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How do I Decide Between Pavers and Concrete?

S. Mithra
S. Mithra

After you evaluate your goals and means for a patio, poolside, driveway, or walkway, you will be able to decide if pavers or concrete is right for you. Poured concrete is installed in large, solid blocks and has the advantages of acid stains, pattern stamps, or rough, safety textures for better disability access. Pavers are interlocking tiles of concrete, and some people like their flexibility, color, and architectural appearance.

Of course, both options have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Once you consider how you want to use your pavement, the size of your budget, your expectations of durability, and your design vision, one will probably emerge as your preferred choice. Keep in mind that, although both materials are made of concrete, can be colored, and form limitless shapes and sizes, they are nevertheless quite different.

Pavers are interlocking tiles of concrete.
Pavers are interlocking tiles of concrete.

Poured concrete slabs are a traditional, fairly low maintenance possibility. For example, since they are a continuous surface, there are no joints or spaces for weeds, moss, or grass to take hold. If you don't want to be on your knees weeding, this might be a good option. On the other hand, if you envision cobblestone with joints of ground cover, like baby's tears, a solid slab won't do. The spaces between separate tiles allow you to cultivate plants that add atmosphere to a quaint outdoor space.

Wet concrete being poured.
Wet concrete being poured.

Another difference lies in the material's response to changes in the level of the ground due to earthquakes, erosion, and seasonal changes in humidity and temperature. Concrete maintains a flat, even surface, so you don't trip on lips or ledges. Then again, after an earthquake or other shifts in the ground, a slab will likely crack and must be repaired, and these repairs will certainly show. Pavers, since they are individually fitted with sand, not mortar, grout, or cement, settle separately. They "absorb" the settling of the earth without cracking. This forms small differences in height that could pose a risk of tripping or stubbing your toe.

Moss growing between cobblestone pavers.
Moss growing between cobblestone pavers.

An obvious but important thing to consider when deciding between pavers and concrete is their permanence versus adaptability. Solid, poured slabs are about as permanent as you can get. If you change your mind and want the pathway to curve instead of crook, you are looking at major demolition and repouring. Pavers may be time consuming to install, but they can more easily be dug up, moved, or replaced. For example, you could selectively replace a few scattered ones with fancier, decorated options next season. You can also shrink or expand the field of them with no visible demarcation.

In general, poured concrete allows for better disability access than pavers.
In general, poured concrete allows for better disability access than pavers.

An interesting compromise is stamped concrete. This is still a continuous, poured pavement, but a design is pressed into the top before it dries. This effect more or less mimics the look of separate tiles for a lower installation cost. The patterns come in herringbone, interlocking seashells, cobblestones, and many others.

Discussion Comments

blueseal

Pavers should not be laid on top of concrete ever. Water will build up in between and cause eaving if frost is a problem.

anon166872

Paving stones are by far the best option.The problem is people don't install them properly. A good 6 to 8" foundation of 3/4 gravel well compacted and no more than 1" of crush sand to set the paver to start and fill the crack with polymer sand to finish and you have a surface that will outlast anything else on the market. Too many clowns don't know what they are doing.

anon163420

Will a snowplow or backhoe damage the pavers? I am in a senior community where they clear snow for all houses.

schleng

You can keep weeds out of pavers by using polymeric sand to fill the joints. This is a type of sand that hardens and therefore prevents weeds from growing. It also is a more permanent material for joints.

If pavers are installed properly, they should not settle. The ground at the bottom layer must be undisturbed soil (no fill, etc.) or else it must be compacted. On top of that goes 4 to 6" of stone, then a layer of sand, and finally the pavers.

You can install pavers over concrete as long as the concrete has not settled, does not have any cracks and is in good condition. Remember though, that by doing so, you are raising the grade of the existing concrete area. This might affect doorway transitions or surrounding beds and/or lawn.

anon77448

We are trying to decide between concrete and pavers. We have looked at several examples of recent (<10 years) driveways done with both concrete and pavers.

All the paver examples share one thing in common: weeds growing in the seams between the stones. The effect is not quaint, but suggests the need for tedious chemical weed control. I assume none were sealed. No thanks, I think we will go with concrete.

anon17218

Can you put pavers over a concrete

driveway?

bestcity

Big decision. My driveway needs to be re-done. I have noticed that pavers often settle in in certain areas which does not look good, in addition to any safety concern, while cement driveway, on the other hand can crack. I suppose the cost plays a big role too.

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    • Pavers are interlocking tiles of concrete.
      By: Pix by Marti
      Pavers are interlocking tiles of concrete.
    • Wet concrete being poured.
      By: uwimages
      Wet concrete being poured.
    • Moss growing between cobblestone pavers.
      By: Alex Petelin
      Moss growing between cobblestone pavers.
    • In general, poured concrete allows for better disability access than pavers.
      By: alisonhancock
      In general, poured concrete allows for better disability access than pavers.
    • Concrete can be sanded, then painted or stained for a unique look.
      By: csimagemakers
      Concrete can be sanded, then painted or stained for a unique look.