Paving stones are more durable than concrete and can withstand more pressure per square inch. Whether you use cement pavers or want to pave stone entrances, pavers and stones are often stronger than concrete and can support more weight on the surface before a crack appears. 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.
With pavers, you can mix and match different colors and shapes to create eye-catching designs. For example, you can create a border with rounded cobblestones and use rectangular pavers to fill in the rest. The cobblestones create a rustic and traditional look. Concrete, once stamped, has a unique texture, which gives you the possibility to design it however you want.
It could be argued that this style is more aesthetically pleasing and has more appeal due to the infinite possibilities of customization. Concrete slabs are essentially the same as pavers, only slightly larger. They are ideal for covering large areas of land, such as pool terraces or large patios, where a sense of scale is important. However, if there is constant foot traffic on pavers (such as cars entering and leaving a driveway), they can settle in common areas of wear and tear.
Concrete does not have this problem in which a small crack can form in the concrete, you can obtain an area settled on pavers that will need to be re-leveled. Paving stones are usually the ideal option when you want to decorate around the entrance of your house or in your garden. One of the best and easiest ways to create a more useful and attractive patio is to install exterior stone or concrete elements. It should also be noted that asphalt requires more regular maintenance and sealing than concrete or pavers.
Depending on the style of cobblestone surface you choose, it can offer more grip with a slate texture or a smoother surface for wheelchair use. The only exception to this is the installation of poured concrete on a steep slope, since it can be difficult to do it right because concrete is a viscous and liquid mixture that wants to run downhill if given the opportunity. This makes it a popular choice for garden design, but homeowners do not always prefer the appearance of smooth poured concrete. Concrete slabs are generally more common, but over time, pavers will generate more value because it is expensive to concrete replacement.
Paving stones are usually more visually appealing than concrete slabs 1 because you can manipulate pavers and create designs, and they come in a variety of colors. There is a possibility of a higher initial cost for installing pavers, since it is quite labor intensive, but so is poured concrete. The installation and labor costs of stamped and poured concrete are also quite low compared to other options. 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.
In addition, if a paver is damaged, that single paver can be replaced, instead of having to break the entire driveway. Now that you know the basics of pavers and stamped concrete, here's how to choose which one is best for you based on what's important to you. In terms of cost, concrete slabs are generally less expensive upfront, but may incur more costs over time, as they must be repaired or replaced.
