It’s springtime, and homeowners are looking for ways to spruce up their home’s curb appeal and tackle weekend DIY projects. Popular upgrades that bring a lot of attention are new driveways, pathways, and decks.
Before you get started, you’ll need to explore which material to use. The debate between concrete vs. pavers comes down to preference. Both products have their benefits and faults.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences so you can decide which is better for your project. Keep reading to learn more.
Concrete vs. Pavers: What’s the Difference?
The most significant difference between what is concrete and what are pavers is consistency. When you install concrete, you start with a sand base that must be mixed and poured. Or you can hire a company to bring concrete already mixed and ready to pour into the form.
You can choose from pre-designed blocks of varying sizes set over a sand-based platform with pavers.
When building edging for your flower beds, concrete curbing is a durable option. Pavers as a border are attractive. However, they tend to settle into the ground over time.
Which is More Durable?
Pavers and concrete are durable materials. When properly maintained, they can last indefinitely. Unfortunately, concrete can experience cracks in cold weather climates.
Both are also susceptible to cracking if installed over tree roots. As the roots grow, they can cause significant damage.
Which is Easier to Repair?
By far, in the concrete vs. paver debate, pavers are easier to repair. There are times when concrete repairs are more economical than a total replacement. The issue becomes the time and manpower to prepare concrete for patchwork.
The concrete will most likely need to be torn out and redone. Using a pavers guide, you can easily reset pavers without disrupting the design pattern.
Installation Comparison: What’s Easier?
In this round concrete wins. After laying the concrete guide for the form, you pour the concrete, level it out, and wait for it to set. The best concrete tip is to weigh the cost of doing it yourself vs. hiring a professional concrete company.
Depending on the size of the job, you’ll need to know when to install rebar and wiring.
Pavers are more appealing than concrete, but it is a manual job that requires setting each paver by hand. You’ll also need to prepare the base and ensure the surface is level.
What is the Cost Difference?
Concrete is far less expensive than pavers. However, pavers will provide a greater return on investment in longevity and the property’s resale value.
The Choice is Yours
Now that you know the differences between concrete vs. pavers is time to decide which is best for your project. Each has its pros and cons. The ultimate factor is which is more appealing to your taste.
We hope you enjoyed this article and it helps settle the debate. If you’re a contractor looking for templates for your concrete or paver business, we have various tools for every business owner.
