Concrete vs. Pavers: Best Choice for Walkways

23 May 2024

Concrete vs. Pavers for Walkways: Which is Right for You?

Choosing the right material for your walkway is vital.

It affects not only the look of your outdoor space but also its functionality and maintenance.

Concrete and pavers are two popular choices.

Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

In this article, we'll compare concrete and pavers for walkways to help you decide which is the best fit for your needs.

Understanding Concrete and Pavers

Concrete Walkways

Concrete is made from a mix of cement, water, and aggregates like sand or gravel. It's known for being strong and long-lasting. For walkways, concrete comes in several forms:

Plain Concrete: This is the most basic type. It's smooth and clean, offering a simple look.
Stamped Concrete: Stamped concrete can look like stone, brick, or other materials. It’s a great option if you want a decorative touch.
Stained Concrete: Adding color to concrete can make it look more attractive. Stained concrete gives a richer appearance.

Concrete walkways are common because they’re durable and cost-effective.

Paver Walkways

Pavers are individual pieces made from materials like brick, stone, or concrete. They are popular because they come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing for a lot of creativity in design:

Brick Pavers: Brick pavers have a classic look and are very durable.
Stone Pavers: These offer a natural and elegant appearance, perfect for a high-end look.
Concrete Pavers: Concrete pavers are versatile and relatively affordable. They can be shaped and colored in many ways.

Paver walkways are valued for their design flexibility and aesthetic appeal.

Pros and Cons of Concrete Walkways

Let's break down the good and the bad of choosing concrete for your walkway.

Pros

Durability: Concrete walkways are built to last. They can handle heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions. With proper care, they can last for decades.
Cost-Effectiveness: If you're on a budget, concrete is a great choice. It's often cheaper to install compared to pavers, especially for large areas.
Easy Maintenance: Keeping a concrete walkway looking good is straightforward. Regular cleaning and occasional sealing are usually all it takes.
Quick Installation: Installing concrete is generally faster than laying pavers. Once poured and set, it's ready to go.

Cons

Potential for Cracking: One downside is that concrete can crack over time. Temperature changes, soil movement, or heavy loads can cause cracks. Repairs can be costly and might not match the original surface.
Limited Design Options: While you can stamp or stain concrete, the design choices are still limited compared to pavers. You won't get as much creative freedom.
Surface Stains: Concrete can stain easily from oils, chemicals, and weather exposure. These stains can be tough to remove and affect the overall look.

So, while concrete offers durability and cost savings, it also has its drawbacks, like cracking and limited design flexibility.

Cost Comparison

When deciding between concrete and pavers, cost is a significant factor. Let's compare the initial and long-term costs of each material with realistic estimates.

Initial Costs

Concrete walkways generally have a lower upfront cost. On average, plain concrete costs about $6 to $12 per square foot. Stamped or stained concrete, which offers more decorative options, can range from $12 to $18 per square foot.

Pavers tend to be more expensive initially. The cost per square foot for pavers, including both material and installation, ranges from $15 to $30. This higher price reflects the labor-intensive process of laying individual pieces.

Long-term Costs

While concrete might be cheaper to install, it can be more expensive to maintain in the long run. Repairing cracks can cost between $300 and $500 per section. Additionally, the entire surface might need resealing every 2 to 5 years, costing around $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot.

Pavers have a higher initial cost, but their long-term maintenance is often easier and cheaper. If a paver gets damaged, replacing it can cost around $10 to $20 per piece, depending on the type. Regular maintenance involves keeping the joints clean and occasionally adding more sand, which is relatively inexpensive.

So, while concrete saves you money upfront, pavers can be more economical over time due to easier and cheaper maintenance.

Pros and Cons of Paver Walkways

Now, let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of using pavers for your walkway.

Pros

Aesthetic Versatility: Pavers offer incredible design flexibility. With various shapes, sizes, and colors, you can create a unique look that matches your style. Whether you prefer a classic, rustic, or modern appearance, pavers can deliver.
Easy to Repair: If a paver gets damaged, replacing it is simple. You only need to remove the affected piece and replace it with a new one, which makes maintenance hassle-free.
Good Drainage: Paver walkways have natural gaps between each piece, allowing water to drain through. This reduces puddling and water damage.
Durability: Pavers are extremely durable and can withstand heavy loads. They are less likely to crack compared to concrete.

Cons

Higher Initial Cost: One downside is that pavers tend to be more expensive upfront. The cost of materials and the labor for installation can add up, especially for large areas.
Potential for Shifting: Pavers can shift over time, especially if not installed correctly. This can create an uneven surface, which may need regular adjustment.
Weed Growth: Weeds can grow in the gaps between pavers if not properly maintained. Regular weeding or using a sealant can help prevent this, but it requires ongoing attention.

Pavers offer a lot of design versatility and are easy to repair, but they come with higher costs and maintenance challenges like shifting and weed growth.

Aesthetic and Design Considerations

When it comes to aesthetics and design, the choice between concrete and pavers can significantly impact the look of your walkway. Let's explore the design flexibility and customization options for each material.

Design Flexibility

Concrete

Concrete walkways offer some design options, but they are more limited compared to pavers. You can choose from plain concrete, which gives a clean and simple look, or opt for decorative finishes:

Stamped Concrete: Stamped concrete can mimic the appearance of other materials like stone, brick, or even wood. This adds a decorative touch without the higher cost of natural materials.
Stained Concrete: Adding color to concrete can enhance its visual appeal. Stains come in various shades and can give a unique, rich look.

However, the overall design flexibility is somewhat limited compared to pavers.

Pavers

Pavers excel in design versatility. They come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns, allowing for a high degree of customization:

Shapes and Sizes: Pavers can be square, rectangular, circular, or irregularly shaped, offering numerous design possibilities.
Colors: Pavers are available in a wide range of colors, from natural tones to vibrant hues. This allows you to match or complement the existing landscape.
Patterns: You can arrange pavers in various patterns like herringbone, basketweave, or running bond, creating unique and eye-catching designs.

Customization Options

Concrete offers some customization through stamping and staining, but the choices are limited. Pavers, on the other hand, provide extensive customization options. You can mix and match different types of pavers to create intricate designs or use contrasting colors to highlight specific areas.

Installation and Maintenance

The ease of installation and maintenance can significantly influence your decision between concrete and pavers. Let’s delve into the processes and upkeep for each material.

Installation Process

Concrete

Preparation: Installing a concrete walkway starts with preparing the site. This involves clearing the area, leveling the ground, and setting up forms to hold the concrete in place.
Pouring: Once the site is ready, the concrete mix is poured into the forms and spread evenly. This step needs to be done quickly to ensure a smooth finish.
Curing: After pouring, concrete needs time to cure. This can take several days, during which it must be kept moist to prevent cracking.
Finishing: Depending on the desired look, the surface can be stamped or stained during the curing process.

The entire process is relatively quick, usually taking a few days to complete.

Pavers

Preparation: Similar to concrete, the site for pavers needs to be cleared and leveled. A base layer of gravel is then added and compacted to ensure stability.
Laying Pavers: Pavers are placed individually on top of a layer of sand, which allows for flexibility and proper alignment. This step is labor-intensive and requires precision.
Filling Joints: Once the pavers are laid, sand is swept into the joints to lock them in place. This provides stability and prevents shifting.
Compacting: The entire surface is compacted to ensure the pavers are firmly set and level.

Installing pavers takes longer and involves more manual labor compared to concrete.

Maintenance Tips

Concrete

Cleaning: Regular cleaning with a hose or pressure washer helps keep the surface free of dirt and stains.
Sealing: To protect against stains and weather damage, concrete should be sealed every 2 to 5 years.
Repairing Cracks: Small cracks should be repaired promptly to prevent them from growing. This often requires professional help.

Pavers

Cleaning: Paver walkways should be swept regularly to remove debris. Occasional power washing helps maintain their appearance.
Weed Control: Weeds can grow in the joints between pavers. Using a weed barrier or applying a sealant can help prevent this.
Replacing Pavers: If a paver becomes damaged, it’s easy to replace just that one piece. This makes repairs simple and cost-effective.

Pavers require more frequent but simpler maintenance, while concrete needs less frequent but potentially more costly upkeep.

Environmental Impact

When choosing materials for your walkway, it's important to consider their environmental impact. Let’s compare the eco-friendliness of concrete and pavers.

Concrete

Production Impact: Concrete production has a significant environmental footprint. The process involves high energy consumption and CO2 emissions due to cement manufacturing.
Heat Retention: Concrete tends to absorb and retain heat, creating "heat islands" in urban areas. This can contribute to higher temperatures in your outdoor space.
Water Runoff: Concrete is impermeable, which means water cannot pass through it. This can lead to increased water runoff and potential flooding issues during heavy rains.

Pavers

Production Impact: The environmental impact of pavers varies depending on the material. Natural stone pavers have a lower carbon footprint than concrete pavers. However, both types generally have a smaller environmental impact compared to poured concrete.
Heat Retention: Pavers, especially those made from natural stone, tend to stay cooler than concrete. This helps reduce heat buildup in your outdoor space.
Permeability: One of the biggest environmental advantages of pavers is their permeability. The gaps between pavers allow water to seep into the ground, reducing runoff and promoting natural water absorption.

Eco-Friendly Options

Recycled Materials: Both concrete and pavers can be made from recycled materials. Using recycled concrete or eco-friendly pavers can reduce the environmental impact of your walkway.
Permeable Pavers: These pavers are designed to allow water to pass through, reducing runoff and promoting groundwater recharge. They are an excellent choice for eco-conscious homeowners.

Conclusion

Choosing between concrete and pavers for your walkway depends on various factors like budget, design preferences, maintenance capabilities, and environmental considerations. Concrete walkways offer durability and cost-effectiveness but come with limitations in design and potential for cracking. Pavers provide unmatched design flexibility and easier repairs but come with higher initial costs and the need for regular maintenance.

For homeowners looking for a sturdy, budget-friendly option, concrete may be the way to go. If you prioritize aesthetic versatility and easy maintenance, pavers might be the better choice.

No matter your preference, it's essential to choose a professional service that ensures quality installation and long-term satisfaction.