There are a lot of options homeowners have when replacing or adding a driveway, patio or walkway in the outdoor living area. This decision can be difficult if you don’t have knowledge about the various paving materials.
Some materials are far more cost-effective, durable or easy to maintain than others. The most common options are paving stones or concrete slabs. Both have their own advantages depending on what you need.
Paving stones are usually made some with different materials like concrete, brick, or natural stones. All of these materials are integrated to create durable and flexible paving stones. On the other hand, concrete slabs are easy to install. They can also be customized in terms of designs and textures.
Cost Comparisons
Concrete slabs usually cost less than paving stones in terms of per square foot spaces. They cost around 10% to 15% less than paving stones which can be a great way to save some money.
Concrete slabs are more affordable if you buy them up front, but they cost more in terms of maintenance, repairs or replacement. If you already have a stamped concrete and you want to upgrade it, you may want to go with paving stones. They chalk up to the same price in most cases and have low costs over time.
Installation Comparison
If you are using concrete, it can take a long time to cure. They are very easy to install but render your driveway unusable while they dry and cure. The whole process includes grading, preparing the foundation, pouring concrete, drying, and curing. You may have to get extra concrete since fixing mistakes after the concrete has dried is very expensive.
The disadvantage of concrete is that it can shift if the ground moves. This can create slab leaks and cracks in the foundation. If an improper installation is done then it can also create discoloring, staining and retaining of water.
Paving stone installation is a much more lengthy process. It’s very labor intensive but has no curing time. It can be used immediately after it is laid down and is very easy to adjust if mistakes occur.
Maintenance
Paving stones doesn’t demand a lot of attention, but the joints in the stones may require some care. Moss and weed can develop in the joints of the stones. If the ground shifts, it may also create cracks in the paving stones. These are easier to fix than concrete slab cracks. Concrete repairs are also more visible than paving stone replacements since matching colors is hard.
Staining and cracking of concrete can become an eyesore, especially if the slab ages. Your concrete slab may need upgrades eventually, to cover such marks. Weeds and moss can also develop in the cracks of the concrete.
Pavers are four times stronger than concrete slabs making them more durable and reliable materials. They may be more expensive, but they are highly cost-effective for residential areas in the long run.
Interested in Learning More About Brick Pavers?
If you are interested in learning more about brick pavers, or feel that adding brick pavers to your landscape would be a good fit, please give us a call today. We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS. We would love to answer any questions that you may have!
