Both concrete and pavers are two great options for your patio, and each of them has their own advantages. While the concrete vs patio debate has been long going, it’s safe to say that one of them will be an overall better choice for your patio.
In a nutshell, you have more design flexibility with pavers, while concrete can look plain and dull if its finish is not spectacular.
But there’s more to the concrete vs pavers discussion than that!
Concrete Patios
Concrete patios are one of the most popular types of patios. They are durable, easy to maintain, and can be customized to fit your needs.
Concrete is a versatile material that can be used to create many different designs, and it can be stained or painted to match your home’s décor.
Concrete Finishes
- Stained Concrete: This finish can give your patio a unique look, and there are many different colors to choose from.
- Polished Concrete: A polished concrete patio will be smooth and shiny, and it will resist staining and fading.
- Exposed Aggregate: This finish is achieved by removing the top layer of concrete to reveal the aggregate beneath.
Cost Of A Concrete Patio
The average cost of a concrete patio for an 120 square feet structure is between $865 and $1,085.
A concrete slab costs on average between $100 and $200 per square foot, depending on the supplier, the delivery, and if it comes finished or not. Labor to have the slab installed will set you back between $540 and $650.
Add to that the reinforcement materials and cleaning supplies (anywhere from $30 to $35 each), and the equipment (average of $85 to $150). The total cost to install a concrete slab over 120 square feet will range between $865 and $1,085.
A typical concrete slab costs between $4.34 and $7.73 per square foot. Poured concrete right on your patio is less expensive, but requires a lot more work, as you need to mix it, pour it, and level it. Already poured concrete slabs only require installation.
Pros And Cons Of Concrete
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Limited design options |
| Installation | Repairs are complicated and costly |
| Durable and strong | Stains over time |
| Easy to install | Concrete cracks and splits |
| Easy to maintain | Can become slippery when wet |
Pavers Patios
Pavers are a type of patio that is made from individual bricks or stones that are set in mortar. They are a popular choice for patios because they are durable and can be designed to create a beautiful look for your outdoor space.
There are many different types of pavers, and you can choose from a variety of colors and styles. Pavers also come in different sizes, so you can create a unique design for your patio.
Note: Interlocking pavers requires some knowledge and a lot of attention. An uneven ground or a poorly placed paver can result in all the pavers moving around and creating multiple trip hazards.
Pavers Materials
Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are five of the most popular types of pavers:
- Concrete Pavers: These pavers are made from concrete, and they come in a variety of colors and styles. They are durable and easy to maintain, and they are a good choice for patios that will see a lot of traffic.
- Brick Pavers: Brick pavers are made from clay, and they come in a variety of colors. They are durable and easy to maintain, but they can be tricky to install.
- Stone Pavers: Stone pavers are made from natural stone, and they come in a variety of colors and styles. They are durable, but they can be expensive, and they can be difficult to install.
- Flagstone Pavers: Flagstone pavers are made from natural stone, and they come in a variety of colors and styles. They are very durable, but they can be expensive, and they can be difficult to install.
- Travertine Pavers: Travertine pavers are made from natural stone, and they come in a variety of colors and styles. They are durable, but they can be expensive, and they can be difficult to install.
Cost Of Pavers vs Concrete
For the same patio of 120 square feet, but with pavers, you are looking at spending between $560 to $850 for the pavers only. The cost for labor ranges from $640 to $775.
For materials you’ll need mortar, binding materials, sand, gravel, and the landscaping fabric placed on the ground beneath to stop the weeds from growing. You can also use paving stones, but they’re more expensive than gravel.
If you don’t have the tools and materials, it’s best to hire a professional to work on your project. If you want to DIY a paver patio project, you’ll spend a lot of time and effort building everything, but you’ll spend a considerable amount of money to rent the equipment and the tools necessary.
The installation of a paver on a 1,000 square feet patio can cost as much as $15k.
Pros And Cons Of Paver Patio
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Unlimited design options | More expensive |
| Lower maintenance | May loosen over time |
| Repairs are easy | Harder to install |
| Visually appealing | Difficult to clean |
| Do not crack | - |
| Higher resale value | - |
Concrete Slab Vs Concrete Pavers
Concrete slabs and concrete pavers are both common materials used in construction and landscaping, but they have different characteristics, applications, and benefits. Here’s a comparison of the two:
Concrete Slabs
- Material: Concrete slabs are typically made from a mixture of cement, water, aggregates (like sand and gravel), and sometimes additives for specific properties.
- Size: Concrete slabs are usually larger in size and come in various dimensions. They can cover larger areas quickly.
- Installation: Installing concrete slabs often requires the pouring of concrete into a formwork and allowing it to cure. This process can be more complex and time-consuming.
- Appearance: Concrete slabs have a more uniform and plain appearance. They might be textured or stamped to add some design elements.
- Durability: Concrete slabs are durable and can withstand heavy loads, making them suitable for driveways, pathways, patios, and industrial applications.
- Maintenance: They require less maintenance, usually only requiring occasional cleaning and sealing to protect against stains and wear.
- Cost: The cost of concrete slabs can vary, but they are generally more cost-effective for larger areas due to their simpler installation process.
Concrete Pavers
- Material: Concrete pavers are also made from a mixture of cement, water, aggregates, and additives, but they are manufactured in individual units rather than poured on-site.
- Size: Pavers come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and patterns. This versatility allows for intricate designs and creative installations.
- Installation: Installing concrete pavers involves placing each unit individually on a prepared base of sand or gravel. This process can be labor-intensive but offers more design flexibility.
- Appearance: Concrete pavers offer a more diverse range of appearances, textures, and colors. They can mimic natural stone or create unique patterns.
- Durability: Pavers are durable and can also handle substantial weight. Their individual unit structure allows for flexibility, which makes them less prone to cracking than a single large slab.
- Maintenance: Pavers might require more maintenance than slabs. Over time, sand in the joints may need replenishing, and some cleaning may be necessary to prevent weed growth.
- Cost: Concrete pavers tend to be more expensive upfront due to the labor-intensive installation process and the manufacturing of individual units. However, they can be more cost-effective for smaller areas or complex designs.
Conclusion
There are pros and cons to both concrete slabs and pavers for patios. A concrete driveway is much better than a paver driveway.
- Concrete slabs are affordable, durable, and easier to install, but they have limited design options.
- Pavers are more expensive but offer a wider range of design options, and repairs are easier. They can also be more difficult to clean than concrete slabs. However, paver patios are much better for a cozy outdoor space.
Here at Land Designs By Colton, we recommend paving bricks because of the effect it’ll have on your landscape aesthetic. With pavers, you can create a mesmerizing pattern and a welcoming space that will make all your guests want one themselves.