The initial cost of pavers is between 10 and 15 percent more expensive than that of concrete. The initial cost of pavers is higher than that of concrete. Concrete is less expensive than pavers, both in terms of materials and labor price. The cost of a driveway varies considerably depending on the size, slope, amount of excavation required, whether a new driveway is installed or an existing one is replaced, and more.
The same applies to the cost of installing patios and walkways. A basic installation of concrete with a smooth finish will always be cheaper than pavers because the installation is quick and does not require as much work. However, patterned concrete dyed to look like natural stone may match or exceed the cost of pavers. In these cases, pavers may be cheaper than concrete.
Cobblestones have a higher resale value due to their beauty and versatility. Concrete slabs are generally more common, but over time, pavers will give it more value because concrete is expensive to replace. Yes, having a cobblestone driveway, patio or pool deck is more expensive than concrete ones. However, the benefits definitely outweigh the cost of choosing pavers instead of concrete.
However, in the long run, pavers tend to increase the value of a home much more than patterned concrete. Beautiful Outdoor Features Can Increase a Home's Value by Thousands of Dollars. Latest report estimates that adding stones for patios or walkways translates into 9% ROI for homeowners. One of the good things about pavers is that they are four times stronger than a typical concrete slab, which means that they can withstand four times more weight on their surface before they crack.
Despite the fact that current techniques allow the concrete to be stamped, so that it looks like pavers, the added cost of this process makes the final price very close to that of installing genuine pavers. The installation process includes excavation, leveling, preparation of foundations, laying forms and pouring concrete. The surface of the concrete slab may remain level for a while, but a crack is inevitable once the ground becomes unstable. Pavers have the longest lifespan of up to 100 years, concrete lasts 25 to 30 years, and asphalt lasts 15 to 20 years if properly maintained.
Changes in temperature and changes below ground surfaces can affect concrete entry or patio. While concrete is not so abundant when it comes to designs and colors, you can choose patterned or decorative concrete, which provides a beautiful appearance. One of the best and easiest ways to create a more usable and attractive patio is to install outdoor elements made of stone or concrete. In addition, concrete is prone to cracking under unfavorable conditions, with too much weight, or if the soil under the area shifts or erodes.
One of the most important disadvantages of stamped concrete is that it can be quite difficult to repair or replace. Concrete slabs are usually poured and then allowed to dry and cure, which may take a couple of days. In the case of concrete slabs, for example, it is quite common for such damage to be related to surface cracks. Another reason cobblestones cost more than concrete is that they make your home look more attractive, unique and elegant.
Cobblestones are considered more difficult to install than concrete because a concrete slab is poured, while pavers have to be laid by hand individually. You can replace individual pavers, while you have to replace the entire concrete slab when a crack occurs. .