Stamped Concrete vs. Pavers: What’s Best?

Stamped concrete and pavers are both designed for one purpose i.e. completing the outdoor surface of a residential property or a commercial one. Both can be used to finish sidewalks, patios, pool decks, driveways, and other areas within the yard. 
 
Most homeowners with a backyard or front yard project find it difficult to choose between the two materials. They are torn between stamped concrete and pavers, not knowing what to select. The dilemma can cause a delay in a project as one ponders for days, which is not necessary. 
 
You can avoid this unnecessary dilemma by understanding the pros and cons of each material first before going shopping. So, here are the advantages and disadvantages of stamped concrete and pavers. 
 
A) Stamped Concrete Advantages 
 
i. Aesthetics - Stamped concrete can be designed like any natural outdoor surface completion material. It can be designed to look like slate, granite, or even wood with all the curb appeal of a natural paving material. 
 
ii. Price - Stamped concrete is cheaper compared to natural paving materials despite the fact that it offers the same value as do natural materials. 
 
iii. Durability - Concrete is just as durable as granite, slate, copthorne, limestone or other natural paving materials. If installed and maintained properly, it can last for more than 25 years, that’s a quarter of a century. 
 
iv. Installation - Compared to pavers, stamped concrete is easier to install. All you have to do is to pour the material and apply a pattern that you desire and that is all. No hauling and placing individual paving stones one by one with your hands. 
 
v. Property Value - Just like pavers, stamped concrete increases your property value. When you add it to your outdoor surface, you can be sure that you will get more for your house should you decide to sell it. 
  
B) Stamped Concrete Disadvantages 
 
ii. Maintenance - Stamped concrete requires more frequent maintenance compared to natural paving materials. For example, it requires a fresh sealant after every 3-4 years without which it may look chalky and faded. 
 
ii. Cracks - Unlike pavers, stamped concrete will develop cracks over time due to expansion and contraction that comes with extreme temperature fluctuations. This can be witnessed in areas where temperatures are too high during the day and too low at night. 
 
C) Paver Advantages 
 
i. Aesthetics - Pavers offer incredible curb appeal. They look beautiful and make patios, walkways, driveways or other outdoor surfaces to be quite attractive. 
 
ii. Property Value - Just like concrete, pavers increase your property value. When you add these natural stones to your outdoor surface, you can be sure that you will get more for your house should you decide to sell it. 
 
iii. Maintenance - Unlike stamped concrete, pavers require less frequent maintenance. These are natural materials remember, and that means they are more resilient. 
 
iv. Durability - Pavers can last longer than stamped concrete. Stones such as granite and slate can last up to twice as long as artificial materials if installed and maintained properly. 
 
v. Cracks - As said before, pavers are more resilient than concrete. They are not easily damaged by the expansion and contraction, which occurs because of extreme temperature fluctuations. 
 
D) Paver Disadvantages 
 
i. Price - Pavers are costlier compared to stamped concrete despite the fact that concrete offers nearly all the benefits that pavers do. 
 
ii. Installation - Pavers are more labor intensive compared to concrete. You have to haul the individual stones, lay them down one by one before applying an adhesive. 
 
Final Thoughts 
 
These are the individual pros and cons of each material. Although everything has its own advantages and disadvantages, it is best to consider the advantages you are looking for and the disadvantages you cannot endure, when shopping. 
 
We are a concrete company in High Desert, CA that specializes in curbing, concrete, and landscaping services for both residential properties and commercial ones. Other areas that we cover include Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Spring Valley Lake, Jess Ranch, Adelanto, and Helendale. In addition, we reach out to residents of Pinon Hills, Barstow, Baldy Mesa, Oak Hills, and Phelan. Contact us today for your curbing, concrete, and landscaping needs. Tel: (760) 486-7709.

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