A beautiful backyard patio will give you a welcoming space to relax and spend time with friends and family, while also elevating the look of your property. Choosing pavers for your patio gives you great flexibility in the type of look you can create, while also making it easy for you to maintain the patio over time. With pavers, you have two choices: natural stone or concrete. Use our guide to help you decide between natural stone vs. pavers.
Natural Stone vs. Pavers: At a Glance
Natural stone, like its name suggests, is actual stone that is found in nature but then cut and polished. In contrast, pavers are made of concrete that is poured into forms of different shapes to take on various looks. When deciding between natural stone vs. pavers, consider that pavers can be designed to imitate natural stone or they can be given a unique look. Meanwhile, natural stone gives you the most authentic and organic look.
Natural Stone Pros and Cons
Natural stone is a popular option for patios thanks to its many great qualities and benefits. You will have to weigh the pros and cons of natural stone vs. pavers to decide which is right for your project.
Natural Stone Pros
Natural stone offers many pros over concrete pavers. Natural stone is highly durable. It is resistant to damage from the elements, and it has a long life span. Natural stone is a more eco-friendly choice, as well, since it comes directly from the earth and is not processed with chemicals. Finally, natural stone has a gorgeous look that elevates the look of any design.
Natural Stone Cons
Though natural stone does have many benefits, it does have a few disadvantages. One of the biggest is the cost. Natural stone is always going to cost more than concrete – often by quite a bit. Natural stone can also be more difficult to install because it is hard to cut.
Concrete Paver Pros and Cons
Concrete pavers are an excellent choice for a patio, but just like with natural stone, they have pros and cons to consider. When evaluating natural stone vs. pavers, it is important to weigh these factors to make the best decision for your project.
Concrete Paver Pros
Concrete pavers can be designed to have just about any look, including that of natural stone. It can be poured into any shape, colored, stamped, and more. Concrete pavers are also far more affordable than natural stone, both because the material is less expensive and because it is less labor-intensive to install.
Concrete Paver Cons
Concrete doesn’t have many cons. However, when compared to natural stone, it does have a shorter lifespan and can be more prone to damage, such as staining or cracks. However, individual concrete pavers are also much easier to replace if they become damaged.
Which Is Right For You?
Ultimately, there are many factors that will determine whether natural stone or concrete pavers are right for you. When considering natural stone vs. pavers, you should talk through your design vision with your hardscape designer, as well as your budget to get tailored recommendations. You’ll also need to consider maintenance requirements and what steps will need to be taken to prep the land for the patio install.
Hire Triad Associates’ Hardscaping Experts Today
Call Triad Associates today to get started on your patio design! Our hardscaping experts can create a gorgeous design in either natural stone or concrete pavers, helping to increase your home’s curb appeal and giving you a wonderful place to spend time outside. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
