The best outdoor living spaces feature a perfect balance between softscape and hardscape.
Softscape features include plants in a variety of colors, shapes, textures, and sizes. These could be flowers, trees, shrubs, grass, and so on.
Hardscape, on the other hand, covers the non-living elements of landscaping. These include garden structures, walls and fences, paths, decks, and of course, patios.
Now, speaking of patios, there are a number of hardscape materials homeowners can choose from, but the most popular would be pavers and concrete slabs.
That said, let’s talk about pavers vs. concrete, so you can decide which material to choose for your patio.
Pavers vs. Concrete: Which Patio Option Is Better?
Choosing between concrete and pavers is easier once you understand each material’s advantages and disadvantages. Here, we’ll discuss some of the factors that can give you a better picture of those pros and cons.
Appearance
Poured concrete offers a simple and standard look, while pavers come in a variety of shapes and colors. This means you can easily customize pavers if you have a particular design in mind.
There is a type of concrete, however, that creates a much more attractive look compared to traditional concrete. Aside from a better range of textures to choose from, stamped concrete can also be tinted. But do keep in mind that stamped concrete costs more than a plain concrete slab.
Costs
Speaking of costs, another factor to consider when considering a concrete vs. pavers patio is your budget. Pavers will always cost more than concrete (stamped options included). This is because installation is more complex for pavers, plus they’re more durable compared to concrete.
Also, while DIY is possible for both pavers and concrete, it’s best to leave your patio project to professionals. Even for concrete installation, there are so many steps involved that small errors can result in major problems that could be quite expensive to fix.
Maintenance
With both patio materials, regular maintenance is a must. If you don’t have a lot of time to clean your patio though, you may find concrete the better option since you only need soap and water to clean it.
Pavers are more difficult to clean because there are multiple pieces to go over. And if you opt for interlocking pavers, you also have to watch out for weeds and other vegetation that could grow in the cracks.
Repairs
Over time, concrete will crack or stain. Some will use sealants to prevent this from happening, but when it does, it’s a sure thing that you’ll need a new slab laid.
This is where pavers are superior. Since you only need to fix or replace the damaged parts, your repair costs are lower.
Concrete or Pavers? Which One Do You Like Better?
Now that you know the benefits of pavers vs. concrete, as well as their cons, which patio material are you leaning towards?
There’s no right or wrong answer as your decision will depend on your budget and preferences, but if you still need more tips on upgrading your patio, we can help.
Feel free to browse our site for more patio ideas and other home improvement advice.
