete and pavers. Investing in concrete or pavers now can add to the resale value of your home. The stronger and more visually appealing your concrete or pavers are, the more your home will be worth in the future.

In the beginning, paving stones usually cost more than concrete. Eventually, though, they make up the difference. This is because they last longer, are easier to maintain, and cost less to fix. Additionally, putting down stone pavers can greatly increase the value of your home. If you have to sell your house, the money you spend will only make it worth more.

On the flip side, concrete surfaces are always less expensive than pavers. The price quickly rises to be comparable to pavers, though, when color staining and stamping are added. Then again, everyone loves how clean a concrete walkway, patio, or driveway looks.

Which Paving Material Should You Choose?

Pavers are generally a better choice for exterior surface projects. That’s because they last longer, are more durable, and can be designed in a variety of ways. Because you can mix and match them, they are the best choice for patios.

On the contrary, pavers cost a lot more for driveways because they cover a larger area. With a limited budget, concrete is a good choice for a driveway. However, pavers offer more durability and can handle more weight and wear and tear, so they will not need as many repairs or replacements over time. Pavers also make the outside of a house look better, which increases its resale value.

Conclusion

Pavers are often made of stone, concrete, or brick and used to create durable surfaces. Concrete is a strong mixture of cement, water, sand, and gravel used in various construction projects. Concrete can crack under heavy loads. Conversely, pavers can be used in more designs and last longer. 

However, pavers are more expensive and time-consuming to install. They last longer and enhance resale value, though. Compared to pavers, concrete is cheaper and easier to install. Nevertheless, it requires more maintenance and has a shorter lifespan.

When we properly weigh both of these materials, pavers come on top due to their unbeatable characteristics. Even so, without the assistance of a professional, this fine surface material will not perform optimally. Outdoor Escapes can give you that assistance if you are in Central Florida. Our 25 years of long hours and hard work in the paver business will make sure that your project is a success. It doesn’t matter whether it is a paver patio or a pool deck. Contact us today to get your dream job done.