What makes paver patios better than stamped concrete?

There are 6 reasons why paver patios are better than stamped concrete patios:

1. Authentic Look
2. More Durable in our Climate
3. Longer lasting with easier maintenance
4. Stain Proof
5. Updatable Looks
6. Expandable

1. Even though stamped and colored concrete has improved in recent years, when it comes to patterns and colors, concrete pavers have grown even more in popularity. Nothing can compare to the authentic look of pavers. There are many new paver styles that compliment the modern contemporary style of many 21st century homes. Choose from straight, sleek lines with a modern paver, or a rustic rustic look of a cobble style paver. The choices are endless and should accommodate most any home architecture.
2. Pavers are typically pressed to a psi rating of 13,000-14,000 psi rather than poured concrete’s 3,000-4,000 psi rating. This makes the pavers durable and tough, making them suitable for the harsh Minnesota climate.
3. It’s inevitable that poured concrete will crack in Minnesota, due to the harsh freeze/thaw cycle. No matter how well the concrete is installed, it will crack at some point. With multiple seams and a small footprint, pavers are quite unlikely to crack, as compared to poured concrete. If a paver cracks, however, it is a relatively easy process to remove it and replace it with a new one.
   1. People often-times are scared to use pavers because of the misconception that pavers settle very easily. Installing the base material is the most important step of installing a paver patio or driveway. If installed correctly, pavers rarely settle. Over time, there is always the possibility that the ground may shift and settle (sometimes due to organic matter deep beneath the surface, decomposition, and settling). Nevertheless, pavers have the benefit of being able to be pulled up and replaced with new base material in order to level the area once again. Contrary to concrete, you have to start over once it has settled and cracked.

4. Pavers can have a life expectancy of about 40 years if handled properly. Rockwood Landscape always recommends sealing the pavers with an appropriate paver sealer. Sealing the pavers provides the opportunity to not only bring out the true natural color of the concrete, but also protect it from spills, stains, salt, etc. Sealing your paver driveway or patio properly will greatly improve its appearance and durability.
5. If you want a different look after 10 years, you can remove a section of pavers and lay a different style, design, or color of paver to change the look. Perhaps you want to add an additional patio in the backyard at this time? We can use the pavers we replaced, to create the new additional patio space. An expert landscape designer will be able to offer you good ideas of how to reuse the material you already paid for.
6. Unlike concrete, pavers have greater durability, and if you want to add on to one, you can do it over many seasons. Investing in paver patios gives you the option to add multiple features over the years. If you want to build a pool but don’t have the money for it yet, you can make sure you have a patio in the summer with paver patios.

Contact us today to learn more.