Deciding on pouring a decorative concrete area, or installing pavers can be a difficult decision for every home or business owner. Here are a couple things to consider when you find yourself at this crossroad:
- Budget-If done correctly, pavers should be more than twice the price of stamped concrete. I have given an estimate before where the home owner let me know that they “could get pavers for cheaper than my quote for stamped concrete”. I don’t see how this is possible. Once you figure in site prep, underlayment and sub base, compaction, material, and labor, a correctly done paver job should be 2-3 times the price of stamped concrete.
- Maintenance-Stamped concrete usually requires a re-seal in the first 1-2 years, and then every 5-7 years after that. Pavers can also be sealed, but also often have to deal with settling, loosened pavers, grass and moss, etc.. Neither option is completely maintenance free, but like everything else in life, there is a price to pay for beauty! Both can be maintained by either a handyman, or a do it yourself-er. Or you can just refer work to us, and we will reseal your stamped concrete patio for free! (Contact us for more info on our referral program).
- Purpose-Sometimes one or the other is necessary to address the purpose of installation. For example, if you feel that you may have to deal with drain pipes or something underneath the surface, you may want to consider pavers so you can simply remove them when the repair is made. If you are addressing water issues, stamped concrete is usually the better bet.
- Overall look-Stamped Concrete has made HUGE strides the past couple of years, and the doubters and naysayers are starting to dwindle out. In fact, we are now seeing a huge rise in home owners who want to remove pavers and install a Stamped Concrete patio. Pavers age, and some like that aged look. Check out our gallery to see some of our stamped work that in our opinion matches up to any paver job!
Either way you will be happy replacing your old concrete, dirt, gravel, or grass with a nice decorative and usable space. Schedule an estimate today and we will be more than happy to help you continue and hopefully resolve this debate!