Learn the Difference Between Concrete and Pavers From a Nashville Concrete Company
If you’re researching the difference between patio paver and concrete installation, you’re probably in the process of planning a walkway, patio, or driveway project on your property. It can be a challenge to decide which material will be better for your project, so our concrete company in Nashville, TN, has detailed the pros and cons of each.
Concrete and patio pavers are both excellent materials for hardscape features. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, depending on its use. The trick to deciding between them is to understand which one makes the most sense for your needs and budget.
Concrete Installation
Concrete is one of the most durable and cost-effective hardscape construction materials available, which is why it’s so popular. However, it might not be the right material for every project: let’s examine some of its benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits of concrete low-cost installation, low maintenance, and weed prevention. Drawbacks of concrete fewer options fo choose from and prone to cracking.
Benefits of Concrete
Concrete construction is a large part of what we do at Greenway, primarily because there’s so much demand for it. Concrete lasts a long time and is quicker to install, making it an excellent choice for many hardscaping projects.
Low-Cost Installation
Compared to patio pavers, concrete installation is incredibly cost-effective. Where pavers have to be laid out one by one, concrete is poured into large slabs, making the process much less labor-intensive. Of course, this translates into a great hardscaping outcome that will cost you less money overall.
Low Maintenance
Concrete doesn’t require much maintenance, making it ideal for people who don’t want to spend a lot of time or money on upkeep. Sealing your concrete can help keep stains at bay, and if a stain does occur, there are several ways to remove them.
Otherwise, regular sweeping and the occasional spray with a garden hose (and mild soap, if needed) are all that’s required to keep your concrete looking beautiful.
Weed Prevention
Concrete installation is usually done in large slabs, which create a virtually impenetrable surface that weeds and grass cannot grow through. Unless a concrete slab is old and cracked, it will save you from backbreaking hours of weeding your property.
Drawbacks of Concrete
Although concrete is a natural choice for many hardscape projects, it does have a couple of drawbacks.
Fewer Options
Concrete isn’t as versatile as pavers are, although stamped concrete and concrete stains allow you to customize the appearance quite a bit.
Prone to Cracks
Concrete is more prone to cracking than pavers are, especially during extreme temperature fluctuations, something our fellow Nashvillians are plenty used to. Of course, hiring a professional concrete company rather than pouring concrete yourself will lower your chances of this being an issue, therefore leading to a greater long-term value.
Paver Installation
Installing patio pavers can add a touch of class to a hardscaping project, whether you choose to go with a traditional design or a unique pattern. But as with concrete, pavers aren’t ideal in every situation, so it’s essential to understand their drawbacks and their benefits.
Benefits of Pavers more options to choose from, less likely to crack, higher resale value. Drawbacks of Pavers higher installation costs, shifting over time, higher maintenance, and prone to weeds.
Benefits of Pavers
Pavers lend a hardscape a sophisticated European feel, which is why some people are willing to spend a little more on them. There are several advantages to using pavers instead of concrete.
“Work with skilled Nashville hardscaping and outdoor construction professionals who understand your vision and respect your schedule. Contact us for a free quote!”
More Options
Pavers come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, including:
- Interlocking concrete pavers
- Brick
- Natural stone
Because the options are virtually endless, pavers are perfect for people who want a completely custom paver design.
Less Likely to Crack
Each paver in a project is a separate piece, which means that changes in temperature and shifting of the ground underneath a hardscape are less likely to lead to cracks. This is in contrast to concrete, which can easily crack during its first winter if not professionally installed.
Higher Resale Value
Because walkways, driveways, and patios made of pavers cost more than concrete hardscapes, they tend to add more value to a property. This means that you’ll get a higher resale value if you ever decide to sell your home.
Drawbacks of Pavers
Although pavers are beautiful, they’re not without their downsides.
Newly installed pavers
Higher Installation Costs
The intricate patterns made by pavers are not without cost; each paver must be laid by hand, which is a time-consuming (and costly) process compared to pouring concrete slabs.
Shifting over Time
Pavers tend to shift and loosen in place over time as the ground and sand underneath them shifts and wears away. This process is often sped up in places that get heavy rainfall, like Nashville, TN.
Higher Maintenance
The surface of pavers is uneven, making it more difficult to scrub clean. Paver surfaces can be more prone than concrete to growing slippery mold and moss if located in a shady area.
Prone to Weeds
Pavers don’t form one unified surface the way that concrete does, which means that the space in between each paving stone is an opportunity for weeds or grass to grow. If you don’t keep on top of their removal, you might spend a lot of time removing weeds from between your pavers.
Need Some Help From a Nashville Concrete Company?
If you’re ready to give your Nashville, TN, property a makeover with a beautiful, functional new walkway, driveway, patio, or other hardscape, you don’t have to do it alone. Our team of concrete construction experts can help you with everything from the initial design phase to concrete installation and upkeep recommendations.
Ready to get started? Contact our concrete company now.
