Walkways, driveways, and patios all provide a sense of style and value to a home, whether you’re there for the long haul, or thinking about selling in the future. Two attractive options for those areas are pavers and stamped concrete, both popular choices and both highly debated. We’re often asked for our opinions on both, so decided this is the perfect place to share some pros and cons to help you choose the one that best suits you, your taste, your home, and more.
What is Stamped Concrete?
Stamped concrete is essentially concrete which has been poured over a level surface and, while still wet, stamped to mimic a pattern or design. Colors can be added to the concrete mixture to create a variety of looks.
What are Pavers?
A paver is a stone, tile, brick or piece of formed concrete commonly used as exterior flooring. Stone pavers are often made of materials such as limestone, sandstone and granite.
Appearance
Pavers come in a variety colors, shapes, textures, and sizes. You can choose a simple monochromatic look, or get creative and opt for patterns that use different shades, shapes, sizes for the whole area, around the border, or however you want.
Stamped concrete is very versatile as well. You can choose a variety of patterns, colors and textures to fit your vision.
Maintenance
Maintenance for pavers is usually fairly low. Occasional sweeping and hosing – and light re-sanding every three to five years – is enough to keep your pavers looking good. If one of the pavers cracks or breaks, it is only necessary to replace one or two pavers, instead of replacing the entire slab as you would with stamped concrete.
Stamped concrete is fairly easy to install, making it seem less expensive at first, but requires more maintenance over the long term. Protective sealers usually need to be reapplied once a year. And it’s not very earthquake friendly. Since it is essentially one large slab of cement, it does not do well when the ground shifts and develops cracks and breaks quite easily. This is something essential for homes in earthquake prone areas here in California to consider.
More Paver Pros & Cons
- PRO: Once installed, pavers can be walked on and used immediately. (No “cure” time required).
- PRO: Pavers can move and adjust to shifting of the ground during earthquakes.
- CON: Sand between the pavers will need to be topped off every couple of years unless a polymer sand is used.
- CON: Weeds can grow between the pavers unless a polymer sand is used.
- CON: After some time, settling or heaving (often from root growth under the pavers) can cause surface to become uneven and become a tripping hazard.
More Stamped Concrete Pros & Cons
- PRO: Robust design options – patterns and colors can be mixed and matched.
- PRO: Lower in cost initially to install.
- CON: Colors will fade, especially in states like California with year-round bright sunshine.
- CON: Has a tendency to be slippery when wet.
- CON: Must cure for 3-5 days before you can start using it.