Pattern Concrete & Tiles Design

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Stamped Concrete versus Pavers

Stamped concrete is fitting for many surfaces including patios, porches, driveways, sidewalks, pool decks, etc. It can also be used for vertical applications to create the look of stone or brick walls.

The biggest attraction of stamped concrete is its versatility. There are many textures, patterns, and colors that are readily available which makes design opportunists almost endless. You can also incorporate the use of stains and dyes to further customize the appearance of concrete.

Because of the beauty, versatility, durability, and cost of stamped concrete, it's popularity has surpassed any of the traditional paving materials.

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	Appearance	Initial Cost & Installation	Maintenance	Winter Durability
Stamped Concrete	Indistinguishable from the real thing. Please view our photos. We invite you to see for yourself...	Moderate – About 33% less than the cost of pavers.	Low – It is recommended that a reseal be performed only once every 3 to 4 years. For a vibrant and richly colored look, a reseal can be performed every 1 to 2 years.	High – Sealed surface is nearly impenetrable and protects against moisture and the elements.
Pavers	Typically looks nice when initially installed. A few years later, due to a mere sand and granular base, settling of pavers results in an up & down surface that is no longer level and flat.	High – Each unit must be fitted together by hand. Very labor intensive.	Moderate to High – Due to settling, sometimes needs to be completely releveled within 5 years. Further, ants and weeds in joints need constant maintenance and can be an issue.	Moderate – Pavers can shift over the course of a long winter and may need resetting in the Spring.
Cobble Stone	Gives elegant, permanent, yet informal “Old World” feel.	Very High – Each unit must be fitted together by hand.	Low–High quality stone lasts for decades. Wide joints may encourage weeds and ants. Rough surface makes walking and driving difficult.	High–High density stone resists cracking and salts.
Clay Brick	Mostly shades of red and red-brown. Limited number of shapes available.	High–Concrete base often required which increases cost. Inconsistent dimensions make units slow to install and difficult to maintain straight pattern lines.	Low–Irregularities in surface make them prone to damage, especially edge chipping.	Moderate–Salts can attack and deteriorate some clay pavers.
Ordinary Concrete	Usually white. However, can be colored for a more unique look.	Low – Although a little too difficult for a homeowner to install, professional contractors abound.	Low – Virtually no maintenance when properly installed.	High – Modern concrete is far superior to that of years past. Proper installation is the key.
Asphalt	Limited color options. Difficult to get neat looking edges. Cracks will likely develop. Stamped and colored asphalt looks fake.	Low–Goes in quickly over compacted aggregate base. Can’t be installed by homeowner.	High–Wear and weather will break down surface. Black seal coat required every 2-3 years. Ruts or pothole repairs make ugly patches. Subject to erosion from oil drippings.	Low–Cracks from freeze-thaw, settlement and deteriorates from de-icing salts.
Crushed Stone Or Gravel	Typically a rustic look. Appearance varies with color and shape of stones.	Low–Dumped and spread over soil (no base required).	High–Scattered stone must be replaced and releveled regularly. Ruts from tires will likely develop.	High–Stones resist freeze-thaw cycles and salts.