Maintenance and repair · Design · Installation. Concrete and pavers are similar in that they are both sturdy construction materials, strong enough to withstand the movement of vehicles at the entrance. Concrete is the more affordable of the two, but pavers offer the best resale value and are more visually appealing. Concrete is easy to install and maintain, but pavers don't crack and offer more design options.
On the other hand, pavers come from stone, brick and cement, and are available in a multitude of sizes, styles and textures. Paving stones offer some unique advantages over concrete and other popular materials for driveways, but they are also insufficient in certain areas. In other words, you'll need to examine pavers and concrete from a variety of angles before contacting a local driveway installation expert. Think about your priorities when it comes to improving your outdoor living space or your home's entrances and walkways.
Factors such as cost, style, durability and maintenance will play an important role in discovering which material is the best choice for this home improvement option. Concrete is a solid choice for any home, but pavers will offer the best long-term value if you can afford the initial cost. It is known that concrete is cheaper than pavers. However, if you add color staining and printing, the cost starts to increase rapidly to be comparable to that of cobblestones.
Poured concrete slabs crack when there are invasive tree roots, freeze-thaw cycles, and other disturbances in the ground below. Poured concrete slabs that crack or rise up cannot be repaired as successfully; any repair effort will be permanently visible. However, our goal is to present both parties clearly and, at the same time, share why you should consider using pavers for your next project and how we can help you. Once the base is ready, borders are installed along the sides of the entrance to contain the pavers and keep them tight.
Paving stones can survive freezing conditions without cracking or falling apart if they meet industry standards for minimal water absorption. The image above shows exposed aggregate concrete; in the center of the driveway is a typical concrete slab. The main problem with concrete material is that the slabs are greatly affected by soil movement and significant temperature changes. Concrete also contains sand, aggregates (such as gravel) and water, as well as several additives for color and specific performance characteristics.
Paving stones require an extra thick base of carefully classified crushed stone for optimal drainage, making installation more complicated and expensive. Concrete pavers come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors, and can be arranged in various patterns. Sealing pavers or concrete requires special equipment and protective equipment to ensure that it does not come into contact with the substance. Modern homeowners also have access to stamped concrete, which offers a slightly different look than traditional concrete slabs.
A well-maintained concrete patio that is well-placed and complements the rest of the backyard will offer more value than a cobblestone walkway covered in moss and missing bricks.
