If you’re thinking about replacing or adding a walkway, patio, or driveway to your outdoor living space, you might be overwhelmed by the options. Some paving materials are less expensive than others, and some are more durable and easier to maintain. Not all materials are equal in quality nor have the longevity you need to make them everlasting.
In this article, we will discuss the differences between pavers and concrete.
Concrete vs. Pavers: Quick Comparison
- Standard concrete slabs are typically less expensive per square foot than alternatives.
- Paving stones are typically 10%-15% more expensive than standard concrete slabs.
- Paving stones will most likely cost the same or less if you decide to upgrade to stamped concrete.
- While a concrete slab is less expensive in the short term, the long-term costs of repairs and/or replacements almost always outweigh the initial savings.
- Concrete slabs and paving stones are the most commonly used paving materials today.
- Choosing between patio pavers and concrete slabs is still a difficult task when considering the two most common paving materials. We are going to get a better idea of these specific costs.
Costs of Paver Installation
The cost of installing interlocking pavers is determined by a number of factors. Prices and quality of work will vary depending on the material used and the installation company.
FAST FACT: Installing pavers in a 1,000-square-foot area will take about five days with a crew of four to five people for a house in Lahore smart city.
Paving stones necessitate much more preparation, resulting in a more labor-intensive installation. Excavation, grading, sub-base compaction, geotextile fiber installation, base preparation, base compaction, sand preparation, laying the pavers, cutting the borders, preparing the bond beam, compacting the stones, and finally sealing the pavers upon completion are all part of the paver installation process.
Advantages
- Ready to use upon project completion
- It is simple to adjust
Cons
- Extensive preparation is required
Costs of Concrete Slab Installation
As a popular material for most patios and walkways, the cost of installing concrete slabs is similar to that of installing interlocking pavers.
Concrete slabs are relatively simple to install, but the material requires time to dry and cure, which means your driveway, patio, or walkway will be inoperable until the curing process is completed. Excavation, grading, foundation preparation, form setting, and concrete pouring are all part of the installation process.
You may end up paying for more concrete than you need if a minimum order is required. One of the most significant disadvantages of concrete is that it can crack when the ground beneath it flexes when tree roots grow beneath the slab, or for other reasons.
Result: Concrete Slabs are the least expensive option to install. They do, however, come with limitations such as drying time and potential cracks/distortions.
Paver Repair Prices
A few paving stones will break over the course of your patio, walkway, or driveway. Because pavers are versatile paving materials that can be swapped out, replacement and repair costs are simple and affordable. The paving stone repair can cost anywhere from $15 to $125+ depending on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.
Keep in mind that if you choose to work with a quality paving stone installation crew, the paving stones and installation may be covered by a warranty.
Concrete Repair Prices
The cost of repairing cracks and holes varies and can be a do-it-yourself project or a professional job. Repairs can cost anywhere from $8 to $500+ per time, depending on how well the concrete slab was installed and other uncontrollable factors. Most of the time, it is best to simply patch any flaws that arise. However, there are times when concrete repairs are prohibitively expensive, necessitating a replacement.
Result: Pavers win because they are the least expensive to repair. Overall costs will vary depending on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.
Pavement Upkeep
Most paving stones require little maintenance, but the joints between each stone may require attention from time to time. Professional cleaning and sealing is a cost-effective way to protect and preserve your pavers. Depending on the extent of the services, the cost of this service can range from $1.25 to $1.85 per square foot.
Weed growth is limited by the installation process and materials; however, weeds, moss, and grass can grow in between the joints over time. If this happens, the weeds must be removed or the area treated with weed killer.
Concrete Preservation
Although concrete is relatively simple to maintain, staining and cracking will frequently occur and become an eyesore as the slab ages.
Upgrading to much-desired stamped concrete can help hide or conceal cracks and stains. You can also apply a protective sealant to each slab to help prevent stains from penetrating the surface. If the cracks and staining become more visible, the entire slab will most likely need to be replaced. Weeds may grow through the cracks between slabs or in cracks that form as the concrete ages with either type of concrete.
Result: Both are winners!
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