Pavers Vs Concrete Patio: Which Is Better

As far as safety options go, pavers come out on top because they’re non-slip whereas concrete can always be slippery. And when it comes to added value, any high-quality patio will add value to your property. 
Those are two of the most common options. There are many others such as a gazebo or a pavilion. Then there are options that are similar to those like a pergola. Take a look at all of your options before deciding. 

Pavers vs. Concrete Patio

If it wasn’t for mixing the concrete then you could do it yourself. But if you don’t mix the concrete well then it could cause problems. For example, it could crack and cause someone to fall, which is tragic. 
Before we begin comparing the differences in pavers and concrete for a patio, let’s start with what each of them is. First of all, some pavers are made of concrete, but what we are referring to here are concrete slabs. 
Then there are pavers, which you install in layers after the land someone excavated the land. Pavers come in many different types. There is a frame to deal with for footers. Then you lay a gravel base and sand.
Today, we are going to compare the cost of the materials, the cost of the installation, and the aesthetics of the patio options. We won’t be able to cover everything, but we can go over the most important aspects. 

Cost Of Pavers Or Concrete Patio

The cost of a concrete slab patio can be very similar to the cost of a paver patio, however, in general, the cost of a paver patio is a bit more. Most of the time, it’s around 10-20% more than a concrete slab patio. 
However, pavers do change over time. So the old pavers and new pavers won’t match whenever you put it down. Keeping the original pavers on hand can help with this, so buy a few extra when you build the patio. 
There are many alternatives to a patio. The most common alternative is a deck or a porch. A deck is like a wooden patio that you build attached to your home while a porch is a deck that is covered with a roof.

Cost Of Pavers

Most concrete is very common and cheap. It requires many of the same steps as paying pavers but is much simpler. The usual cost is around per sqft. This is just a little less than pavers but the cost of both varies. 
Concrete slabs age well if they are sealed. There are different types of concrete cracks that tend to appear but they are easy to repair because the concrete doesn’t change with time.

Cost Of Concrete

Concrete can be stamped and it can be stained. It can even be painted and stenciled to look any way that you want it to. It’s that pavers start out with versatility and with concrete, you have to create it.
However, when you do decide to build a patio, there are two options. You can build a paver patio or a concrete patio. Both are viable options and both can work for any space. It’s all about preference.

Installation Of Pavers Or Concrete Patio

How do you decide between pavers vs concrete patio? Before stressing about which type of patio you are going to build, take a deep breath and be thankful that you can build a patio at all. Because they are a luxury. 
The thing about pavers is that they are easy to replace because you can simply chip away one paver and lift it up to replace it. You don’t need to take out the entire thing when there’s a problem like you do with concrete.
Pavers last twice as long as concrete. Concrete may only last a couple of decades but pavers can last up to fifty years. So pavers will save you money in the long run.
There are many ways to lay pavers too. You can do them yourself if you compact the base because that is the primary danger of mislaying pavers. Designing a paver patio is super fun too, even if someone else does the work. 

Maintenance Of Pavers Or Concrete Patio

If you want to know which one is cheaper to make versatile, then it’s concrete. The materials used for making concrete look the way you want it to are no more than a couple of hundred dollars. 

This is for a few reasons. The main reason is that paving stones are more expensive than concrete. There are some paving stones that are cheaper but in general, the paving stones will cost more than standard concrete.

Concrete Slab Maintenance

Concrete slabs are solid slabs of concrete that you pour in a way similar to what you’d see in a basement. And pavers are the same type of blocks you’d use to pave a walkway or driveway. But what are the other differences between the two?
On top of that, there is a lot of installation add-ons for pavers such as sand. This also includes excavation, grading, compacting, and planning out the pavers. You pour concrete into a frame and left to dry. 
For a paver patio, you will end up paying around per square foot. So a 500/sqft patio will cost around 00, a 1000/sqft patio will cost about ,000, and so on. But this is just an estimate, so get a quote from your contractor. 
Installing a concrete patio and a paver patio are both equally trying for different reasons. It’s a good idea to not do them on your own but instead hire a professional. That said, if you have experience, then you can attempt one on your own. 

Paver Maintenance

Pavers and concrete cost the same in most cases. The range in the cost of pavers is greater since there are many pavers and paver designs to choose from. Concrete has a smaller range, with the possibility to be cheaper. 
As far as durability goes though if installed right, it is said that pavers are four times stronger than concrete slabs. Many of them even come with a lifetime guarantee, so look for that when searching for companies. 
So take your budget and concerns into consideration making your decision. But in the end, you will want what you prefer the look of. Even if you have to save up for it! Choose what you prefer and find a way to make it happen. 

It’s very important to keep your patio maintained, no matter how nice it is or what it is made out of. However, the process of maintaining them is quite different as they each have different problems they face.

Versatility Of Pavers Or Concrete Patio

A concrete patio consists of a frame made out of wood and rebar. You pour the concrete over this frame and completes the concrete patio. It is very simple if you know how to use concrete at all and have done other projects. 
Don’t let maintenance deter you because you can always hire someone to check your patio every few months if you want to ensure it is staying safe and secure. They can prevent any problems that may appear before they get out of hand.

A weed barrier is also recommended for patios but isn’t necessary for concrete. The weed barrier will prevent weeds from growing through the pavers and keep them smooth. But the concrete will do this itself. 
But the real problem comes with the concrete needs to be replaced instead of just repaired. Because if it can’t be patched, then you will need to replace the entire concrete slab, which can add up in costs. 
Meaning, you can always replace it later with standard concrete from the hardware store. Drainage can also be an issue with concrete slabs because the water sits on top of the concrete with nowhere to go. 

Alternatives To A Pavers Or Concrete Patio

In the end, you will choose to use the one that you like the look of better. The two are different and neither is better than the other. So this is all up to you are your preferences.
You never know. Your original idea might sound great until you find the outdoor structure that was yours all along. So don’t give up any time soon because that dream yard is out there waiting just for you.
And when it comes to utilities, you can safely put them under the paving stones because the pavers can be removed and put back again, unlike concrete. So always use pavers if there are utilities under the patio. 
If you do hire a professional to fix the concrete then you could pay 0 or 00, it’s so unpredictable. But as long as you don’t have any plumbing or wiring under the concrete then you should be able to take care of it yourself.
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