We’re all looking to save money these days. That’s why the pavers vs concrete argument always come up.
It’s useful to know the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed decision for your home.
Whether you are looking to improve your driveway, pool deck, patio, or garden path, you will have to choose between concrete and pavers.
Poured concrete is typically the most cost-effective per square foot when it comes to installation and concrete expenditures. Concrete pavers, on the other hand, provide greater value and durability than poured concrete and stamped concrete.
Here’s a look at the different prices of each to help you make the best decision for your home project.
Poured Concrete Prices
If you were looking to pour a 10×10 concrete slab it would cost you in the region of $670 to $930. The average price for concrete pouring in the UK is around £100 per m3.
Due to the size of some driveways, it often works out much cheaper to have poured concrete.
This is because paving slabs are charged by the square meter and there can be a lot of waste when trying to pave a large area.
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Paver Prices
The cost of brick pavers ranges from $4 and $8 per square foot. This does not take into account the price of installation, which is typically higher in different areas. To have them laid, you will usually spend between $10 and $20 for each square foot.
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Cost Comparison
This means the cost comparison of poured concrete vs pavers is not as significant as you might think. In fact, the price difference is often quite small.
Where the prices become more significant is when you look at the prices charged by a contractor to install each type of surface.
For concrete, the average cost is around $3-5 per square foot. Pavers, on the other hand, will usually set you back $5 to $10 per square foot.
As you can see, the price to pour concrete and the price to lay pavers is quite significant (almost half) when it comes to the cost of installation.
This is one of the main reasons that people often choose concrete over pavers – because it is cheaper to install.
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Poured Concrete and Stamped Concrete Slabs: The Issues
Although concrete pavers cost more than pouring slabs in terms of labor and materials when you consider the repairs they will require throughout their life, poured concrete slabs have greater overall costs.
Poured concrete slabs will fracture when subjected to encroaching tree roots, temperature changes, and other earth movements underneath.
When a concrete slab fractures or shifts, there’s not much you can do to repair it effectively other than filling the crack with aggregate or replacing the whole slab, which may be very costly.
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Why Are Concrete Pavers More Cost-Effective?
Concrete pavers are more costly to install but are significantly more durable and adaptable than poured concrete.
Concrete pavers are made up of separate pieces, allowing for a greater degree of flexibility and change in the ground when dry set.
Pavers also have a longer lifespan than poured concrete due to their being made up of individual pieces rather than one large slab.
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What Do Contractors Prefer?
If you ask any contractor they would say poured concrete. This is because the speed at which they can pour concrete over a large surface area is much quicker than having to individually lay each paver.
This means that they can finish the job in a shorter time frame and move on to their next job, rather than being stuck on one job for a longer period of time.
Related: Can Pavers Be Installed Over Concrete?
FAQs
Which is better, pavers or concrete?
Depending on your demands, one choice may be preferable to the other. Slabs made of poured concrete are frequently utilized in outdoor residential settings since they are cheap and quick to install. Stamped concrete has expanded homeowners’ choices when it comes to patterns and textures. Paving stones or brick pavers are individual pieces formed from a variety of materials including natural stone, brick, and concrete. Pavers are generally more expensive than poured concrete but offer a number of advantages including durability, design flexibility, and easy repair.
Will concrete or pavers add more value to my home?
Paving stones are one of the few hardscaping products that, as soon as they are put in place, immediately add value to your property. Given that the paving stones were laid down by a competent crew and matched with the rest of the estate, homeowners can anticipate a return on investment (ROI) of up to 75%. The ROI for concrete is lower since it doesn’t offer the same curb appeal as paving stones.
Is concrete or pavers better around a swimming pool?
In comparison to paver pool surrounds, concrete pool surrounds have a few more advantages: They are smooth and don’t contain cracks that collect dirt, mold, and weeds. They may be molded into any shape without difficulty. This characteristic makes concrete pool surrounds especially popular among fiberglass pools.
Will exposed aggregate concrete or pavers crack more?
Exposed aggregate concrete is more likely to crack than pavers. The cracks in the exposed aggregate are usually due to the setting process, which can be exacerbated by hot weather. If you live in an area with frequent freeze-thaw cycles, your concrete is also more likely to develop cracks. Pavers are less likely to crack because they are not one solid piece.
How do I choose between concrete and pavers?
When choosing between concrete and pavers, you should consider several factors including cost, durability, design, and installation. If you are looking for a cheap and quick option, poured concrete is the way to go. If you want a more durable and flexible product, pavers are the better choice. If you are concerned about adding value to your home, pavers are a good investment. If you want a smooth surface around your pool, concrete is the best option. If you live in an area with freeze-thaw cycles, exposed aggregate concrete may not be the best choice.
Is a backyard patio better with concrete or pavers?
If you are looking for a cheap and quick option, poured concrete is the way to go. If you want a more durable and flexible product, pavers are the better choice. If you are concerned about adding value to your home, pavers are a good investment.
Is a stamped concrete patio or a paver patio better?
If you are looking for a cheap and quick option, stamped concrete is the way to go. If you want a more durable and flexible product, pavers are the better choice. If you are concerned about adding value to your home, pavers are a good investment.
Does precast concrete or paver cost more?
Precast concrete costs more than pavers. Precast concrete is a type of cast concrete that is pre-formed and cured in a factory before being transported to the job site. Pavers are less expensive because they are made of individual pieces that can be laid down quickly.
Is decorative concrete or paver better?
Decorative concrete is the way to go if you’re searching for a low-cost and fast solution. Pavers are the superior option if you want something more long-lasting and adaptable. Pavers are a great investment if you want to add value to your property.
Do brick pavers or stamped concrete last longer?
Brick pavers will last longer than stamped concrete. Brick pavers are made of individual pieces that can be replaced if they become damaged. Stamped concrete is one solid piece, so if it cracks or becomes damaged, the entire patio or driveway will need to be replaced.
If I want stepping stones in my garden, should I use concrete or pavers?
The best material for stepping stones depends on the look you want to achieve. If you want a more natural look, stone pavers are the way to go. If you want a more formal look, concrete is the better choice. You should also consider how much foot traffic the area will get. If the area will get a lot of foot traffic, concrete is a better choice because it is more durable.
What’s the best edging for concrete or pavers?
The best type of edging for concrete is brick or stone. The best type of edging for pavers is gravel. Brick and stone edging provides a more formal look, while gravel edging is more natural. Gravel edging is also less expensive.
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