Pros and Cons: Pavers Vs. Stamped Concrete, What You Need to Know

Stamped concrete or concrete pavers: which fits your home best?

What is Stamped Concrete?

Stamped concrete is where your basic slab of concrete is transformed into something more beautiful and decorative. This is done by stamping or imprinting the concrete with patterns, textures, and colors of your choice, where the end result resembles that of bricks, stone, tile, wood, and more.

The Pros

It’s affordable and easy to install

Stamped concrete is considered to be less pricey compared to bricks, stones, or pavers. This is because you’ll only need concrete, the pattern you want to be printed, and labor costs. Even though you’ll still need a professional to do the job for a perfect and flawless result, you’ll still be able to save money in the end.

You’ll have your pick from a variety of designs

If stamped concrete has an upper hand on the other outdoor flooring, it will be the plentiful designs homeowners can choose from. It is also the affordable version of the real thing since it can mimic stone, bricks, tile, slate, wood planks, and even floral designs.

Gives a boost in value to your home

Giving your home a boost in aesthetics, will automatically also add more value to it. Even if you aren’t planning to sell any time soon, it’s going to be a good investment in the future just in case.

The Cons

Will need complex repairs

If something goes wrong during the process of stamping the concrete, flawed designs or textures can be quite difficult to fix. Not only that but if color fading occurs occur, it’ll be a challenge to repair and try to match the original colors or textures of the surrounding area.

Not very DIY-friendly

If you run out of time with stamping, you can’t set it aside to resume later or the next day since the concrete will harden. This makes it a bad DIY project. Professional concrete contractors already have the experience and knowledge of the perfect mix and timing to be able to pull this off flawlessly.

Can easily crack and is susceptible to damage

Compared to its predecessors, stamped concrete has little defense against cold weather. Especially when deicing salts are involved since its compounds can attack the concrete, chipping at its surface until it shatters. It can also crack easily under too much weight or earthquakes.

What are Concrete Pavers?

Concrete pavers, also known as paving stones or simply pavers, are concrete produced usually in a square or rectangular shape of different sizes, textures, and colors. They’re pretty similar to tiles in how they’re made and installed just without the gloss.

The Pros

It’s long-lasting and easily repaired

If installed correctly and properly, they can last for a very long time with little maintenance. If cracks form on one of them, you can easily have it taken out and replaced without having to disturb the rest.

Can be easily maintained and kept clean

Isn’t it cool that pavers can last even longer if you maintain them? What’s even cooler is that you don’t need a lot of preparation or equipment to keep them clean and well-maintained. With just a sweep of a broom, a gust from a leaf blower, or a soap and water combo, you’re all set.

Great for all seasons and weather

Compared to stamped concrete, pavers are more heavy-duty and can withstand harsh changes in the weather. Whether the weather is too hot, too cold, or too wet, concrete pavers can still be seen standing strong taking in everything Mother Nature throws at them.

The Cons

It will take some time to install

Unlike stamped concrete, which can possibly be done in just a day, concrete pavers take a while because it involves a lot of process and preparation before the installation of the pavers themselves. For example, an average size paver patio can take concrete contractors at least 3 to 5 days to finish.

The perfect place for weeds to grow

Pavers are tiny pieces of concrete formed into a big puzzle to create a beautiful work of art. However, the gaps in between the pieces are the perfect place for unwanted grass and weeds to sprout and grow. If left unchecked, weeding might be added to your cleaning and maintenance duties.

It can get pretty expensive

Since you are paying for the long list of preparations done and equipment used that comes along with it, you can be sure that making a project with concrete pavers can end up costing more than its predecessors.

In the End

Nothing is perfect and both options have their fair share of pros and cons. It all depends on where you’ll be installing each for its advantages to outshine the disadvantages. Hopefully, our list will enlighten you to choose the better option for your chosen project.

If you still need any guidance or assistance when it comes to picking the right material for your home, don’t hesitate and give us a call. Our team will be more than happy to help you achieve the perfect patio, driveway, or walkway of your dreams!