Stamped Concrete Vs Pavers: Which is Best?

Thinking about materials for a hardscape design? There are so many options that can help to make your home more appealing and your outdoor space more usable or easier to navigate. 

But when you’re looking at materials, how do you choose which will be the best for your project? Pavers and concrete are two popular choices. 

Check out these tips and details to help you choose the best solution for your project. 

What are Stamped Concrete and Pavers?

Let’s start at the beginning. You can’t really make an informed decision unless you know just what these products are. They are somewhat similar, but do have some differences. 

Surfaces for Landscape

Both stamped concrete and pavers are tools that you use as surfaces for your landscaping projects. In most cases, they are used to make a walkway, pathway, driveway, or even just a decorative space as part of your overall landscaping design. 

The surfaces can be set up for whatever design elements you are looking for, making them versatile enough to meet a variety of needs. 

What is Stamped Concrete?

Stamped concrete is concrete that is poured and then stamped into sections to make it look like a pattern or a design. 

Where many times you think of concrete as creating a slab, using stamped concrete adds an element that breaks up the look and makes it more delicate, which is what many people want in landscaping designs. 

What are Pavers?

Pavers are pre-cut and pre-made pieces that can be laid to create the design of your choice. You lay the pieces and then bind them together with something like mortar or grout. They come in different sizes and different materials. 

Since pavers are individual pieces, they might take longer to put down or create your pattern. 

Why Homeowners Use Pavers

When you’re purchasing landscaping equipment, pavers may seem like the only plausible solution. You go to the store to choose your stuff and that’s what you find. Obviously, you’re not going to find concrete sitting there, aside from the bags that you can mix yourself. 

Many homeowners don’t even consider that there is an alternative to pavers. That being said, they are a great solution and there are many pros to using these. Pavers can be customized to whatever look you want, providing a high-end appearance in the process. 

Pavers are also durable and reliable so once you get them set and sealed, they are likely to last for many years. 

Pavers can also be a bit pricey.

How is Stamped Concrete Different From Pavers?

Stamped concrete can be laid down in bulk and stamped to create whatever patterned look you want. They can be customized in much the same way as pavers, but the process is actually easier and more affordable. 

Here are elements that stand out about stamped concrete:

  • Concrete is versatile in ways you never imagined
  • Concrete can match any style and color preferences
  • Concrete is more affordable and takes far less time

You don’t have to pick out a design, spend hours laying it out, and then go over it with mortar or grout. With concrete, you hire someone to lay it and stamp it according to your design. It takes less time, and having the concrete poured is more affordable as well. 

Drycrete Can Help You Achieve Your Design Vision

No matter what type of design you have in mind, stamped concrete can be used to bring it to life. Drycrete Waterproofing has been working with concrete for more than 30 years. We’re here to help with your design vision! Contact us today to get on the schedule.