What are the pros and cons of having pavers versus concrete for a backyard patio?

Question

Any other advice? We could put tile over the concrete later or get more expensive stamped concrete. What has your experience taught you? Which is easiest to maintain? How much rebarb should concrete have in it so it doesn't crack (I live in California - temperate climate.)

Answer 1

I would definitely go with pavers.

1. Pavers are much nicer looking and you have so many choices as far as patterns, colors and sizes.
Take a look here:
http://www.landscape-design-advice.com/concrete-pavers.html
2. Pavers won't crack. If by any chance over the years there is movement, the beauty is that they just need to be re-adjusted.
3. There is a product available now that can be used in between the pavers and it hardens. This helps solve any weed problem.
4. Pavers are easier to install than concrete.
5. Concrete can crack if not installed properly. Once it cracks, it is difficult to repair it in a way that is professional looking...in other words, you can see that it was repaired.
6. Concrete is not very interesting. It can be drab. If you add some color to the concrete mixture, it can look nicer though.
7. Stamped concrete - this always looks fake to me. In addition, if you choose a pattern that is supposed to resemble stone, straight construction joints must be part of the design and it takes away from the "natural" look.

Good luck...
Susan

Answer 2

In my "backyard" experiences over the years, the concrete slab is best due to the area that is surfaced. With pavers, you will get movement over the years as well as the many weeds that infest the "grout" areas in between each paver. Unless you put down a shield (plastic covering) then fill with dirt and then place your pavers, you may be fine but plastic will deteriorate over the years and still allow weeds and such to come through.
Decorative concrete is a nice way to go but could get expensive. You can always "seal" the concrete with a clear coat so that it maintains it's newness and luster over the years. Depending on how much use you intend for this patio, and the square footage, the re-bar may need to be about 6 to 10 inches apart with cross hatching of around 5 inches the other way. This of course depends upon how deep you make your trough for the fill dirt/gravel and the surrounding edge of "drop off" lines. To thin and it will crack easily around the edges since the re-bar is not allocated around the perimeter as is throughout the entire concrete slab.

Best of luck and "Happy Paving"!

Answer 3

Concrete:

Pros: Sturdy and can support a lot of weight, will not sink into the ground or anything. No maintenance.

Cons: Expensive and permanent (in case you change your mind later).


Pavers:

Pros: Cheaper and you don't have to hire a professional to do it. Many different styles and colors available.

Cons: Ants love living below and between pavers. Weeds also grow between the cracks. Not as hardy as concrete (you can chip or crack a paver, concrete not so much).

Answer 4

Concrete = solid. Do in yard squares forms (don't need rebarb for small areas). Do every other or alternate squares with tossed dry coloring on top. Take out inner forms & finish remaining square & use different coloring on top. Or get the coloring you can mix in the cement. Put pavers around outside of cement squares. Pavers has cement (NOT SAND) in between & some under.

Sand-filled 'cracks' gave me numerous headaches with ants and volunteer weeds plus they moved out of place. Pavers are very cool; use concrete filler not the sand.