When designing your perfect patio, pool deck or walkway, there are many options. Two top choices are patio pavers and stamped concrete. In this article we will help you take a look at the differences between the two, and hopefully make your decision a bit easier.
Cost
Depending on how large the area to be covered in pavers or concrete is, pavers tend to have a higher up-front cost to install. You must also consider long-term costs. When a patio paver becomes damaged, replacing it is not difficult or expensive. If stamped concrete becomes cracked or damaged, repairing or replacing it can be difficult and pricey. In fact, a crack in stamped concrete is nearly impossible to repair to its original look. Stamped concrete goes through several steps in installation. Concrete is poured and smoothed out. Colorants are added, and forms are used to “stamp” the concrete into its desired pattern. It is then finished and sealed. Therefore, repairing a crack, unless the entire process is followed again, will not be seamless.
Safety
Because stamped concrete is a smooth surface, and one that has a sealed finish, it may become slippery. If you have a walkway, for instance, that is on a slight slope, stamped concrete may not be a safe choice. Pool decks are another area where stamped concrete can be slippery and pose a safety risk. Pavers are porous and tend to maintain a surface that is no slick. It is important, however, to inspect a paver patio or walkway each season to be sure that none of the pavers become uneven, which could cause someone to stumble. Fortunately, resecuring or replacing a paver is easy.
Aesthetics
Pavers and stamped concrete both offer a wide variety off looks that can accommodate styles ranging from sleek and contemporary to rustic and natural. Only you can determine which styles speak to you. When it comes to integrating a patio or pool deck with other elements such as fireplaces, retaining walls, water features and seating, however, pavers offer a more seamless integration.
The Environment
For some, certain areas of your property may be prone to flooding or ponding during heavy or prolonged rain. If such an area exists near where your patio or walkway is planned, water runoff should be considered. With stamped concrete, since it is a smooth surface water will flow down the concrete until it finds a source to stop. In areas like pool decks that are connected to your home, it may be necessary to install a drainage system in the stamped concrete to help ensure that water does not pool or come back toward your home. Pavers have a small space between them when laid, and offer natural drainage. In fact, in some cities such as many locations in Montgomery County, MD, people are incentivised to replace smooth concrete surfaces with pavers to help alleviate water runoff. Runoff not only can cause flooding, but carries with it setiment, fertilizers, mulch and other debris that can end up polluting waterways. Click here for more information on incentives for installing pavers in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Considering a Paver Patio, Walkway or Pool Deck?
Contact the hardscape experts at Chesapeake Landscape Group. We can help you weigh your options and can design and install pavers to meet your specific needs.
