Choosing Between Paving Stones and Concrete for Your Patio

Paver stones are individual pieces that the installer fits side by side to create a level surface. A poured concrete slab is a single piece that gives you a firm area for patio furniture. 

They Usually Consist of Different Materials

The primary difference between paving stones vs. concrete is what they’re made of. Pavers may consist of natural stone, like limestone or slate, or man-made bricks. 

A concrete slab is poured in place. To make this material, installers usually mix a combination of cement, sand, gravel, crushed stone, and water. Cement may consist of materials like limestone or clay.

There is such a thing as concrete pavers as well. And while they consist of the same material as poured concrete, they take on different forms. Whereas poured concrete usually results in one giant slab or a few large slabs side by side, concrete pavers are individual, smaller pieces that are cured at the factory before being delivered to your property.

Concrete Is Cheaper Than Paving Stones

As a general rule, poured concrete costs about half the price of paver stones. However, the actual cost depends on the thickness of the poured concrete, the type of stone being used in the pavers, and the size of the pavers. 

Poured concrete is usually cheaper to install than laying out paver stones because it takes less time to complete the job.

Installation of Both Usually Requires Professional Help

When comparing paving stones vs. concrete, some people might try to save money by turning it into a DIY project. However, for the highest level of longevity and durability, a professional installation is recommended.

Professionals will ensure a flat, level area. They’ll prepare the base properly to support the concrete slab or paver stones. If the patio abuts your home or business building, the layout needs to have a slight slant to force rainwater to flow away from the structure, and only a trained and experienced installer can ensure the grading is perfect.

Professionally installed materials will have less chance of cracking or crumbling a few years into the future.

Paving Stones Tend To Be More Aesthetically Pleasing

Paving stones come in a wide range of shapes, colors, and surface textures, all of which provide a natural look. You can create a unique look for your patio with these stones.

Although some people think of poured concrete as being a boring gray color, you can add tints to your liking. The slab gives you fewer options for altering the layout, though.

Repairs Are Tougher With Concrete Slabs

If the concrete crumbles or cracks, it could shift and create a trip hazard. Fixing the concrete in a slab is challenging, as the repair is usually obvious and detracts from the overall aesthetics of the patio.

If a single paver cracks, you can remove that stone and replace it with another one, which simplifies repairs.

Paving Stones May Need More Maintenance

If you want less (or no) maintenance when selecting between paving stones vs. concrete for your patio, you’ll want to select a concrete slab. Installing individual pavers leaves a little bit of space between them where weeds could grow. A slab leaves no room for weeds unless it cracks.

Pavers Offer Greater Longevity

Concrete is durable, but it is prone to cracking or crumbling after a few years. If you try to pour a concrete slab as a DIY job and don’t make it thick enough, it might not support the weight of the people standing on it. Paving stones can support several times more weight than a thin slab of concrete.