The Difference Between Pavers and Concrete

The look of concrete and pavers may be comparable, but the difference becomes clear when measuring costs, durability and maintenance.

If you have begun a landscaping project, you may now be wondering how you are going to deal with the walkway. Which is better concrete or pavers? What is the difference? What is the best situation or set-up for each? The main differences are going to be in cost, upkeep, durability and installation. Of course, the overall aesthetic will factor into the design of a garden or backyard, but it is possible order beautiful concrete or pavers. Focus first on what will work best in your budget as well as what will be most functional in your space. Things like good drainage or permanence make affect your decision making process more than a stamped design or complimentary color.

Installation for concrete slabs is quite a bit easier, but the material does take longer to set and dry. This process will include elements like evacuating the designated area and leveling it out. Then, the foundation and setting forms must be done before pouring the concrete. Be sure to pay special attention to the grading before laying anything. A shoddy job may result in major and costly repairs later. Conversely, paving stones is much more labor intensive. It includes all the preparation steps of concrete and more. However, the stones are ready for immediate use after being laid.

Concrete is also easier to maintain when compared to pavers. It can retain stains from things like motor oil, but with regular pressure washing, this will not likely be a huge issue. Plus, slabs can be coated with a protective sealant, which will prevent stains and lessen the need to pressure wash. Unfortunately, cracks may happen as the Earth naturally shifts, which may mean high long-term costs. Pavers require little care, but the stone joints and grooves must be weeded and cleaned. When the ground beneath moves, individual pavers can be reworked or replaced more easily than a concrete slab repair.

When looking at the cost differences between concrete and pavers, look holistically. Include maintenance and installation in your budget. Overtime, concrete will need to be resealed, washed and fixed when cracked. Pavers will also need weeding, cleaning and occasional replacing. Concrete firms may have a minimum size work order limitation, which can result in pavers being the cheaper alternative. However, typically pavers will be more costly because it is more labor intensive. Keep in mind that stamped concrete will likely be comparable in price to pavers and a traditional concrete slab will have greater long-term costs. To learn more about pavers in Morgan Hill, please visit this website.

Creative Landscaping

Landscaping materials can be used in the most creative ways you can imagine. You can easily build a walkway or lovely feature walls for small gardening nooks.

The Benefits of Using Landscaping Materials for a Great Outdoor Space

All designers need variety and cost effective options. Landscaping materials can fulfill this need as you create the perfect outdoor space.

What is the more important choice you will make for you outdoor space? Will it be the furniture? Is it the water feature? Is it the bar? All of these components will really enhance your space and make it personal, but think a little bit more basic. Deciding what to put under your feet will greatly affect the style and feel of your outdoor space. A plot of sand can define a tranquil rock garden or a vibrant volleyball pitch. Grass will invite your children to play their favorite games while gravel may line the flowerbeds for a natural partition. Your plants and accessories are necessary components of the design, but the ground will bring the entire space together.

Landscaping materials can be expensive, but usually, they are cheaper in bulk. This means you have a cost effective means of sprucing up your backyard or front porch. You can make beautiful walkways of various stones or stamped concrete. These durable options come with a large variety that does not have to break a budget. Stones like sandstone, slate, granite and limestone offer unique looks that can aid in creating an eye catching and inviting layout. The expense varies but there are beautiful options within every price range.

Your average outdoor area will likely have grass and maybe a fence, but it is up to the homeowner to give it life and individuality. Even in the biggest home improvement chains, if you ignore the landscaping section, you may be limited to adorable signs and fun furniture. While these are ideal for a great outdoor space, you can’t skip the foundation. How will you designate a seating area more thoroughly than just placing chairs and a table? How do you give the children a place to play without reverting to a sand box and a swing set? The answer is easy. Use the floor.

Additionally, many landscaping materials give you a balance of natural and man-made. Stones and gravel are a great way to incorporate or accent the surrounding environment. A dark slate often provides good contrast to bright green grass or pale gravel and is commonly used for patchy walkways. If you want a more regular and geometric design, some stones come in various sized rectangular blocks and provide both symmetry and unexpected patterns. While the space may function based on a plan, it can still look like it occurred naturally with just a touch of help from the homeowner. To learn more about landscaping materials in Gilroy, for a great outdoor space, visit this website.

Concrete Blocks Last

Concrete blocks were invented in the mid 1800s and were intended to provide fire and weather proof housing materials. It is still widely used today in governmental and commercial properties. 

Get Creative With Durable Ready Mix

Texture, patterns and color can all be used to add visual interest to concrete hardscapes around your home.

When you think of concrete – if you think of concrete – you probably think of the large slab of concrete that makes up your driveway or patio, and perhaps you don't find that terribly exciting. What you're missing is that concrete is one of the most durable and versatile materials available for building and landscaping. Get to know concrete and its potential.

The beautiful thing about ready mix concrete is that it is limited only by the form it is poured into. With the right structure and support, you can create almost anything.

One way to give concrete visual interest is to break up the slabs into smaller sections. This is an especially good solution in areas prone to extreme temperature changes, as the areas between the concrete sections allow for expansion and contraction and minimize cracking. A simple gridded pattern is great for large expanses like driveways. For wow factor on a back patio, consider creating a large-scale mosaic pattern. Curving, organic shapes evoke a different mood than the rhythm of repeated squares.

Remember, too, that you can add color to concrete, either integrally or as a surface application. Color pigments can be mixed in to concrete as its being prepared, saturating the entire mixture to give you subtle color shifts or dramatic color changes. This will give you even color across the entire slab that doesn't fade, scuff, or change with weather. You can fashion some truly spectacular looks by using different colors of concrete in the same design.

For a one-of-a-kind, variegated finish, an acid stain is ideal. Acid stain is applied after the concrete has set and reacts with the surface area, permanently altering it. It can be applied to a colored concrete or a natural concrete and adds a lot of character to a concrete project. If you already have a concrete surface that you want to add some personality to, you can even buy samples of acid finish to test on a small area.

Concrete stamping is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to create the look of tile, brick, or stone. Combined with color additives and surface finishes, stamped concrete will surprise you with just how much it looks like the real thing.

Don't forget about other uses for concrete. The hard-wearing surface is perfect for modern-looking outdoor counter tops, tables, and benches, or can easily curve around your pool or grill. This is a relatively easy, inexpensive way to get a really custom look.

Concrete has endless design potential. Don't be afraid to get creative. Use any of the examples above or see what you can come up with.

For more information about the kinds of concrete available in San Jose, for your project, click here.

Old Retaining Wall in Black and White

This striking image of an old retaining wall from Victoria, Australia shows the effects of salt spray and tides on concrete structures. Notice the reinforced pylons are still largely intact, but the poured concrete panels have cracked, crumbled and washed away.