Making the Right Choice – Pavers or Concrete for Your Patio

Basics of Patio Pavers

Patio pavers are individual stone or concrete units that are laid close together to form a durable, customizable patio surface. These pavers are man-made or natural stone units that are generally rectangular or square in shape. Common paver materials include concrete, clay, brick, granite, limestone and slate. The units lock together but still allow for flexibility and movement. Individual pavers typically range in size from 4 to 12 inches.

Types of Pavers

• Brick pavers are tapered clay or concrete units that mimic the look of traditional brick. They are one of the most popular and affordable paver options.
• Concrete pavers are rigid interlocking pieces that come in a variety of earth tone colors and surface textures. They are very durable and cost effective.
• Natural stone pavers use materials like limestone, granite and slate to create a luxurious, elegant appearance. Though more expensive initially, stone pavers can gain value over time.

Installation

Patio pavers are installed over a prepared gravel base and edged with border materials like concrete, masonry or wood. The individual pavers are precisely laid out and fit tightly together. Joint sand is swept into the cracks and gaps to further lock the pavers in place.

Benefits of Using Patio Pavers

Ultimate Design Flexibility

Patio pavers come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, sizes, textures and styles. This allows you to create a completely customized look for your space. You can lay out intricate patterns, logos, borders and artistic designs.

Defined Drainage Joints

The narrow spaces between each paver piece allow water to flow through rather than pooling on the surface. This prevents ice buildup, flooding, and other issues in wet weather.

Prevent Shifting and Cracking

Individual pavers do not shift together like a single poured slab. This means your patio surface will remain intact and escape the settling and cracking issues that concrete can experience over time.

Modular Repairs

If any paver piece becomes damaged, loose or worn out, it can be easily replaced without disturbing the entire patio. Simply remove the problem piece and insert a new matching unit.

Long Lifespan

When properly installed and maintained, a paver patio can outlast concrete by decades since repairs are made piece by piece rather than replacing large sections. This saves significant costs over the lifetime of your patio.

Drawbacks

• The installation process for pavers tends to be more labor intensive than poured concrete.
• Initial material and labor costs are also often higher for pavers.
• Over time, weeds can grow in the joints if not properly sealed which requires ongoing maintenance.
• Cracking or settling is also possible if the base layer is not adequately compacted.

Basics of Concrete Patios

While patio pavers are a modular alternative, concrete is commonly poured into a continuous, seamless surface for patios and other hardscaping projects. A concrete patio also called cement patio consists of a cement mixture that is combined with coarse and fine aggregates like sand and gravel. It is traditionally poured and finished as a solid, flat-grey slab. Concrete dries to form a very hard, durable surface.

Concrete Patio Types

• Stamped concrete patios are imprinted with a textural pattern or design while wet using molds and stamps.
• Exposed aggregate concrete reveals stones within the mixture after the slab is finished, creating a textured, natural appearance.
• Colored concrete involves adding mineral oxide pigments that permanently dye plain concrete in numerous shades.

Installation

The installation process for concrete typically involves excavating and grading the base, installing reinforcement mesh, pouring the concrete mixture, smoothing and finishing, then allowing it to fully cure. Edge materials like masonry or concrete curbs are also added.

Benefits of Using Concrete Patios

Extreme Durability

Concrete forms an incredibly strong and hardened surface that can withstand decades of use with minimal deterioration.

Low Maintenance

Once installed, concrete requires little ongoing care. It won’t shift, crack or pull away like other materials so there’s no repair costs over time.

Retains its Flatness

The uniform slab structure prevents dipping, rolling or doming over the years. The surface will stay smooth and level.

Less Preparation than Pavers

Laying concrete eliminates the need for a complex gravel base layer, instead the material is simply poured directly over a compacted soil layer.

Faster Installation

There’s no measuring, cutting or placing of individual pieces. Concrete contractors can pour an entire patio in just one day after site preparation.

Simplicity

As a single poured slab, concrete provides an easy, seamless solution without the intricacies of cutting and fitting together paving stones.

Drawbacks

• Over years, concrete cracks as it expands and contracts with temperature changes.
• Cracks allow weeds to take root and compromise the structural integrity.
• Repairs can involve replacing entire sections rather than individual pieces.
• The unyielding nature of concrete also restricts design possibilities compared to pavers.

Pavers vs. Concrete

Cost

In terms of initial material costs, concrete is generally cheaper due to requiring less individual pieces. However, when including labor costs, pavers installations often have a competitive price point. Maintenance costs tend to even out between the options over time.

Durability and Maintenance

Both concrete and pavers create solid, durable patio surfaces. However, concrete is prone to cracking while defined paver joints better resist shifting. Weeds grow in cracks but pavers allow for replacement of damaged units. Proper sealing reduces ongoing upkeep of pavers’ sand-filled joints.

Flexibility in Design

While a monolithic concrete slab is uniform, pavers enable intricate patterns, custom borders and artistic flair. Their modular nature facilitates unique patio designs in interesting shapes and styles not possible with poured concrete.

Ease of Installation & Repair

Installation is generally faster for a concrete slab that requires no individual placement of pieces. However, repairs to concrete involve sections rather than single units like with pavers. Both require skilled labor but pavers are more suitable for DIY Repair.

Weather Resistance & Safety

The dense, solid surfaces of concrete and pavers withstand weathering remarkably well with low water absorption. However, pavers’ defined joints provide superior drainage to prevent icy buildup or flooding. Both options create a stable, safe walking surface.

Which is Right Option for Your Patio – Concrete Vs Paver?

Ultimately, your unique circumstances and priorities will dictate which material is right for you. Here are some factors to take into account:

Aesthetic Preference

Do you want a seamless grey slab or defined pattern? Which look fits your style? Consider design flexibility and curb appeal long term.

Your Budget

Concrete can provide initial savings but factor in installation and future maintenance costs over 10-20 years between the options.

Long-term Maintenance

Carefully weigh ongoing care needs like sealing, weeding or repairing cracks for your lifestyle. Choose low maintenance where possible.

Local Climate and Weather Conditions

Harsh climates are better suited to concrete’s resistance but porous pavers need drainage in wet seasons or freezing zones.

Purpose of the Patio Space

A flat, smooth concrete pad works for high-traffic play areas. Pavers enable dividing spaces elegantly for lounging and paths.

Contact Atlantic Brick and Stone for Your Patio Project

When you’re ready to start your backyard patio project, consider contacting the experienced professionals at Atlantic Brick and Stone. As a licensed hardscaping contractor based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Atlantic Brick and Stone has been providing high quality concrete and paver installation services to the local area for over 15 years.

Our experienced team can guide you through the entire design process to help finalize a patio space that matches your unique needs and style. Whether you choose concrete, pavers or a hybrid combination, we have the expertise to complete the job efficiently and professionally.

In Summary

• Different installation processes – Concrete involves simply pouring the material, while pavers require precise placement of individual stones.
• Varied maintenance needs – Concrete is largely maintenance-free but pavers need sealing to prevent weeds in the joints.
• Distinct costs – Initially concrete may be cheaper, but factor in repairs, replacements and long term costs that can make pavers competitive.
• Unique design possibilities – Concrete is limited to one solid shape, whereas pavers enable intricate patterns, artwork and customized layouts.
• Lifespan considerations – Both options can last decades when done right, but choose the material best suited to your climate, budget and preferences for long-lasting enjoyment.

We hope this guide has provided the information needed to make an informed choice between concrete and pavers for creating your dream outdoor entertaining space. Evaluating your specific needs will ensure you select the ideal surface.