Patios are the main gathering area for summertime fun. Patios can undergo a lot of wear from things like weather, patio furniture and erosion. That’s why choosing what your patio is made out of can have a significant effect on the longevity and look of your outdoor space. We’ll take you through the pros and cons of concrete vs paver patios.

Concrete Patios

Concrete is made from sand or gravel that is mixed with cement and water to create a hard slab. This matieral can be used for many architectural projects like flooring, foundations and stairs. Concrete patios are popular because they provide numerous design options while being largely cost effective.

Pros of Concrete Patios

Durability

Concrete patios have been around for decades. The main reason for that is because they are so durable. Concrete patios are incredibly strong, especially those reinforced with rebar which means they can stand up to pressure over time.

Design Choices

Another great thing about concrete is the array of options available when it comes to design. Decorative concrete patios can be stamped with different designs or dyed to match or compliment your outdoor furniture color scheme. Concrete can also be poured into different shapes to fit the shape and size of your backyard.

Cost

Concrete patios are often easier and more cost effective to install than any other patio material. They are relatively quick to install so you are not incurring pricey labor costs.

Concrete Patio Cons

Slip and Fall Hazards

Concrete patios are very smooth and can become slippery when wet. This causes a safety hazard if you have a pool or are from an area that gets frequent rain. If cracks or chips occur they can pose a fall hazard to yourself or family.

Repairs

In areas with extremely high or low temperatures, concrete has a tendency to crack. This is because the changes in weather can cause the concrete to shrink or expand. Repairs to fix broken concrete can add up quickly, especially if you have a dyed or stamped concrete patio.

Paver Patios

Paver patios are blocks or slabs made of natural stone like travertine, flagstone, marble or brick. Pavers often come in various shapes and sizes that are fitted together with sand to keep them in place. This gives each patio a unique design that cannot be replicated.

Paver Patio Pros

Durability

Pavers are interlocked together making them very strong and durable to weather. A positive is that they resist temperature fluctuations better than concrete.

Repairs

Repairing broken pavers is just like replacing pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Unlike concrete, you are able to break and take out the problem paver, replace it with a new one and fill in any gaps with sand.

Cons of Paver Patios

Upfront costs

Installing a paver patio often requires foundation leveling which can increase the initial price of building your patio. Depending on the type of paver you go with the material can be more costly to install and replace if damaged.

Weeds

Overtime, the sand in between pavers can wash out and make room for weeds to pop up. This can displace the paver or cause them to become uneven. It can also be challenging to remove the weeds.

Making Your Decision

Really, there is no correct answer for which material is better. It’s about which is better suited to your needs. Concrete vs pavers each offer their own unique styles and textures. There are pros and cons that come with each type of patio surfacing. Depending on your goals and taste one option may fit your needs more than the other, but each make for a beautiful backyard.