What are the pros and cons of stamped concrete vs pavers? If you don’t know what are pavers, they’re a type of outdoor floor or group of stones, tiles or brick-like pieces commonly used as exterior flooring. They’re far more appealing than your average stamped concrete patio, but certainly the maintenance for stamped concrete flooring isn’t demanding. Some people pick pavers over stamped concrete and vice versa for this, but what one is superior for your needs? Below we are breaking down the pros and cons of stamped concrete vs pavers.
Pros and Cons of Stamped Concrete vs Pavers - Which is Best for Your Outdoor Space?
There are many pros and cons to pavers and stamped concrete. This article will tackle each one of them and will outline the pros and cons for stamped concrete and pavers, so you can pick which might suit better your style, maintenance preference, and overall taste.
What are Pavers and Stamped Concrete?
As we stated above, pavers are interlocked multi-colored brick-like pieces (although not necessarily made out of brick) that form a durable and extremely appealing surface for walkways, driveways and patios. Stamped concrete, on the other hand, is what the name implies: concrete poured as a solid surface and then embossed or textured in order to create a stamped concrete patio that resembles brick, stone, tile or even wood. Perhaps the main difference between the two is the overall design and appearance, followed closely by the materials.
Pavers
One of the pavers’ major virtues is that they’re three times stronger than poured concrete and, with a proper installation, won’t crack. Thick pavers are able to handle a heavy load above them, which makes them great for driveways. Because they’re resistant to ice and aren’t slippery when wet, they’re great options for swimming pool decks. Pavers are also easier to repair or replace, and as we said, they’re aesthetically superior.
However, despite their visual appeal, there is a limited color and pattern selection among pavers, at least compared to stamped concrete. Also, and even though they don’t absorb moist, they’re propitious for weeds, if you don’t use polymeric sand. There’s also a possibility of pavers sinking and settling over time, although you can fix loose and sinking pavers if you install a proper base material.
Stamped Concrete
As we stated just above, stamped concrete offers a wider variety of colors and patterns than pavers, and much cheaper than those of the pavers. Furthermore, because stamped concrete is sealed, it’s protected against weather elements and pool chemicals. Because of this, the maintenance for stamped concrete flooring requires less expenses.
With that said, stamped concrete does and will crack later on, as they’re not as strong as pavers, and hence unsuitable for driveways. Also, and unlike pavers, stamped concrete does absorb moisture and cannot resist freeze thaw cycles, so it will be slippery when wet. Although its maintenance is less expensive, it’s continuous: stamped concrete must be re-sealed every 2-3 years.
Summary
Which is Better Stamped Concrete or Pavers?
Both are great options to upgrade your backyard. Some people pick pavers over stamped concrete because of their beauty and durability, while others prefer the affordability of stamped concrete. Our list just taught you that each has their fair share of pros and cons; what you can afford is what ultimately matters.
How Long will Stamped Concrete Last?
Although stamped concrete needs to be resealed often, it can last longer than usual with proper care. The maintenance for stamped concrete is not excessive, so you can achieve a long-lasting stamped concrete patio if you seal it when it needs to.
Can You Pressure Wash Stamped Concrete?
Yes; overall, sweeping and wet mopping with water are sufficient for regular maintenance for stamped concrete floorings.
In Conclusion
To summarize the pros and cons of stamped concrete vs pavers, some people pick pavers over stamped concrete because of their beauty and durability, while others prefer to install a stamped concrete patio because it’s far more affordable and the maintenance for stamped concrete flooring is easier to upkeep. Again, we recommend for you to determine which one would suit better your housing and lifestyle.
