When considering a revamp of your patio, you have a lot to consider. Of course, you want your patio to look high end, be safe, and not cost you a fortune, but what materials and techniques will check off that list? Building with pavers or stamped concrete are two very popular ways to create a beautiful patio, but it can be difficult to determine which is best for your project.
Stamped concrete is a beautiful option for a patio, especially if you are on a bit of a budget. Since it’s made of concrete, it’s going to be a bit cheaper than your classic flagstone to travertine patio. However, since it’s stamped with a gorgeous pattern of your choice and highlighted with colors that will complement your home, it can look just as great. Stamped concrete can be made to look like brick, natural stone, wood, tile, or just about any pattern you’d like to create on your patio floor. Stamped concrete is created by pouring a slab of concrete and pushing the stamp into it while it is still soft to create the pattern. Color can be added in both with the base slab and after the stamping. The creation and installation of a stamped concrete patio is less labor intensive than a classic paver patio, which cuts down that price even more. With no big grout lines, there are less opportunities for weeds to grow through, and with a good sealer, the concrete can last for many years. However, concrete does break eventually, and it can be difficult to create a replacement that looks exactly the same as the rest. Another drawback to consider may be that although the stamped texture prevents it from getting as slick as smooth concrete when it’s wet, it is still concrete, so the slip risk is there.
Paver patios are the most popular option. These are created with a beautifully and practically arranged pattern of pavers. A paver patio is always a good choice when you are looking for that authentic luxury feeling, as everything can be customized to your vision - from the color, shape, and material of your pavers, to the pattern they are arranged in. Although the initial costs are the same may or slightly higher than a stamped concrete patio, paver patios tend to be very low maintenance, which may save you money in the long run. If repairs are needed, it is typically very simple to pull up the broken area, and get a couple new pavers to fix just that section. The paver patio is also usually made with materials that don’t get as hot when exposed to direct sunlight, so for families with barefoot kids running around in the summertime, the pavers might be a better option. Watch out for stubbed toes, though, because as the patio pavers set into the base layer below them, there is a possibility that they may become uneven, creating a tripping hazard.
To get more information on which patio materials and techniques are best for your project, contact our professional designers at Red Valley Landscape and Construction.