The right hardscaping can elevate your property, increasing its aesthetic appeal and its value at the same time. Choosing the right hardscaping means finding just the right balance of the right design, the right materials, and the right contractor. Some of the most popular hardscaping materials are pavers and concrete. Both offer beautiful styling options, the flexibility to be used in different types of designs, and durability. The hardscaping professionals at Triad Associates can help you explore the key differences between pavers vs. concrete to determine which would be best for your hardscaping design.

What are Pavers?

When considering pavers vs. concrete, pavers can be used for any type of hardscaping project with a flat surface, such as a driveway, patio, walkway, or sitting area. There are many types of pavers, with most separated by material or by design. For example, there are permeable pavers that allow for greater passage of water through the hardscape surface, and there are non-permeable pavers that do not allow for that passage of water. There are also pavers categorized by their material, such as flagstone pavers, limestone pavers, and marble slabs. When you are weighing the choice of pavers vs. concrete, it is important to consider the type of pavers as well.

Pros of Pavers

There are many advantages to choosing pavers for your hardscaping project. These include:

• Diverse options for a beautiful design: There are many types of pavers in a variety of shapes, colors, sizes, and textures to create a multitude of designs when comparing pavers vs. concrete.
• Durability: Pavers can last decades, helping you to save money and reduce your environmental impact.
• Easy maintenance: If a paver ever were to chip or crack, it can easily be removed and replaced.
• No wait time: Once the pavers are installed, there is no wait time to use the space. You can add furniture, invite over guests, and enjoy.

There are many great reasons to choose pavers for your hardscaping project, especially when considering pavers vs. concrete, in addition to the fact that they are beautiful and stylish.

Cons of Pavers

When weighing pavers vs. concrete, there are a few cons to consider for pavers. Primarily, pavers can be costly. Some materials can drive those costs up even more. So if you’re on a budget, you may not want to choose pavers, or you may want to choose a material that is on the lower end of the cost spectrum.

Pavers can also take longer to install than concrete. There are many more steps involved, and the contractor must get each of them right to ensure a successful project.

Finally, the gap between pavers can allow weeds and grass to grow easily. You will have to maintain the fill between the pavers, and you’ll have to regularly treat the space for weeds when considering pavers vs. concrete.

What Is Concrete?

Concrete is a popular choice for all types of hardscaping projects thanks to its design versatility and its affordability. Talk with your hardscaping contractor about the pros and cons of pavers vs. concrete to determine if concrete is the right choice for your project.

Pros of Concrete

Just like with pavers, there are many advantages to choosing concrete for your hardscaping project when considering pavers vs. concrete. These include:

• Affordability: Concrete is far less expensive than pavers. If you add options like stamping or staining to your concrete, the cost can become comparable with pavers. But a basic concrete design will be much less expensive than pavers.
• Durability: Concrete can last for decades if it is installed properly and well-maintained.
• Versatility: Concrete can take on the look of just about any material with the right stamping and staining.
• Easy installation: Concrete can be installed quickly and with fewer steps than pavers.

Talk through the benefits of concrete for your specific project with your hardscaping contractor to fully understand pavers vs. concrete. There may be even more benefits to consider, depending on the circumstances of your project. 

Cons of Concrete

Concrete doesn’t have many cons, but there are a few to consider in the pavers vs. concrete debate. Though concrete is easily installed in just about any space, it does take a couple of days to dry enough to walk on, and it can take a couple of months to cure to its full hardness. Therefore, you may not be able to plan your big reveal for a little while after it’s installed.

In addition, concrete can also crack over time due to exposure to the elements and the natural expansion and contraction from weather changes. You can repair these cracks, but the repair will be visible, which is something to think about in the pavers vs. concrete consideration.

Pavers vs. Concrete Durability

Pavers and concrete are both durable materials, but you may find that one is a better option for your project, depending on its location and its usage.

Pavers Durability

Pavers aren’t ever likely to crack unless you hit them hard with a piece of equipment or furniture. They withstand the elements, and they aren’t subject to cracking from expansion and contraction because they have gaps between them in which to move. This is a significant advantage in the pavers vs. concrete durability comparison.

Concrete Durability

Concrete is also very durable, though it is more prone to cracks and chips than pavers. You can protect your concrete by sealing it and by taking care with large furniture on it. You can also ensure your concrete’s durability by hiring an experienced concrete contractor who will install it properly, giving the right consideration to drainage, climate, and other factors.

Cost Comparison of Pavers vs. Concrete

Generally speaking, the cost of concrete is usually much less than the cost of pavers. However, there can be great variability in the cost of pavers depending on the material you choose. The cost of concrete can also increase greatly if you choose stamping or staining, which is important to consider in the pavers vs. concrete cost comparison.

Pavers Cost

Pavers can cost anywhere from $15 per square foot to $50 per square foot or more. Factors that influence the cost include the material used, whether the paver is permeable or not, and what kind of design you choose. This is a significant factor in the pavers vs. concrete cost decision.

Concrete Cost

Concrete costs around $6 to $9 per square foot, installed. Prices can vary based on the thickness of the slab, any finishing details, and other site needs. When comparing pavers vs. concrete, this cost difference is often a deciding factor.

Pavers vs. Concrete Maintenance

Pavers and concrete are both popular materials in part because they are relatively easy to maintain. Needs will vary based on your site and the materials used, and your hardscaping contractor can advise you on the best steps to take to keep your hardscape looking great when considering pavers vs.concrete.

Pavers Maintenance

To maintain pavers, you’ll primarily need to keep them clean of dirt and debris. Just sweep them regularly or spray them down with a hose. You will also need to maintain the sand that is between the pavers. Over time, this will wear away, leaving a gap. You’ll have to have it refilled. You’ll also need to treat it regularly to keep out weeds, which is a key maintenance consideration in the pavers vs. concrete decision.

Concrete Maintenance

Maintaining concrete also primarily consists of keeping it clean of dirt and debris. Sweep it regularly or hose it down. If you notice any cracks forming, call in a concrete contractor to patch it to get the best results. You can also seal concrete to maintain it. Sealing is particularly helpful for concrete that has been stamped or stained. The sealing will keep the color from fading and the stamping from diminishing over time. This is an important aspect of the pavers vs. concrete maintenance consideration. Consult with your contractor to determine the proper schedule for sealing, based on the needs of your particular project.

Recommended Projects

There are times when the pros of concrete or pavers will outweigh the others, depending on your budget and your priorities.

When to Use Pavers

Typically, pavers are best used when you have a smaller area that will have a big impact on design, like a patio or a sitting area. The pavers will give the area great aesthetic appeal, which will be more impressive to guests. You can use pavers on larger projects, like a driveway, though you will need to be prepared to make a large investment. If you can afford to do it, the results will make a big impact, which is a key consideration in the pavers vs. concrete debate.

When to Use Concrete

Concrete can be used on any type of hardscaping project. It is most frequently used on larger projects that also serve a more utilitarian role, such as driveways and walkways. However, it can also be used on smaller spaces that are meant to have more aesthetic appeal. For example, stamped concrete can look great on a patio or entryway. Your hardscaping contractor can help you explore the options to determine what would look best when considering pavers vs. concrete.

Get Your Project Started with Triad Associates!

The possibilities with pavers and concrete are endless to upgrade your home’s hardscape and enhance its overall appeal. The hardscaping experts at Triad Associates are ready to help you explore the options for your property to make it more inviting, to enhance its look, and to improve its overall value. Our contractors have been designing and installing hardscapes across the Haverhill area for the last 40 years, and they have earned a reputation for exceptional workmanship and professional service. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our hardscaping designers and get tailored recommendations that can transform your property. We can help you with a singular project or we can help you redesign a whole new hardscape, helping you make the right choice in the pavers vs. concrete decision.