Are Patio Pavers Cheaper Than Concrete?

If you’re looking to spruce up the look of your home or business, patio pavers may be the perfect addition to make your outdoor space look brand new. But when considering the cost difference between concrete and patio pavers, which is more cost-effective? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each material to help you decide.

What Are Pavers?

Pavers are manufactured stone, brick, and concrete components which can be used to pave patios, walkways, and driveways. They are well known for their durability and ability to withstand extreme temperatures as well as wear and tear from traffic.

Pavers come in a variety of materials such as natural stones ranging from slate to cobblestone as well as clay-based bricks in standard or unique shapes. Further enhancing the joys of using pavers is that they can be laid in a variety of ways with the use of different tools.

Pavers offer environmentally friendly options due to their permeability compared to asphalt or concrete slabs, allowing rainwater to seep into the soil bedding instead of causing erosion or pooling on top.

By selecting pavers for your outdoor space, you will not only get a beautiful look but get it with peace of mind because you know that it is designed to last.

Patio Pavers vs Concrete: Which Is Cheaper?

Concrete is one of the most common materials used for patios because it’s affordable and easy to work with. It also requires very little maintenance, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. On average, concrete costs $6-$10 per square foot installed. Concrete can crack over time due to weather changes and ground movement, meaning that you will either have to replace it or pay for repairs.

On average, patio pavers cost $8-$25 per square foot installedslightly more than concrete but still within a reasonable price range depending on the type of paver chosen. While patio pavers are slightly more expensive than concrete upfront, they are much less likely to crack or wear down over time making them an excellent long-term investment in your home or business’s outdoor space.

Safety: Patio Pavers vs Concrete

pathway made of pavers

Safety is paramount when it comes to your outdoors. Patio pavers and concrete both have their own positives and negatives in terms of safety.

Patio pavers are a great option to create walking surfaces because they are slip resistant as compared to concrete, which can become quite slippery when wet or covered with algae or moss.

However, pavers provide breaks in the surface to collect debris and water which may breed mold and mildew, so cleaning them regularly is recommended.

Concrete on the other hand does not need regular upkeep apart from sweeping and occasional power washing if needed. It still provides a safe surface for people walking on it but has a higher risk of injury related to slipping during wet conditions.

Aesthetic: Patio Pavers vs Concrete

Patio pavers come in an array of colors, shapes, and sizes so you can easily customize your space according to your individual style.

Meanwhile, concrete offers more flexibility in terms of finishes and can be customized with exposed aggregate or even decorative touches like paint and stamping.

Repair Cost: Patio Pavers vs Concrete

Repair costs for patios made of pavers and concrete can vary depending on the materials used, as well as the extent of repairs needed.

Unlike concrete, patio pavers are designed to expand and contract during temperature changes – which helps protect them against destructive freeze-thaw cycles that can damage concrete.

Repair costs associated with patio pavers often come down to replacing individual broken stones or those sunken over time due to soil erosion.

Repairing a paver patio typically requires no more than a few hours of labor and minimal cost per paver.

Repairing a concrete patio may involve replacing large sections of concrete if cracked or heavily worn.

It can be a much more involved process with higher labor costs and potential delivery charges associated with bringing in new material – making it potentially costlier than paver repair.

Installation Cost: Patio Pavers vs Concrete

Installation costs vary significantly between patio pavers and concrete for a patio project.

Patio pavers are typically more expensive than poured concrete, but cost-saving options like reused or recycled pavers can make this installation option quite cost-effective.

Installation of concrete requires the use of an experienced patio contractor who is able to work with the concrete while it is still wet and of course, the cost of materials such as gravel and pigment must be taken into consideration.

Installation costs will also depend on the amount of preparation necessary, as excavation works and leveling surfaces can require extensive time, material, and labor costs.

Durability: Patio Pavers vs Concrete

When it comes to durable outdoor floors, nothing beats patio pavers over concrete. Patio pavers offer increased strength and durability compared to a regular poured concrete slab.

The unique interlocking shape of paver stones helps them resist the pressure caused by drastic temperature changes, heavy rain, and freeze/thaw cycles better than precast concrete slabs.

In cold climates, the gaps between the pavers give way for expansion so that heaving and cracking are much less likely than with solid concrete installations.

Furthermore, individual stones can easily be replaced if damaged or stained making long-term maintenance much simpler than with a standard concrete surface.

Maintenance: Patio Pavers vs Concrete

man pressure washing pavers

Maintenance of outdoor hardscape features such as patios and walkways can be an overwhelming task, but the right choice of material can make all the difference.

Patio pavers offer a look that adds style to any outdoor space while still being incredibly easy to maintain. Unlike concrete, pavers are extremely durable and long-lasting; paver maintenance typically involves a quick occasional power wash or section replacement.

Concrete, on the other hand, requires regular sealants and coatings to keep its color from fading, as well as prevent cracks from appearing over time. Maintenance-wise, patio pavers are the clear winner!

Are Patio Pavers Worth the Money?

Patio Pavers are a cost-effective, efficient way to improve the value and look of your outdoor space.

With Patio Pavers, you can save time and money by not having to re-grade your yard or pour a concrete patio but still enjoy the same end result.

Patio Pavers come in many colors and styles, so you can find something that will complement the existing look of your home.

They’re also easy to maintain – simply sweep away debris or hose it down with water as needed.

Patio Pavers are well worth the money for any homeowner who wants to add beauty and efficiency value to their outdoor area!

Thinking About Adding Pavers? Contact Big Easy Patios Today!

When deciding which material is better suited for your outdoor project—patio pavers vs concrete—it really depends on what you’re looking for in terms of both cost and design options available.

While concrete may be cheaper upfront, patio pavers offer more durability and design choices which can add value to your home or business by creating an inviting outdoor oasis that will last for years with minimal upkeep required.

Whether you opt for patio pavers or go with concrete ultimately depends on your budget, but it’s worth considering all factors before committing to a material in order to get the most bang for your buck! In the end, no matter which option you choose it will bring life back into your outdoor space without breaking the bank!

Contact us at Big Easy Patios to know which one will work best for your next project. Our patio experts will thoroughly discuss all factors that you will need to consider when choosing the best material for your patio.

Whatever you choose, when your patio is installed correctly by our team of patio experts, you can rest assured knowing you have made an investment into your outdoor living space that will stand the test of time!

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