Pavers Vs. Concrete: What’s the Difference?

When planning a patio, driveway or walkway renovation project, one of the most important things to decide is the material. There are two popular materials to consider for patio renovation – concrete and pavers. Both have their unique benefits worth considering. To help you make an informed decision, we compare these two popular materials. Let’s take a moment to review the key benefits of each as described by Bayshore Materials, a deliverer of ready-mix concrete in Solano County.

Maintenance

If your primary concern is the amount of ongoing maintenance involved, opt for concrete. Concrete requires less maintenance and repairs than many other popular building materials.

Oil and other stains on your concrete driveway, patio or walkway can become an eyesore. Power washing will remove common stains. Apply a protective sealant to help minimize staining issues.

Though pavers are less prone to cracking from impacts than many other popular building materials, cracks can eventually develop. Individual pavers can be replaced as needed.

Pavers are susceptible to weed growth. If weed grows between paving stones, you can either pull them by hand or apply weed killer to get rid of them.

Strength

Concrete is known for its extraordinary strength. It can support up to 2,500-5,000 PSI. Pavers are even stronger than concrete. Pavers have an average compressive strength of around 8,000 PSI. Pavers do not crack easily and can take more punishment than concrete.

Durability

Abrupt temperature changes can have a negative impact on the durability of concrete. Temperature shifts and ground movement can cause concrete slabs to split. If a slab shifts too much, pores can develop.

Pavers, on the other hand, can withstand temperature changes and ground movement. There are joints between stones that help with drainage. Many manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on their pavers.

Installation Difficulty

Regardless of the material you choose for your project, hire a contractor for installation. There are several steps involved in installing concrete slabs and pavers. If you take the DIY route, it is highly likely you will make a mistake.

Paving stones is more complex than installing concrete slabs. The concrete slab is poured, whereas pavers must be laid by hand (one at a time). A significant advantage of pavers over concrete is that unlike concrete, which needs several days to cure, pavers can be used as soon as the sealant dries.

Cost

The average cost of concrete is $7-$10 per square foot, whereas paving stones approximately cost $9-$14 per square foot. A significant benefit of pavers is that their long-term maintenance costs are lower than concrete.

Do you need ready-mix concrete delivered to your worksite in Solano County? Look no further than Bayshore Materials. We offer a wide range of landscaping products. Made from high-quality materials, our products undergo rigorous tests. To schedule an appointment, call (707) 644-0859.