Concrete pavers is a popular paving material for outdoor spaces. It involves the placement of individual units of pre-cut Concrete and then the gaps are filled with polymer sand. Stamped concrete became a direct rival when it became available for home remodeling projects. Now, homeowners are quite torn as to which one would actually be a better investment. While pavers are not so bad for concrete patio projects, there are noteworthy reasons why stamped concrete would come highly recommended.

Design Options

Pavers can be arranged in different ways to create a pattern. It comes in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Stamped concrete, on the other hand, can be made to look like any type of concrete paver. In fact, it can be made to look like any other paving materials, such as brick, flagstone, slate, cobblestone, and more. This type of overlay can also be customized with concrete stain.

Appeal

Concrete pavers look good especially in an outdoor setting. However, stamped concrete seems to acquire more “wow” because of its highly decorative appearance. Some people may even mistake it for real natural stone or a brick surface, even though it is just a concrete overlay.

Durability

Pavers are durable enough to withstand outdoor elements. It won’t crack because each piece is not permanently attached to the other. This is a great material for areas where there is constant movement. Stamped concrete is one thin layer of overlay over an existing concrete slab. So if there is movement underneath and the slab cracks, so will the overlay. But there is a remedy for this. Custom scorelines or expansion joints can be cut into the floor to give each section some freedom to move.

Maintenance

Cleaning and maintaining concrete pavers can be quite a challenge. Although it does not require any special product or method, weed can grow in between the units, especially if regular sand or soil is used to fill in the gaps. With stamped concrete, the gaps and grooves are just an illusion, since these are just stamped after all. This means it is easier to clean and maintain. A good coating of sealer on the stamped concrete reduces, if not eliminates, the need for any concrete repair service. A surface made with pavers, on the other hand, cannot be sealed with a concrete sealer.

Cost

The prices of stamped concrete and pavers are not too far from each other. Pavers, per square foot, may cost from $3 to $15 dollars. It may vary based on the size, shape, and color of the pavers. As for stamped concrete, it may range from $10 to $15 dollars. The more customization and the more complex the pattern involved, the more expensive it will be.

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