Is It Cheaper To Do Stamped Concrete Or Pavers?

Are you looking forward to changing how your outdoor area looks? Well, stamped concrete and pavers are good options. The problem is choosing the most affordable option; you are not the first homeowner to get caught in between these two materials. Both of them will add magical beauty to your patio, driveway or walkway, so the question is which one is cheaper? 

Each material has its advantages and shortcomings. What is next now? You need to understand the stamped concrete and pavers. 

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete is a commonly used material for outdoor areas because they are cheap and easy to install. If you are looking for a fine-looking design with a unique texture, stamped concrete offers that too. 

Pavers

Pavers are made of materials such as brick, concrete or natural stone. The individual pieces interlock ideally resulting in a beautiful outdoor space. They are flexible but extremely durable. 

How Much Does It Cost You?

Generally, the cost of stamped concrete is lower than that of pavers.  It is between 10% and 15% more than concrete slabs.  However, there is much more than the installation costs. The long term expenses of maintaining your outdoor area are worth considering before you choose one of them. 

Installation Costs of Pavers

To install pavers in an area measuring 1000 square foot, it will take not less than four days. They take longer to work with because the process requires a lot of preparations. Did you know excavation and grading are required? Yes, plus base preparation and compaction, installation of geotextile fibre, cutting, laying the pavers and finally bonding and sealing the pavers.  Once completed, the pavers are ready to use immediately. The total cost of this paving installation will cost at least $10-$16 for every square foot, which translates to $10,000 for a 1000 square foot. 

Stamp Concrete Installation

Installation of concrete slabs is somewhat easier than pavers. However, it has to be given plenty of time to dry. This means you cannot use your walkway, patio or driveway until the concrete cures. 

The process of installing this pavement also includes excavation, foundation preparation, grading, setting forms before finally pouring concrete.  While it’s cheaper, concrete can crack due to tree roots or flexing of the ground.   Poor grading causes low levels that retain water, which stains and discolours it.  This concrete installation will not cost you less than $4-$6 for every square foot, and that means $4,000 for a 1000 square foot. 

Maintenance of Stamped Concrete

While stamped concrete is cheap to install, maintenance is different.  It ages fast due to cracking and staining.  Stamping helps to conceal the stains, but with time, they become visible, which means you have to replace the slab. Trying to patch up makes the affected areas even more noticeable because matching the color of your stamped concrete slab is not easy. 

Maintenance of Pavers

Pavers are easy to maintain and may only be a problem if you did not use a sealer. However, you have to check the joints for weeds, grass or moss. They last for years but may crack with time. The best thing is that you do not have to replace all the pavers. You remove and replace the affected paving stones, and the whole outlook will not be affected. 

If you are in a dilemma and not sure what is cheaper between stamped concrete and pavers, talk to us at Concrete Curbing HD.  We are your most reliable concrete company in the High Desert and Inland Empire. Give us a call: (760) 486-7709. 

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