Stamped Concrete Vs Pavers | Pavers & Stamped Concrete Pros and Cons
Stamped Concrete Vs Pavers | Pavers & Stamped Concrete Pros and Cons
About Stamped Concrete & Pavers
Pavers and stamped concrete are both popular options for pavers but which option should you choose for your home project?
This post will break down the pros and cons of both types of material in order for you to decide which one is best for your project. We’ll also provide a few examples of each type so you can see what they look like in different settings.
Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete is one of the most popular choices when it comes to outdoor living. It’s inexpensive but may not be easy to install and can be installed all year round. Stamped concrete is a great option for people who want that “fire pit” or “patio pavers” look without the high price tag.
Stamped concrete can also be used for driveway stripes, patios, and poolside paths and accents. This allows you to combine form and function without compromising on aesthetics.
Some stamped concrete is created with real pieces of stone which can increase its cost significantly depending on the style and quality. However, stained concrete is much more affordable and can look almost like real stone when done properly.
Stamped concrete is one of the newer methods of installing driveways, pool decks, and other outdoor living areas. The process starts with the installation of a pre-made form, which is filled in with concrete.
After the concrete has set for a few days, the form is removed and a pattern is stamped onto the concrete. The pattern can be textured or decorative.
Stamped Concrete has many benefits.
First of all, it’s easy to maintain. You can sweep it off or use a leaf blower to clear the debris and it will look like new again. The light color makes it easy to spot any cracks, so you can repair them in a timely manner.
It’s relatively inexpensive. Other options involve setting pavers in concrete or using brick. Pavers can get expensive in the short run and brick demands expert installation for good results.
Stamped concrete is also an excellent option if you want to make your driveway look more interesting than just a plain slab of concrete that could end up looking tired and worn out after a few years of use.
Stamped concrete is often used in cities, where parking can be at a premium. It makes the most of the available space.
It isn’t limited to driveways and pool decks. You can install it on patios, sidewalks, or anywhere else that needs a new look.
The effects are endless. Stamped concrete templates are now made in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and you can install each one carefully to create patterns and designs that will stand out from others in the neighborhood.
The process is akin to installing tile, but is much easier. The concrete can crack and split apart if you place too much weight on it, so you will need to be mindful of the weight that you put on your stamped concrete.
Stamped Concrete Installation Process
It’s recommended that you do any renovation work at night, or when the concrete isn’t wet to prevent damage to the surface.
Stamped concrete can also be used in residential settings as a way of highlighting certain design features.
A driveway, sidewalk, or patio can use stamped concrete to create visual interest while highlighting the stone or brick on which it is installed.
As one of many new decorating trends, stamped concrete has become a way of creating interest in the look of your favorite space.
Stamped Concrete Pros and Cons
Stamped Concrete Pros:
1. Decorative – Stamped concrete can be poured in a wide variety of patterns to create beautiful patios and walkways.
2. Durable – Stamped concrete can be durable when installed properly as you are able to get your value for money.
3. Affordable – Stamped concrete is much less expensive than natural stone pavers. You can also add decorative pieces like boulders or flagstones to increase the price.
Stamped Concrete Cons:
1. Shallow – Stamped concrete is only about 4 inches thick/ deep.
2. Maintenance – Stamped concrete requires a lot of maintenance to keep it looking good. Light scratches, stains or grease marks all show up on the surface. You’ll also have to reseal it every few years.
3. Limited – Stamped concrete can only be installed in a limited number of places. It’s not approved on driveways with heavy vehicles.
4. Unpopular – The stamped concrete looks aren’t as popular as they are for the natural stone options like pavers and cobblestone.
Pavers
Pavers are another common choice for backyard patios and walkways. They are usually made from concrete but some companies use brick or other materials. The biggest difference between pavers and stamped concrete is the price, sturdiness, depth and design. Pavers are usually a higher quality, more decorative option and can be designed to last a lifetime if installed properly.
Key feature of pavers is that they are usually thicker than stamper concrete because pavers don’t need to be just functional, but also look good.
Pavers come in many different shapes and sizes to allow lots of creative options for designs, colors and patterns.
Pavers can be installed directly on top of the soil or sand bed or a compact layer of gravel can be used as an underlayment. If the pavers need to be excavated, there needs to be an adequate amount of soil or sand underlayment to support the weight of the pavers.
The installed pavers are usually connected together with steel ties which are also staked into the ground.
Pavers can be expensive because they usually come with a higher price tag than stamped concrete and require more labor and material.
Color selection is usually larger for paver due to their thicker size.
Pavers Pros and Cons
Pavers Pros:
1. Durable – Pavers can last a lifetime if installed properly, and are very durable compared to stamped concrete.
2. Edges – Pavers come with sealed or exposed edges in a variety of colors or styles. The edges on pavers tend to be more decorative than on stamped concrete (see picture below).
3. Design – Pavers are usually installed in a brick pattern to create the popular paver look. They are also available in a wide variety of shapes, colors and styles.
4. Freezing and thawing: Resistant to freezing and thawing cycles; will not absorb moisture.
5. Stronger: It is about three times stronger than poured concrete (10,000-11,000 psi)
Pavers Cons:
1. Expensive – Pavers are usually much more expensive than stamped concrete.
2. Limited – Pavers can only be installed in certain places, including driveways, walkways and patios. They cannot be installed on sidewalks, curbsides or patios with a slope greater than 1 in 10.
3. Impervious – Pavers are impervious to water, weeds, and other invasive materials
4. Settlement: There is a chance of settling over time, which can be avoided with properly installed base material.
5. Weeds growing: Weeds may grow between pavers if polymeric sand is not used.
Which is Better Stamped Concrete or Pavers?
The most common driveway types in the United States are concrete and pavers. Both are excellent options for driveway material and have different pros and cons. It really just boils down to choosing the one that will best suit your needs.
In most cases, pavers are around the same price as stamped concrete. Pavers are more cost effective over time because they seldom need to be replaced. Repairs are simple and convenient, requiring only the replacement of cracked or broken pavers.
While pavers are more durable, it also has a higher initial cost and takes more time to prepare the site. The upfront paver costs make it appear to be the more expensive alternative. However, factors such as proper installation, proper care and maintenance, and environment may have a significant impact on which style provides the best cost-effective value for money.
To maximize longevity, both stamped concrete and pavers should be sealed on a regular basis. Stamped concrete, however, can necessitate more frequent application of sealant to achieve comparable durability. Not only does this increase the cost of lifetime maintenance, but sealant can also change the color of stamped concrete and make the surface slippery.
Pavers are suitable for situations where the appearance, efficiency, and versatility are required. Pavers advantages outweigh that of stamping a template for a finished look.
