When considering projects that will have a positive return on investment for your home, building a patio is one of the best options, especially with Nashville’s climate. Creating a functional outdoor space that will withstand the elements for years to come adds a feature to your home that is both subjectively and financially valuable. A patio provides a dedicated area to spend time with family, host gatherings, and lounge in the sun without worrying about grass or mud on your feet. It can create a safe space for children to play and offers a level surface for your grill.

There are a variety of materials that a patio can be created with; poured concrete and pavers are the most common options, each with pros and cons. There’s no single perfect option for everyone, so it’s important to learn about what’s available.

What Is the Difference Between Poured Concrete and Paver Patios?

Poured concrete patios are created by excavating a desired area of ground to make it level, edging it off with wood to create a temporary border, then pouring wet cement into the frame. Detailed work is required to appropriately level the concrete; it can’t be too wet or too dry when creating the desired concrete finish, so timing is key. After several days of setting, the slab is dried and can be used.

Paver patios are built by marking off where the patio will be laid, creating a level surface by digging a shallow recessed area, adding a good base, and laying large, flat blocks to create the surface. Similar to laying tile, the edges of the pavers are lined up and set by filling the gaps with polymeric sand. The polymeric sand is activated to bind the pavers by exposure to water, and within a day the patio is set and ready to be used.

Both options require keen knowledge of the installation process and the appropriate equipment to perform the job efficiently. Patio contractors should be able to evaluate the area and recommend the best solutions based on the needs of the area. The amount of material and the approach to building the patio will alter the length of time the project will take. Having experienced eyes assess your landscape and recommend the appropriate solution can mean the difference between a beautiful area to entertain and an eyesore requiring frequent repairs.

“Work with skilled Nashville hardscaping and outdoor construction professionals who understand your vision and respect your schedule. Contact us for a free quote!”

Are Pavers Better Than Concrete for a Patio?

As with anything, there are benefits and drawbacks to the available options. When comparing poured concrete and pavers, Greenway of Nashville believes pavers win out for a number of reasons that are reinforced by our years of experience building patios.

1. Better Durability

Pound for pound, pavers can withstand far more pressure than a concrete patio—as much as 3-4x what the poured concrete can handle. Pavers are better able to tolerate constant stress, inclement weather, and frequent use. If you live in an area that gets cold in winter, pavers stand up to the cycles of freezing and thawing as well as prolonged cold temperatures with superiority.

2. Easier and Cheaper Repair

Even the strongest things can break—and if it does happen and a crack appears in your patio, a paver is far easier to replace than a slab of concrete. With the paver, you can reset a section of the patio and replace any single cracked pavers, add some fresh polymeric sand to reset it securely. With a concrete patio, the repairs can be far more costly and labor intensive, as a large section will need to be removed and repoured. This often requires increased time and access to heavy tools capable of breaking apart concrete.

3. Wide Variety of Designs

If aesthetic appeal is important to you, pavers offer boundless options—paver size, color, and the ability to create intricate patterns mean that you can customize as desired. A home with a stone or brick facade can easily have a matching patio. Asymmetrical-sized pavers can be laid in a pattern so long as thorough planning takes place. While concrete can be stamped or stained, the overall customization options are more limited.

4. Better Visual Appeal

Similar to the point above, because there’s a large array of choices for pavers, it’s easy to create a visually appealing area. The look of a paver patio compared to a concrete one will have greater curb appeal, as pavers appear more elegant and decorative. Natural stone and brick will have greater value in terms of aesthetic preferences. This can be a key selling point if you ever plan on moving.

5. No Sealing Needed

Generally speaking, poured concrete should be sealed every year or so to help protect it from wear and tear. Concrete pavers do not require this, making them less high-maintenance.

6. Less Slippery

Poured exposed aggregate concrete tends to be slick compared to the surface of pavers. When wet, such as with rain or snow, exposed aggregate concrete may be prone to slippage. If you’re frequently crossing the surface in wet weather, this could become a safety hazard.

No matter which direction you go, a patio is a surefire way to improve your landscape—the appeal, function, and durability will make you happy you did it. The caveat is that it needs to be installed correctly, otherwise you risk issues with durability, drainage, or poor design. There may be barriers to consider as well: approval from your homeowner’s association, navigating unfamiliar tools, and ensuring the right calculations for materials are just a few. Pavers can be a bit more complicated to install than poured concrete, simply because you have individual pieces that have to fit together precisely for the best outcome. Hiring a contractor to install your patio takes the work off your plate so that you can focus on the important things without worrying about learning how to lay pavers. Since Greenway does this regularly, laying pavers is simply another day at the office.

You don’t have to look far to find patio contractors near you—Greenway of Nashville is your local residential landscaping expert with years of experience. We will walk you through the design process to help choose the correct material and layout to suit your home and goals. If you have multiple landscaping projects this spring, we have the knowledge, proficiency, and equipment to meet your needs. Whether you want a fire pit to go with your new patio or need a residential drainage system installed, Greenway’s portfolio is sure to have the solution. Request a free quote with a guaranteed rate by reaching out through our website or by calling us at (615)-238-4574.

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