Concrete vs Pavers

Pavers and concrete can both be used to create patio surfaces, walkways, driveways, and pool surrounds. Both materials are popular for a long-lasting surface but differ significantly in terms of costs, appearance, and maintenance.

To help you make an informed decision about which material best suits your needs, we will outline the significant differences between pavers and concrete below.

What is concrete?

Concrete can be laid down in a variety of ways. Some people pour it straight into place; others lay it out in sheets and cut it into individual slabs. Most often, however, it comes in blocks, which may be of different shapes and stamped with designs.

These blocks usually form cement or mortar and aggregate (sand). The aggregates used vary based on the type of application but typically include sand, gravel, crushed rock, and the like.

In addition, the aggregate is mixed with water and cement to make a paste. Once the mixture has been set, the block is cured and ready to go! This type of ready mix concrete can also be stamped over with designs to make them look appealing and high-end on a budget.

What are pavers?

A paver is a flat tile made of brick, stone, ceramic, or any other material that can withstand outdoor conditions. Typically, pavements are found in public areas such as streets, sidewalks, parking lots, airports, train stations, bus stops, shopping malls and more.

However, pavers can also be used indoors. They may be installed on floors of garages, walkways, staircases, patios, hallways, or anywhere else where the flooring is not conducive to walking.

Pavers offer many design choices compared to concrete and have a much longer-lasting finish. They’re also heavily textured, so they provide better traction than concrete.

Concrete vs Pavers

With the introductions over, let’s get to the real part and compare the advantages and downsides of both concrete and pavers to find out which wins under different conditions.

Durability

Both materials are relatively durable, but pavers can sustain roughly four times the weight that concrete can handle. Furthermore, concrete can crack under pressure if not finished correctly.

Pavers can be unfavourable in some weather conditions, especially if the soil underneath your driveway shifts or erodes, then you may need to replace the entire thing. Because of these problems, it is often easier and cheaper to cement your driveway instead of pavers.

Budget

Concrete is less costly than pavers in terms of both material costs and the price of labour (pavers require more work). For instance, concrete driveways vary considerably based on size, grade, how much excavation is needed, whether a new driveway is being built or an old one is being replaced, and more.

Similarly, patio installations also vary significantly in cost depending on the project’s scope. Generally speaking, concrete is easier to install than pavers and requires far fewer steps to complete. You can also quickly get concrete delivery in Calgary for your place anytime.

Design

Pavers come in various colours and shapes. They can be placed in multiple patterns for limitless design options. And, should they be set correctly, they will have an elegant, high-end look compared to concrete.

Yet you can get coloured concrete as well, which also tends to be much cheaper than paver installation and can look just as sharp!

Installation

Concrete is one of the easiest options to install, whether you’re installing poured concrete or prefinished slabs. Prefabricated or poured concrete can also be installed quickly and easily if you hire an experienced contractor.

Pavers are placed in a pattern of rows and columns; each paver must be placed and set, which can take significant amounts of time.

Maintenance

Concrete can be cleaned quickly and inexpensively. However, it also requires regular upkeep to prevent staining. Sealants are typically applied once or twice a year, depending on how often they’re needed for concrete.

Pavers can be tricky to maintain and keep clean because of the spaces. Still, pavers don’t require sealants as much as concrete. In terms of maintenance, both materials need equal attention now and then to keep up their aesthetic quality.

Concrete in Calgary

For many homeowners in Calgary, the choice of concrete or pavers is an easy one to make. Concrete provides stability, cost-effectiveness and easy installation that pavers can’t match. You can also achieve a similar high-end look of pavers with concrete.