As you get ready to install new pavers, you have to think about maintenance requirements. You don’t want to go with an option that will cost you a lot in paver restoration. In this post we will be looking at the two most popular materials: concrete pavers and stamped concrete pavers. Which should you install?
Strength
If you need a material that will continue serving you for years to come without failing, you have to go for the one with the most strength. In this case, concrete is the best option more so if you need pavers for the driveway. Concrete pavers are capable of withstanding a pressure of 8,000 PSI (pounds per inch) or even more. Stamped concrete can only hold between 3,000 to 4,000 PSI.
Having a higher PSI means a material is more resistant to the effects of freeze-thaw cycles. Stamped concrete is mostly preferred for its beauty. It is a decorative slab which will crack under high PSI. Concrete pavers, on the other hand, don’t crack. If by chance a concrete paver breaks, you can replace a single paver unlike stamped pavers where you have to replace an entire section.
If what you are looking for is a solution that will serve you for years without failing, concrete pavers will be the best choice. Stamped pavers are ideal if all you need is utter beauty and don’t mind spending a little more money in paver restoration every now and then.
Color
The best thing about concrete pavers is that they have the color integrated throughout the whole paver. This is unlike stamped concrete that has a top color and a pattern layer applied to the top surface of the slab. What this means is that even after years of abuse, concrete pavers will still maintain their colors unlike stamped pavers which fade over time.
Design
With stamped concrete pavers, you will only get a few different stone or brick textures. This makes it difficult to design with stamped concrete. Concrete pavers are available in a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes. This makes it easy for you to select a design and pattern that works for you project.
Maintenance
Both concrete pavers and stamped concrete will benefit from sealing. You should, however, note that with stamped concrete you will need more frequent sealer application to protect the finish. It is, thus, more expensive to care for stamped concrete.
Cost
The cost of installing either concrete pavers or stamped concrete is fairly the same. Costs start to add up when it comes to maintenance. It is more expensive to care for stamped concrete.
Even with the cost of paver restoration in mind, you have to consider all the negatives of each option carefully. Only select the option you feel has the most acceptable risks.
