Pavers vs. Concrete

Both pavers and concrete can create an appealing and inviting area to your home’s front, garden, or driveway. Although both pavers and concrete can help you to achieve your goal, there are some significant differences between the two materials. Let’s take a look at both pros and cons of each product.

VISUAL

Pavers are usually more visually attractive than concrete because they can be designed and arranged in a variety of styles and patterns. Pavers come in different sizes and colors as well as price points. Concrete can be stamped or painted but it won’t have that deep, permanent look of pavers. Color can be added to concrete but it fades quickly and will need to be reapplied every few years.

INSTALLATION

Pavers may initially be more difficult to install due to the face that each paver unit must be individually laid and fitted. On the other hand, installing concrete involves simply having an area blocked off and letting concrete be poured into the mold. Concrete can be poure3d and then after drying for a few days, it will be ready to use. Pavers require more preparation such as planning, excavation and grading. Then sand needs to be added to each joint to give the structure strength.

COST

The cost to install pavers or a concrete slab depends on the surface area that you want covered, materials, labor, and removal of previous pavers or concrete.

Here are a few examples of the comparative costs of Pavers vs. Concrete:

Installing pavers over 120 square feet of land, can cost approximately $560 to $850 for the pavers. Labor cost ranges from $640 to $775. Materials, such as mortar 2, binding materials, and polymer sand, average from $55 to $65. Equipment costs may fall between $55 and $80. The total cost to install pavers for a 120-square foot area will cost between $1,310 and $1,770.

Instead, pouring concrete over that same area will run you about $210 to $250 for the concrete. Labor will cost between $540 and $650. Materials, such as reinforcement materials and cleaning supplies, range from $30 to $35. Equipment will cost an average of $85 to $150. The total cost to install a concrete slab over 120 square feet will be between $865 and $1,085.

LONGEVITY

Concrete can split or crack depending on the foundation underneath them. Whether it’s tree roots of shifting dirt or even temperature changes, concrete is susepitible to damage. But pavers can loosen or shift over time and even a single paver out of place may create a tripping hazard. But if a paver becomes problematic, that soingle paver can easily be replaced or reinstalled whereas concrete may involve repouring an entire area.

SAFETY

Concrete, depending on how it’s installed, can be slippery and if painted, even more so. Pavers generally are not slippery and make them more suitable to wet areas like pools or gardens.

So, is it pavers or concrete for your next remodel job? Now you have plenty of facts to consider to help you make an informed and quality decision for the benefit of you and your home.