Concrete Paving Pros and Cons
Table of Contents
Concrete Paving Pros and Cons
Concrete paving is a great option for those who want their driveway or patio to look new. The concrete is poured into a mold and then compacted using vibrators. This creates a smooth surface that looks beautiful and lasts for years. There are some cons with concrete slabs, though.
Concrete pavers are becoming popular because they provide homeowners with several benefits. They come in various sizes and colors. For example, they can be installed to create walkways, patios, pool decks, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, etc. Additionally, these pavers last longer than other types of materials (such as wood) and don’t require maintenance.
However, there are also some drawbacks to choosing concrete pavers. These include:
• Concrete pavers tend to crack over time.
• Some pavers won’t fit properly unless they are cut to size.
• Concrete paver prices vary widely depending on the type of material.
• Most concrete pavers are expensive.
Concrete Surface Appearance and Styles
There are many different styles of concrete pavers available today. You can choose from traditional, modern, contemporary, rustic, and more. Traditional pavers have been around since the 1800s and were used primarily for driveways. Modern pavers came about in the 1970s and became popular in the 1980s. Contemporary pavers are similar to modern pavers but have a cleaner appearance. Rustic pavers have a natural stone-like appearance.
The style you select will depend on your preferences and budget. If you prefer something simple, you may opt for a traditional design. However, if you like unique designs, you might consider one of the other options. You should always discuss these kinds of concerns with your contractor so that they are aware of the paving process they should take when designing your indoor or outdoor space.
Types of Pavers
Pavements are made up of two major components: the base and the top layer. The base is usually made of gravel or crushed rock, while the top layer is made of concrete. The top layer provides traction and helps prevent dirt and debris from getting stuck under the pavers.
You can find pavers in three main categories: stamped, extruded, and cast. Stamped pavers are created by stamping out shapes onto the concrete. Extruded pavers are formed by pouring concrete into molds. Cast pavers are created by casting concrete directly into place.
Stamped pavers are typically cheaper than the others and is a popular option. However, they aren’t very durable and can easily chip or break. Extruded paver costs are higher than stamped pavers, but they are much stronger. Cast pavers are the most expensive, but they are extremely durable.
Extruded pavers are generally considered to be the best choice. They are strong and long-lasting. However, they cost significantly more than stamped pavers.
Cast pavers are the most durable and expensive option. They are also the heaviest. They are perfect for areas where weight isn’t an issue.
Pros and Cons of Pavers
Here are some pros and cons of concrete pavers:
Advantages
• Concrete paver installation is relatively easy.
• Concrete pavers are inexpensive.
• Concrete is highly resistant to weather conditions.
• Concrete doesn’t need any maintenance.
• Concrete has a high resistance to wear and tear.
Disadvantages
• Concrete is heavy.
• Concrete requires special equipment to install.
• Concrete can crack over time.
• Concrete is not watertight.
• Concrete needs to be sealed.
• Concrete takes a lot of time to dry.
• Concrete does not breathe well.
• Concrete cannot be recycled.
• Concrete tends to stain.
• Concrete is porous.
• Concrete must be sealed.
• It is difficult to repair concrete.
• Concrete surface is not as attractive as brick, wood, or stone.
• Concrete may require additional sealing.
• Concrete looks dull after it dries.
• Concrete won’t look good when exposed to extreme heat.
• Concrete won't look good when exposed to direct sunlight.
• Concrete should never be placed near fireplaces or hot tubs.
• Concrete will absorb moisture.
Labor Costs for Concrete Paver Installation
Depending on the size of your project, labor costs can range anywhere from $1 per square foot to $10 per square foot. Labor costs will vary depending on the type of pavers you choose. You're lucky if you also get lifetime warranty for the service. For example, stamped pavers are less expensive than extruded pavers.
Cost Per Square Foot
• Stamped pavers – $0.50-$2.00/sq ft
• Extruded pavers – $3.00-$5.00/sq ft.
• Cast pavers – $6.00-$8.00/sq ft.
The average price per square foot for all types of pavers is about $4.00. This includes the cost of materials and labor.
Maintenance Requirements
Concrete pavers do not require regular maintenance. However, concrete pavers should be sealed every few years. If you live in a humid area, you might want to seal them once a year. This should be done particularly if your concrete surface is exposed to weather conditions and other situations, like extreme pressure and water damage.
Sealing Concrete Pavement
There are several different ways that you can seal concrete pavers. You can use a liquid sealer, a powder sealer, or a combination of both. Liquid sealers work best with stamped pavers. Powder sealers work better with extruded pavers. Both methods work great with cast pavers.
Liquid Sealers
A liquid sealer works by filling the pores of the concrete. The liquid seals out air pockets and prevents stains. Liquid sealers come in two forms: clear and colored. Clear sealers are ideal if you want to see the color of the pavers. Colored sealers are ideal if the colors of the pavers blend into each other.
Powder Sealing
A powder sealer works by coating the surface of the concrete. Powdered sealers are available in various shades. Some people prefer darker colors while others like lighter ones.
Mixing Sealers
You can mix your own sealer using a mixture of one part cement to four parts water. Mix the cement and water together until they form a thick paste. Then apply the mixture to the paver. Allow the mixture to dry completely before applying another coat.
Asphalt, Sand, Clay Brick, and Concrete: Which One is a Better Choice for Paving
When choosing between asphalt, sand, clay bricks, and concrete, there are many factors to consider. Each material has its pros and cons. Here are some things to think about when selecting which material is right for your home.
Please refer to the data below to see the pros and cons of other materials that can be used for paving.