Concrete Vs Pavers – Three Important Factors to Consider

Concrete slabs are commonly used for driveways, sidewalks and patios, but there is another choice that the consumer should consider: pavers. Pavers are made from many different materials, but probably the most common are crafted from cast concrete that can be finished in all varieties of shapes, sizes, colors and textures. Highlighted below are three factors to consider when deciding between concrete slabs and pavers.

1.    Installation

Concrete slab installation can include excavating and grading the site and setting the forms before the pour, then smoothing the concrete during and immediately after the pour. Excavating and grading is also a necessary step when installing pavers, but neither is as critical as in concrete pours because minor issues are much easier to correct later on. Additional installation steps for pavers are necessary however, including preparing and compacting base material, laying the pavers and borders and possibly having to make cuts on both, still more compaction and filling in the gaps between pavers. Once the paver installation is done, the surface can be used directly, unlike the concrete slab which must harden before use.

2.    Cost

For initial installation, concrete slabs are usually the cheaper option when compared with pavers. Over the long haul however, maintenance and repair costs of concrete slabs can make the higher initial investment of pavers the more cost-effective choice.

3.    Maintenance

Cracks are very common as concrete settles and ages, and they are often difficult to fix. Cracks in pavers are certainly possible as they shift and settle, but it is much easier to replace the affected pavers on a case-by-case basis than to deal with a solid slab of concrete.

Pavers are a viable option over concrete slabs when a cost-effective, durable, versatile and easily maintained hard surface is needed. Compare the pros and cons of both and you may decide that pavers are the way to go.

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