Concrete vs. Stone pavers

Pavers can be used in hallways, patios, and other common outdoor areas. Deciding between stone pavers and concrete pavers can be tricky, and that is why we are here to give you some insights. Here are some factors that differentiate the two types of pavers.

Features

Stone pavers in Thousand Oaks are made of natural clay, sand, and water. They are formed into blocks or rectangles, then baked at high temperatures to remove excess moisture. Because they are made of clay, these pavers may have some variation in size and appearance.

Concrete pavers are molded into metal dyes to create the desired shape, then dried to remove excess moisture. These pavers are uniform in size and appearance.

Proceeds

The main benefit of stone pavers is their rich terracotta coloration, which extends along the paver. Stone won’t fade over time, so it’s easy to combine them if repairs are needed. If a stone paver is chipped or cracked, the color will remain constant, which helps mask the appearance of damage.

Concrete pavers are typically stronger and harder than stones, making them more suitable for driveways or high-traffic applications. Their consistent and uniform shape also makes them easier to install than stone. Concrete is typically less porous than stone, which can reduce the damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles.

Inconvenience

Stone pavers are more susceptible to cracks and chips due to wear and sharp impact. They are generally not considered sturdy enough to withstand vehicular traffic, and their inconsistent size can create an uneven appearance. Stone is also about 15 percent more expensive than concrete in most areas.

The biggest drawback of concrete pavers is their coloring. Some of these pavers are only colored on the surface, so the chips or cracks are obvious. Sun exposure can fade the color of concrete pavers over time, which can make it difficult to stitch together and repair the structures formed by these units.

Appearance

One of the best ways to choose between these two materials is to consider the different color and appearance options. Stone pavers have a terracotta coloration that is difficult to duplicate with dyes or pigments. They are available in various shades of red, brown, and orange. Concrete pavers can be found in almost any shade, with pigments and dyes added to the mix to create these colors. Concrete units tend to have a smoother texture than stone and can be found in many different shapes and sizes. Stone pavers are only available in square or rectangular shapes.

Maintenance

Both materials require very little maintenance. Stone pavers should be sealed to help establish the sand joints and hold the stones in place. Installers using polymer sand grout will not need to add sealant. The layers of the seals should be reapplied every two to three years if used. Concrete requires an acrylic sealant to help minimize fading and chipping. This sealant should be reapplied annually, or even twice a year in areas subject to extreme weather conditions.

If you are not sure which to pick between concrete and stone pavers, we at Venco Ventura Concrete can assist you to choose the one that suits you perfectly based on your needs and the type of house.