In terms of installation costs and concrete costs, poured concrete is technically the most affordable per square foot. However, although the initial cost of pavers is higher, concrete pavers offer greater value and durability than cast concrete and stamped concrete. Concrete is less expensive than pavers, both in terms of materials and the price of labor. The cost of a ticket varies considerably depending on the size, the gradient, the amount of excavation required, whether a new inlet is installed or an existing one is replaced, and more.
The same goes for the cost of installing patios and walkways. Paving stones have a higher resale value because of their beauty and versatility. Concrete slabs are generally more common, but over time, pavers will generate more value because it is expensive to replace concrete. In terms of initial cost, cast and stamped concrete tends to be the most economical option.
Concrete is quite inexpensive and can cover a large plot of land quite quickly. If you choose concrete pavers, you may run into the same problem, as they can become slippery when wet. The cost of installing pavers or a concrete slab depends on the surface area you want to cover, the materials, the workmanship, and the removal of previous pavers or concrete. The surface of the concrete slab may remain level for a while, but a crack is inevitable once the floor becomes unstable.
In the case of concrete slabs, for example, it is quite common for this damage to be related to surface cracks. Concrete slabs are somewhat easy to install, but the material takes time to dry and cure, which means that the entrance, patio, or walkway cannot be used until this curing process is complete. It is also very important to achieve the correct leveling in a concrete installation, since it can be a very costly mistake to correct once the concrete has been poured. As a common material option for most patios and walkways, the price of installing concrete slabs comes down to factors similar to those of installing interlocking pavers.
Similarly, the classic and simple design of a cobblestone driveway can offer more value than a stained and stamped concrete driveway that doesn't blend in with the rest of the house's exterior. This is due to the fact that you have to remove the entire concrete slab from the floor and then pour in new cement. One of the main disadvantages of concrete is that it can crack when the ground beneath it flexes, if tree roots grow below the slab, or for other reasons as it ages. However, specific designs have some clear benefits when weighing the options between stamped concrete and pavers.
They have the longest lifespan of up to 100 years, concrete lasts 25 to 30 years, and asphalt lasts 15 to 20 years if properly maintained. Repairing concrete is also more laborious than replacing some individual pavers, since a professional will likely have to tear off an important part and pour in the replacement concrete. Concrete slabs are a bit easy to install, but it takes time to dry and cure them, meaning you can't use the driveway, patio, and path until the curing process is over. It should also be noted that asphalt requires more regular maintenance and sealing than concrete or pavers.
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.
