Paving stones are considered more difficult to install than concrete because a concrete slab is poured in, while pavers must be placed individually by hand. It is almost always recommended that a professional install both options. 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. 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. Stamped concrete is the same as cast concrete, but has a stamped or textured finish that provides traction and a more pleasant aesthetic.
Since it is difficult for the earth to “move slightly” with such large concrete slabs, it fractures, rises and separates easily. 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. Make sure the concrete is cleaned regularly with a broom to ensure that dirt, grime, or stains do not become permanent. When a concrete slab breaks or moves, there's not much you can do to repair it without problems, other than repairing it or replacing the entire slab, which can be incredibly expensive.
After pouring the concrete or laying the pavers, they will need to be sealed to extend their useful life and maintain their best appearance. 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. However, it is important to remember that the sealant needs a new application every one or two years, so the ongoing maintenance of concrete is a little more regular than that of 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.
One of the most significant disadvantages of stamped concrete is that it can be quite difficult to repair or replace. While the initial cost of concrete for your patio or walkway may attract many people, years of maintenance and repair expenses will make your total cost higher than that of a cobblestone patio in the long run. There is a possibility of a higher initial cost for installing pavers, since it is quite labor intensive, but so is poured concrete. Concrete layers can add cement dye to create the desired look, such as a more natural look of stone or marble.
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.
