However, although the initial cost of pavers is higher, concrete pavers offer greater value and durability than cast concrete and stamped concrete. Ultimately, this means that concrete pavers are the most cost-effective option overall. Concrete and pavers are similar in that they are both sturdy construction materials, strong enough to withstand the movement of vehicles at the entrance. Concrete is the more affordable of the two, but pavers offer the best resale value and are more visually appealing.
Concrete is easy to install and maintain, but pavers don't crack and offer more design options. A basic concrete installation with a smooth finish will always be cheaper than that of pavers because the installation is quick and does not require much labor. However, stamped concrete stained to look like natural stone can match or exceed the cost of pavers. In these cases, pavers may be cheaper than concrete.
Paving stones and concrete cost the same in most cases. The range in the cost of pavers is larger, as there are many cobblestone and paving stone designs to choose from. Concrete has a smaller reach, with the potential to be cheaper. In terms of initial cost, cast and stamped concrete tends to be the most economical option.
Concrete is quite inexpensive and can cover a large plot of land quite quickly. It is known that concrete is cheaper than pavers. However, if you add color staining and printing, the cost starts to increase rapidly to be comparable to that of cobblestones. Paving stones have a higher resale value because of their beauty and versatility.
Concrete slabs are generally more common, but over time, pavers will generate more value because it is expensive to replace concrete. The latest report estimates that adding stones for patios or walkways translates into a 9% ROI for homeowners. The resale value of pavers is higher than that of concrete due to their better appearance and the longevity of pavers. Paving stones or slabs can create an appearance similar to that of stamped concrete, but are made of smaller, pre-poured tiles.
Don't let maintenance stop you because you can always hire someone to check your yard every few months if you want to make sure it stays safe and protected. And, while your patio won't have to tolerate the same amount of weight as your driveway, it's likely to receive the most foot traffic of all your outdoor spaces, so it makes sense to choose the strongest option if it fits your budget. It should also be noted that asphalt requires more regular maintenance and sealing than concrete or pavers. While individual pavers are not expensive, laying them is more time and labor intensive than pouring concrete.
After pouring the concrete or laying the pavers, they will need to be sealed to extend their useful life and maintain their best appearance. One of the biggest concerns of concrete and pavers is weeds, as they tend to grow between cracks and pavers. This is because the pavers are placed individually and you can choose pavers with raised edges to help improve grip. It's an easy and safe way to remove build-up and debris that has settled on top of the driveway or patio.
Sealing pavers or concrete requires special equipment and protective equipment to ensure that it does not come into contact with the substance. However, the sand joints and the natural interlock between the pavers leave enough space for them to expand and contract without cracking.
