When planning to build or renovate your patio, one of the most important decisions you will need to make is whether to use patio pavers or poured concrete. Both options come with their own unique advantages and considerations. In this article, we will provide an in-depth overview of pavers and concrete, including their definitions, installation processes, pros and cons. We’ll also directly compare the two materials to help you determine which is the best choice for your specific needs and circumstances.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Concrete forms an incredibly strong and hardened surface that can withstand decades of use with minimal deterioration.
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.
The uniform slab structure prevents dipping, rolling or doming over the years. The surface will stay smooth and level.
Laying concrete eliminates the need for a complex gravel base layer, instead the material is simply poured directly over a compacted soil layer.
There’s no measuring, cutting or placing of individual pieces. Concrete contractors can pour an entire patio in just one day after site preparation.
As a single poured slab, concrete provides an easy, seamless solution without the intricacies of cutting and fitting together paving stones.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ultimately, your unique circumstances and priorities will dictate which material is right for you. Here are some factors to take into account:
Do you want a seamless grey slab or defined pattern? Which look fits your style? Consider design flexibility and curb appeal long term.
Concrete can provide initial savings but factor in installation and future maintenance costs over 10-20 years between the options.
Carefully weigh ongoing care needs like sealing, weeding or repairing cracks for your lifestyle. Choose low maintenance where possible.
Harsh climates are better suited to concrete’s resistance but porous pavers need drainage in wet seasons or freezing zones.
A flat, smooth concrete pad works for high-traffic play areas. Pavers enable dividing spaces elegantly for lounging and paths.
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.
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.
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