Stamped Concrete Vs. Patio Pavers

As a homeowner, you take pleasure in every square foot of your property. Everything you do to modernize and update your home is an investment. And with so many different options for updating your landscaping and other outdoor areas, it can be a bit difficult to decide on just the right materials to fit your needs and design ideas. Oahu home owners seeking to build an outdoor space that is inviting and fits in with their design vision, often turn to decorative concrete solutions.

​One of the questions we get asked a lot by our clients is, What is the difference between stamped concrete and patio pavers?

Designs
Stamped concrete comes in a range of textures and colors. From granite to marble and even worn wood, this type of concrete finish is versatile enough to complement any project's look and feel.
You can replicate old world stone styles like cobblestone and other natural stone styles or more modern styles that tend to be more minimalistic and sleek. 
​
Installation
The installation of stamped concrete is best left to professionals who have the experience, tools and molds. The correct combination of cement and water is vital to execute correctly when installing stamped concrete. This ensures a finished product that cures correctly and does not leak or crack prematurely. For bricks, an expert guarantees that the surface is compacted correctly until the bricks are put in place.
Stamped concrete has a resistance against weathering and foreign contaminants such as pool chemicals and is resistant to fading.
​
Durability and Sustainability
In respect to durability, patio pavers stand out. Some pre-cast pavers are about three times thicker than concrete, making them ideal for high traffic areas.   Patio pavers need little more than occasionally brushing and retain their color while they mature.

Depending on the size of the slab, stamped concrete may not be an appropriate option for areas that will be subject to a lot of weight, such as driveways. That is why most builders propose pre-cast Patio pavers for driveways over stamped concrete because vehicle weights may crack or split the stamped concrete over time.

The repair and replacement
Repairing stamped concrete may be a bit  more complicated to repair if there is a big crack or hole than a plain concrete slab.  Because of the stamped design, it will be important to hire a contractor that can recreate the stamped concrete design when patching the affected area.
For pavers, the repair can be as easy as removing the blocks in question and replacing  them with new blocks if one of your patio pavers breaks or if it gets stained and can not be washed. If you only have to fix one or two pavers, you might consider doing this yourself.

In terms of safety
Proper installation of pavers and concrete is a important when it comes to the long term safety of both of these building materials.  Although, normal wear and tear is expected, more should be considered during the installation process to ensure that there is not a safety hazard. 
For example stamped concrete may become slippery when it is wet. So this is something to consider when planning any concrete project.

Need work done at your home?  Reach out to  Oahu Concrete Contractors to schedule a free quote and consultation.