Two popular options for outdoor flooring are stamped concrete and pavers. You’re probably wondering if stamped concrete is better than pavers, or vice versa. As a trusted expert in decorative concrete solutions, we can help you find out by looking at their differences, pros and cons and seeing if they have the necessary characteristics to keep your outdoor space looking great for a long time.
Stamping concrete is a decorative technique that can mimic the look of other materials at a lower cost. The process involves pouring and leveling the concrete after a site assessment and preparation. Once the concrete is poured and set enough to support a person’s weight, the installer applies a release agent and stamps the chosen design. The surface will need to cure for a few days before it’s sealed to protect it against UV damage, stains and moisture.
Pavers are individual units of flooring that come premade. They’re available in various materials, including brick, natural stone or concrete. They can be installed on a mortar bed or in a tight interlocking pattern.
The typical places you’ll see pavers include:
While they fulfill similar functions, pavers and stamped concrete differ in several ways:
Price ranges are dependent on location, design complexity, and area covered. Generally, stamped concrete is cheaper than pavers. You should consider several factors when evaluating costs:
Both options will last and are durable, with an expected lifespan of 30-plus years for each with proper maintenance. While load-bearing capabilities and impact resistance depend heavily on the paver material, pavers generally have an advantage in cold weather due to their flexibility.
Their resistance to damage from ground shifts and tree roots rests on how well installers assess the site. If installers survey the environment properly, noting the soil profile and climate of the area, they can give you a good idea of how these conditions will affect the materials in the future.
Pavers are more flexible and resistant to expansion and contraction, color fading and pattern wear over time. However, stamped concrete with regular sealing and maintenance checks will also offer excellent climate and appearance protection.
Pavers and stamped concrete need cleaning and maintenance to look their best. A professional should reseal the concrete every two to three years. Seasonal maintenance for both should consist of:
It can also help to think of the differences in terms of pros and cons.
There are plenty of advantages to using this material for your outside area. You can choose from a wide range of colors and designs with custom patterns. You don’t need to maintain joints, and the initial costs are much lower than pavers.
Stamped concrete can crack over time without periodic resealing, and repairs require more effort and skill. Control joints can help control cracking, but may disrupt the pattern slightly.
Weather conditions during installation can affect the final product. The curing process takes time, and the surface is limited to foot traffic for 24 hours and vehicle traffic after day seven of installation.
The pros of pavers are that you can use them immediately, and they’re easier to repair. You don’t have the same cracking concerns because of their better weight distribution, and they have higher compressive strength than poured concrete.
They’re also more flexible in freeze-thaw conditions and have great slip resistance.
The cons of pavers are their higher costs and limited customization options. Their joints require maintenance and have the potential for weed growth. Generally, the installation is more labor-intensive than stamped concrete. They may also settle unevenly over time.
The right choice between stamped concrete and pavers comes down to several considerations:
Talk to us at StampItCrete, LLC, and we can make a recommendation based on your specific needs.
Whatever your choice, professional installation is key to quality and longevity. If you’re interested in stamped concrete, contact us today for a consultation so we can help.
