One of the most difficult choices a homeowner has to make when landscaping is choosing what type of paver material to use for hardscaping in the front or backyard. Concrete patio pavers are some of the most popular materials available and for good reason. Here are the pros and cons to consider of this versatile material as you try to create your own outdoor haven.
PROS
Durable
One major advantage of using concrete patio pavers is that they are a very durable material. They're less likely to develop unsightly cracks than poured concrete slabs and they will hold up better than brick pavers as well with much less crumbling and fading.
Versatile
Concrete pavers allow for a lot of versatility. You can add much more visual interest with a concrete paver than with poured concrete slab because you can choose from a wide variety of colors and textures to achieve exactly the look you want. You can also create mosaic-like designs if you wish or stick with a simple pattern. The options are endless.
Aesthetics
Pavers have a much homier and more finished visual aesthetic than concrete. They can be made to mimic the look of any type of stone or brick and that also improves the visual aesthetic.
Easy Maintenance
Concrete pavers are easy to maintain and can be kept clean with a simple sweep now and then. You can also use a pressurized water sprayer to remove tougher messes without damaging the pavers in any way.
Slip Resistance
Concrete pavers are usually manufactured with a texture that creates a surface with slip resistance so you won't have a hazardous situation when it rains or when sprinklers wet the area.
CONS
Prep Work
Using concrete pavers requires quite a bit of preparation work before installation, especially when compared to concrete slabs. The area needs to be excavated and free from grass and weeds. It needs to be leveled and graded with a slightly sloping angle to direct water runoff away from the home. Then the subsurface dirt should be compacted. Next, there should be some type of weed barrier in place and then a layer of sand should be put down and compacted. Only then can the pavers be installed and sealed.
Cost
Concrete pavers will cost more to install than a concrete slab but they have a comparable price with other hardscaping options like brick and stone and may even ring in a little cheaper. Prices can fluctuate depending on textures and colors. For concrete pavers, you can expect to pay around $8 to $15 to install.
For more info about patio pavers, contact a local company.
