Pavers or Concrete?

One of the questions we get asked most often when it comes to an outdoor living space is, “What’s the difference between pavers and stamped concrete?” The other part of that question is often “Wouldn’t it be cheaper to use concrete instead of pavers?”

We’ll answer the second question first because it’s a simple answer: yes, concrete is cheaper than pavers. With that being said, let’s get into why that’s the case, and why using pavers is still a better investment into your outdoor patio.

Our number one reason for installing pavers for your patio is that they last better over time and the system they are built within is meant to last longer than a concrete patio. The second reason is that there are only two types of concrete: cracked and going to crack. Throughout its life cycle concrete continues to harden and with the increased hardness it will either crack itself, from external pressure such as vehicles or heavy foot traffic, or from the freeze thaw cycles we experience in southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio. Is it possible that pavers will crack? Absolutely. The major difference is that if one of our Techo-Bloc pavers or slabs cracks we can rip out the polymeric sand, remove the paver or slab, and replace it.

Space Delineation

The other great benefit of using pavers or slabs is that the system they’re built within is designed to better withstand the freeze-thaw cycles that we experience in southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio. Whether the patio is built on dense graded base or open graded base both systems are designed to flex given our climate. We build patios exclusively using open graded base because we believe that it helps remove water from the system and it has also shown to be effective in reducing heaving and sinking in your patio.

The third benefit to using pavers or slabs for your patio or outdoor living space is their timelessness. Whether we install a traditional 4x8 brick paver or a trendy Borealis wood grain slab they are guaranteed to start a conversation amongst your dinner guests while standing the test of time.

Classic 4x8 Clay Paver

In the end, a homeowner could definitely save some money by using concrete or stamped concrete for their patio or outdoor living space however, time will prove that they end paying more in the end because unlike pavers, concrete can’t withstand the test of time.