What’s Better Hardscape – Concrete or Pavers?

When it comes to creating an outdoor living space, two popular options for hardscaping patio material are concrete slabs (to include plain poured concrete and also stamped concrete) and paver stones. Both options have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, and ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and budget. In this concrete vs pavers blog post, we’ll compare the pros and cons of a concrete patio versus a paver patio.

Solid Structures specializes in professionally designed and installed paver patios for all of your outdoor living needs (to include paver driveways and walkways around the home) in the Virginia Beach/Chesapeake/Coastal Virginia area. For a professional design consultation, please Contact Us to get your project started.

Concrete Patios

Here we’ll cover some pros and cons of poured concrete slab patios.

Concrete Slab Patio Pros

1. Durability: Concrete is a strong and durable material that can withstand heavy foot traffic and extreme weather conditions. A properly installed and maintained concrete patio can last for decades.
2. Affordability: Compared to paver stones, concrete is a more affordable option per square foot for patio flooring. The cost of a concrete patio installation is typically lower than that of a paver stone patio.
3. Easy Maintenance: Concrete is easy to clean and maintain. It can be swept, hosed down, and pressure washed to keep it looking clean and new.
4. Seamless integration of other built-in features – You can build vertically for retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, firepits, benches/seating areas, etc., all matching your overall patio design for a beautiful an, long-lasting, and functional touch.

Concrete Slab Patio Cons

1. Cracking: Concrete can crack over time, especially in areas with extreme weather conditions. While cracks can be repaired, they can still be unsightly and affect the overall appearance of the patio. There’s an old saying “There’s two types of concrete: Cracked concrete and concrete that hasn’t yet cracked.”
2. Decreased home value when cracked and depending on the severity of the crack, it may need to be repaired. Old concrete and new concrete are almost impossible to match in color and texture.

Paver Stone Patios

Here we’ll cover some pros and cons of paver stone patios.

Paver Patio Pros

1. Design Options: Paver stones offer a wide range of design options, including different colors, textures, and patterns. This allows for more creativity and customization in creating a unique outdoor living space.
2. Easy Repair: If a paver stone becomes damaged, it can be easily replaced without having to redo the entire patio. This makes repairs more affordable and less time-consuming. For example, let’s say you have a paver pool deck and need to make an unfortunate pool plumbing repair. The patio could be removed and replaced with almost no visual indication it was ever done. A concrete slab would need to be broken up, removed, and re-poured resulting in an ugly eye-sore.
3. Adds Value: A well-designed and installed paver stone patio can add value to a home, as it is considered a desirable feature in the real estate market.
4. Longevity: If installed properly with a proper base material, paver stones can last a lifetime.

Paver Patio Cons

1. Cost: Paver stones are generally more expensive than concrete, both in terms of materials and installation costs.
2. Maintenance: Paver stones require more maintenance than concrete. Weeds can grow in the joints between the stones, and the stones can become uneven over time. Regular maintenance is needed to keep the patio looking its best, to include reapplying a specialized sand in-between the paver stone joints, as needed.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, both concrete and paver stone patios have their own pros and cons. Concrete is a more affordable, but it offers limited design options and may crack over time. Paver stones offer more design options, can add value to a home, and are easy to repair, but they are more expensive, and require more maintenance. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference, budget, and the intended use of the patio.

If you are looking for a professionally designed patio in the Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or larger Coastal Virginia area, please contact Solid Structures.