Deciding between pavers and decorative concrete for your home? Either option can be used for a new patio, walkway, or driveway. But how can you decide which one is right for your home?
Pavers and decorative concrete stamping both offer beauty and functionality, but there are some differences when it comes to durability, maintenance, and cost. Understanding what to expect can help you choose the right fit for your style.
At D&G Cement Company, we’re experts in concrete work, including decorative concrete, in Redford, MI, and the surrounding areas. Our concrete driveway contractors can evaluate your needs and budget, and help you decide if decorative concrete is the right fit for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
How to Decide Between Pavers vs. Decorative Concrete?
Aesthetics & Customization
First, there are some design differences between decorative concrete and pavers. The look you want to achieve for your home will determine which option is best. Decorative concrete is more versatile, and it’s easier to customize.
Custom decorative concrete is made by using molds to pour and stamp the material. The molds can mimic a range of textures, including natural stone, brick, cobblestone, and even wood planks. The color of the decorative concrete can also be changed using specialized pigments, stains, and dyes.
The main benefit to this kind of concrete is that it’s a single surface with no individual joints. This style creates a cleaner, more uniform look.
Pavers, on the other hand, are individual units that interlock. They come in a variety of pre-designed shapes and colors. While they can’t be customized, they’re ideal for homeowners seeking a more classic, segmented look.
Durability
Overall, decorative concrete is more durable than pavers. Since it’s a single, solid surface, it’s more resistant to cracking. It can also be reinforced with rebar or wire mesh for additional support. Adding a sealant can help the surface stand up against freeze-thaw cycles and water damage.
Pavers are somewhat durable, but their longevity depends on the base layer beneath them. Depending on how the foundation is prepared beforehand, the pavers may shift or sink over time.
However, the main benefit to pavers is that if there’s cracking or stains, the affected pavers can be individually replaced. As a result, you can avoid the expense of tearing up an entire section.
Maintenance
In general, there is less maintenance for decorative concrete compared to pavers. To keep your decorative concrete in good condition, it’s best to invest in resealing every 2 to 3 years. Sealant protects the surface from UV fading, stains, and water damage. Occasional sweeping and power washing can also keep the surface clean.
For pavers, the maintenance is more hands-on because of the joints in between each individual piece. The joints are typically filled with sand, which allow weeds, grass, and moss to grow. The joints also require re-sanding to stop the pavers from shifting.
Polymeric sand is a great choice to prevent these issues, but it’s important to work with professionals to install it properly.
Cost
Decorative concrete is generally cheaper to install compared to pavers. Since it often requires only a single pour, it’s a faster, more efficient installation process. However, the total cost will depend on the stamping pattern and color you choose. For larger areas like driveways or patios, decorative concrete can be a more cost effective option.
The installation process for pavers is more labor intensive, since each individual piece has to be placed by hand. The timeline is usually longer, and requires a skilled contractor. However, pavers can be cost effective in the long run, as it’s easier to repair a single piece rather than a whole section.
Contact Our Decorative Concrete Contractors in Redford, MI
If you’re looking for the best decorative concrete contractors, look no further than D&G Cement Company. Our team specializes in decorative concrete in Redford, MI, and the surrounding communities.
With over 50 years of experience working with concrete, including driveways, garage floors, patios, sidewalks, we’re the best choice to bring your concrete project to life. We’re a family-owned and operated business that values high-quality work, professional customer service, and attention to detail.
Want to learn more about working with our team? Call (313) 277-2676 or contact us online today.