Pros and Cons of Concrete Pavers, Concrete Paving Stones & Decorative Concrete
Brick pavers, concrete paver stones and decorative concrete all fulfil the same purpose. If you’re making a decision between pavers or concrete, keep in mind the performance benefits, longterm durability, ease of maintenance and of course the seemingly endless amount of textures, designs and colour combinations available with decorative concrete overlays.
Uniqueness
Stamped concrete can take on the form of sandstone, flagstone, slate or even a hardwood floor. These are just a few of the options that are available with stamped concrete. Adding multiple colour combinations for achieving authentically accented, visually appealing finishes that are created effortlessly with Elite Crete System’s colouring and acid staining products in conjunction with their concrete overlays. There really is no comparison between the styling possibilities of pavers or concrete.
Labour/Cost
If you are looking for the cheapest possible means to finish a driveway, walkway or patio, then concrete pavers have the short term advantage over a decorative concrete finish. However it would be at the expense of durability, functionality and aesthetics. A professionally installed concrete or brick paver hardscape generally cost more than the equivalent decorative concrete finish. Considering the time it takes to carefully place each concrete paving stone and preparing and compacting the substrate to prevent the ever present trip hazards that are associated with concrete and brick pavers makes the installation of brick or concrete paving stones a labour intensive task when compared to a decorative concrete or stamped concrete overlay.
Maintenance
Although both concrete pavers and concrete overlays bear their own maintenance endeavours, decorative concrete is the clear winner in this comparison. A biannual coating of a quality concrete sealer and occasionally hosing down the surface is all that is required with a concrete overlay. Concrete paver and brick pavers if left unsealed will stain, so they too benefit from routine sealing. Although they also require frequent removal of weeds, they are suspect to surface shifting and can also become a tripping hazard if not adjusted accordingly.
Elite Crete Australia
34 Moreland St,
Footscray VIC 3011
Tel.# 1300 886 945
www.EliteCreteAustralia.com.au