When it comes to choosing between concrete vs pavers for your sidewalks and walkways, can be challenging for many people. Each of the options has its advantages. Since I have certain experience in the construction field I will be able to assist you in making the right decision. Now let’s analyze the process in detail.
What is Concrete?
Concrete is a combination of cement, water, and aggregates such as sand or gravel. It creates a hard and a nonporous layer. It hardens and becomes strong when it is poured and allowed to set. Sidewalks are made of concrete because it is long-lasting and does not require much attention.
Advantages of Concrete
Concrete is durable. It can withstand the pressure of feet and does not easily get worn out. This makes it suitable for application on sidewalks and walkways. It is also very simple to install. Contractors place it into molds and level it. It then solidifies in a few days.
Concrete is also versatile. There are various options in terms of the finishing of the concrete such as brushed or stamped. This enables you to introduce character and design on the pathways that you create. Concrete is also affordable. It is cheaper than pavers most of the time making it a good choice for people on a tight budget.
Disadvantages of Concrete
Concrete does have some disadvantages. It can crack with time passing by. These cracks can be a result of changes in temperature or ground movement. Concrete if it cracks, is quite hard to fix. You may have to replace whole segments of your work.
Concrete can also be less aesthetic compared to pavers. As much as you can add texture, it does not have the same options of colors and patterns that pavers have. Finally, concrete, which is commonly used in construction, is often slippery especially when wet. This can be a safety concern, especially in areas that experience rainfall frequently.
What are Pavers?
Pavers are flat and small in size and can be individual bricks or stones. They are available in various models, dimensions, and hues. Pavers are mostly of concrete, stones or clay materials. They are installed on a sand layer and then connected as pieces of a jigsaw puzzle would be. This gives the formation of a patterned and attractive surface.
Advantages of Pavers
Pavers are very attractive. It comes in many designs and colors to suit your personality as well as your needs. This makes your sidewalks and walkways to look more attractive. Pavers are also easy to repair. In the case of the paver, if one of them is damaged, you can replace it without affecting the other ones.
Pavers are also long-lasting. They can take large loads and do not easily crack. The sand in the gaps of the pavers provides some flexibility and thus minimizes the chances of the pavers cracking. Pavers also offer a better grip on the ground which means that they are safer than the gravel ones. This is safer for walking because their surface has a rough texture as compared to the smooth ones.
Disadvantages of Pavers
Pavers may cost more than concrete. The cost of materials and installation is relatively high as compared to the other roofing materials. This might be a concern if you are operating under a limited budget, for instance, as a student. Pavers also need more maintenance than grass. Sand can accumulate between the joints and weeds may also sprout from time to time and you may have to replace the sand.
The laying of pavers is more time-consuming as compared to laying of tiles. Every paver has to be installed separately. This takes more time as compared to when one is pouring concrete. Finally, pavers can be moved from one place to another over a period of time. If the base is not well compacted pavers can shift and create an uneven surface on the compound.
Comparing Durability
As far as the durability of concrete and pavers is concerned, then the two materials have their own advantages. Concrete is a very hard material and can endure a lot of traffic. But it is sensitive to cracks and this is especially true in regions where there are changes in weather conditions.
While the former is rigid, the latter is flexible in nature, especially in terms of installation. The gaps between the pavers are designed to be flexible to ensure that they do not crack easily. This makes them ideal in places where the temperatures change often. Pavers are also very convenient to use since if one of them gets damaged, then it can easily be replaced.
Comparing Maintenance
Concrete is initially less costly in terms of maintenance as compared to asphalt. It is only necessary to seal it from time to time to protect it from stains. However, if it cracks, then the repair works are expensive and complicated. You may have to replace whole chunks of text.
Pavers need to be maintained more often than the other two. The joints have to be filled with sand and the growth of weeds has to be managed. However, repairs are easier. It is easy to replace a single paver and not the whole walkway since the pavers are not connected. This gives pavers the upper hand over other pavements since they are cheaper to maintain in the long run.
Comparing Aesthetics
Beauty is an important factor that influences your choice. Concrete can be plain but you can put texture and color. Stamped concrete can look like pavers or stone. This affords you a certain amount of design freedom.
Pavers have more options for design. It is versatile because you can make complex designs and you have many options when it comes to colors. This makes pavers a better option if you desire to have a beautiful and appealing walkway. Pavers can make your home exterior look beautiful and elegant.
Cost Considerations
Price is one of the considerations. It is generally cheaper in the initial stages of construction since it is a common construction material. The costs of the material, as well as the installation, are less as compared to other types of roofing. This makes it a good option if you are a low-budget client. But, think about possible repair expenses if the concrete splits.
Pavers are more costly at the beginning. The expenses of materials and human resources are relatively high. But what about the long-term benefits? Pavers are easier to repair and maintain. You may end up paying a smaller amount of money in repairs in the long run, which makes pavers a worthy investment.
Conclusion
In choosing between concrete and pavers, it is all about your preference and the amount of money you are willing to spend. Concrete is long-lasting, easy to maintain and the costs of construction are relatively low. It is a good choice if you are looking for an inexpensive and easy-to-implement solution. Pavers are slightly more costly but they provide more versatility when it comes to designing and laying. They are easier to repair and offer better grip on the road surface as compared to the former. When it comes to beauty and longevity, pavers are your best bet.