Pavers vs. Concrete: Which is Best for Your Outdoor Space?
When designing your ideal outdoor living space, one of the significant decisions you will face is choosing between pavers and concrete. Choosing the right material for your new patio is key for ensuring long-term value and compatibility with your lifestyle. While pavers are more expensive than concrete initially, they offer superior long-term benefits, particularly in Ohio’s unique climate and soil conditions. Concrete costs per square foot are generally lower initially, but pavers are more cost-effective over time due to durability and lower maintenance. Join the experts at Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living and discover why pavers might be the better investment for your outdoor project.
Understanding Pavers and Concrete
What are Concrete Pavers?
Concrete pavers are a versatile and durable paving material made from concrete, designed to withstand the elements and provide a visually appealing surface.
Key Features of Concrete Pavers:
- Available in diverse shapes, sizes, and colors
- Highly customizable design options
- Superior durability and weather resistance
- Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
- Low maintenance requirements
- Ideal for Ohio’s climate conditions
Common Applications:
- Stunning outdoor patios
- Functional walkways
- Durable driveways
- Pool surrounds
- Garden paths
- Outdoor living spaces
Their strength and resistance to weathering make them an excellent choice for Ohio homeowners who want a long-lasting and attractive solution for their outdoor projects. The versatility of concrete pavers allows homeowners to create unique designs that perfectly complement their home’s architecture and landscape.
What is a Poured Concrete Patio?
Poured concrete, often referred to as poured concrete slabs, involves pouring liquid concrete into a prepared area to create a solid, flat surface.
Installation Process:
- Site preparation and grading
- Form setup and reinforcement
- Concrete mixing and pouring
- Surface finishing
- Curing time
- Final sealing
Advantages of Poured Concrete:
- Cost-effective installation
- Faster completion time
- Minimal initial maintenance
- Versatile design options
- Smooth, uniform surface
- Wide application potential
However, poured concrete can be prone to cracking, especially in regions with fluctuating weather conditions like Cincinnati. Regular maintenance, such as sealing, is necessary to ensure its longevity and keep it looking its best. Despite these challenges, poured concrete remains a cost-effective and durable choice for many homeowners, particularly those working within a specific budget or timeline constraints.
Maintenance Requirements:
- Regular sealing every 2-3 years
- Crack monitoring and repair
- Surface cleaning
- Winter protection
- UV damage prevention
- Stain management
Poured Concrete: The Affordable Yet Challenging Option
Concrete is a popular choice due to its affordability and versatility. It can be molded into various shapes and finishes, providing a clean and functional concrete slab.
Ohio’s soil contains a high clay content, which expands when wet and contracts during dry conditions. This fluctuation can lead to substantial movement beneath concrete slabs, causing them to crack. Further, Ohio experiences multiple freeze-thaw cycles each year, exacerbating the pressure on concrete surfaces and leading to further cracking. A polished or stamped concrete surface can enhance curb appeal, but it still faces challenges in Ohio’s climate.
According to Michael Boeck,
Landscape Architect at Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living, “There is no pretty way to repair a crack or an easy way to level it.”
Another issue with concrete is its color consistency. You can never be entirely sure what color you will get, and over time, the color tends to fade significantly. In Ohio, concrete surfaces must be sealed every 2-3 years to maintain their appearance, as the UV rays from the sun can rapidly deteriorate the material.
Sealing concrete also incurs ongoing costs. “Sealing a concrete patio
every couple of years does cost money,” noted Boeck. “While concrete can perform well in dry and arid areas, it is not ideally suited for Ohio’s climate.”
Paving Stones: A Durable and Aesthetic Solution
Pavers, including brick pavers and concrete paver options, although initially more expensive, offer a range of benefits that can make them a more cost-effective solution in the long run. Pavers are set on a base of aggregate, which allows water to drain and accommodates minor movements without causing significant issues. They also can withstand up to four times the pressure of concrete and are less likely to crack due to ground shifting. Natural stone pavers are also a popular choice for their aesthetic appeal and slip resistance, especially around pool areas. This flexibility is crucial in dealing with Ohio’s clay soil and freeze-thaw cycles.
With a properly prepared base, patio pavers experience minimal movement. However, they might require leveling every decade or so. A paver patio is less likely to crack and can be easily repaired by replacing individual pavers. Unlike concrete, pavers are easily repairable. If a paver becomes damaged or sinks, it can be lifted and replaced without disturbing the surrounding area. Additionally, the polymer sand used between pavers hardens and acts like grout, enhancing the interlock and preventing weed growth, explained Boeck.
Paving bricks are known for their durability and strength, making them a long-lasting choice for outdoor applications. Pavers also offer superior durability and aesthetic appeal compared to other paving materials. Their color is less likely to fade over time, and they come in a wide variety of shapes, styles, and colors, allowing homeowners to achieve any look they desire, from modern to traditional to natural. “You can achieve any look with them,” said Boeck.
While installing pavers may take more time and skill, the long-term benefits such as reduced maintenance and greater durability make it a worthwhile investment. Recent advancements in paver technology have further improved their performance. Some modern pavers are made with a concrete top surface that is more stain and weather-resistant, adding to their longevity and ease of maintenance.
Aesthetic Appeal and Design Flexibility
Design Advantages of Pavers:
- Wide range of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures for creating custom patterns
- Ability to mix and match different styles for unique designs
- Option to combine with natural stone or brick for distinctive looks
- Suitable for various design styles from modern to traditional
- Higher potential resale value due to aesthetic appeal and durability
Pavers: Aesthetic Options
Paving stones, including concrete pavers, offer countless possibilities for creating beautiful and unique outdoor spaces. The design flexibility of pavers allows homeowners to craft spaces that perfectly match their vision, from intricate patterns to striking borders and layouts that add visual interest to patios, walkways, and driveways.
Key Installation Considerations:
- Higher initial cost per square foot compared to concrete
- Requires skilled installation for proper alignment and durability
- Needs precise cutting and elevation adjustment
- Professional installation recommended for best results
- Longer installation time compared to poured concrete
Long-Term Investment Benefits:
- Extended lifespan with proper maintenance
- Better durability in Ohio’s climate
- Enhanced property value
- Lower long-term maintenance costs
- More repair flexibility compared to concrete
Concrete Considerations and Recommendations
While pavers offer numerous advantages, they are not suitable for every budget due to their higher cost per square foot. The initial cost is higher, and the installation requires more skill compared to concrete. Pouring concrete is often a faster and more cost-effective option compared to installing pavers. Proper cutting and elevation adjustment are crucial to ensure a seamless look and function, which can add to the cost per square foot.
Initial Concrete Cost Considerations:
- Higher cost per square foot for pavers
- More complex installation requirements
- Need for skilled labor
- Additional time for installation
- More extensive preparation needed
Understanding the total cost of your outdoor renovation, including material and installation expenses, can help you make an informed decision. Despite the higher upfront cost, Boeck strongly recommends waiting until your budget allows for pavers if you are looking for a premium, long-lasting result. “If you only want to do this once, then wait to get your budget to where it needs to be to get pavers,” he advised.
While many landscaping companies divide their work between contractors and subcontractors, Werbrich maintains full control of your project by handling all paver installation with our in-house team.
Long-Term Considerations:
- Stamped concrete can be slippery around pools
- Colored concrete may fade up to 50% within five years
- Regular sealing required for concrete maintenance
- Pavers offer better longevity in Ohio’s climate
- Both materials can last for decades with proper care
While concrete can be a serviceable and cost-effective option for outdoor spaces, pavers provide a more flexible, durable, and aesthetically pleasing solution, especially in Ohio’s challenging climate and soil conditions. Both materials have a lifespan of decades, but pavers can often last longer than concrete with proper care. If your budget allows, investing in pavers will likely yield greater satisfaction and longevity. For those looking to create a beautiful and enduring outdoor living space, pavers are the superior choice.
For more personalized advice and to explore the best options for your outdoor project, contact the experts at Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living. Our team is dedicated to helping you create the outdoor space of your dreams with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship.
Curious about other paving materials? Discover if porcelain might be right for your project in our guide: Porcelain Pavers Pros and Cons: Elegant Outdoor Living
Werbrich’s Custom Outdoor Living
For more personalized advice and to explore the best options for your outdoor project, contact the experts at Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living. Since 1997, our team has grown from a simple lawn care service to a comprehensive outdoor living company with approximately 60 dedicated professionals across two Cincinnati locations. Our in-house landscape designers, certified landscape architects, and skilled craftspeople have been transforming Greater Cincinnati properties for over 25 years, with many team members bringing more than a decade of experience to your project.
What sets us apart is our commitment to handling all services in-house without subcontractors, ensuring consistent quality and seamless communication throughout your project. Under the leadership of Kevin and Missy Werbrich, we’ve evolved to offer comprehensive design services that create cohesive indoor-outdoor living spaces, from initial landscape design to furniture selection. Our team is dedicated to helping you create the outdoor space of your dreams with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, whether you’re considering a paver patio, pool installation, or complete backyard transformation.
Visit our Loveland Design Center or Cleves office to start your outdoor living journey with a team that has earned its reputation through 25 years of continuous growth and customer satisfaction. Our clients know we are dedicated to making sure every customer is 100% satisfied, which is why client referrals and repeat customers account for the majority of our business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to lay pavers or concrete?
Concrete is initially cheaper than pavers, with costs typically ranging from $6-12 per square foot for concrete versus $12-20 per square foot for pavers installed professionally. However, when factoring in long-term maintenance and repair costs, pavers can be more cost-effective over time as they require less maintenance and are easier to repair.
What are the disadvantages of pavers?
The main disadvantages of pavers are higher upfront installation costs and the potential for weeds to grow between the joints if not properly maintained. Professional installation is required for best results, as improper installation can lead to settling or uneven surfaces.
Why choose pavers over concrete?
Pavers offer superior durability, easier repairs, better weather resistance, and greater design flexibility compared to concrete, making them ideal for regions with freeze-thaw cycles. They also maintain their color better over time and can be individually replaced if damaged, unlike concrete which often requires complete replacement when cracked.
