When contemplating about landscaping or renovating your outdoor living space, it’s natural to pose the question — “Is it cheaper to lay pavers or concrete?” The answer varies, and it’s not strictly limited to monetary value. Let’s delve into this intriguing query.

The Cost of Paving Stones

Laying pavers has an up-front cost that may appear more expensive than concrete. The price typically ranges between $10 and $25 per square foot, including labor costs. However, keep in mind that this all-inclusive price incorporates the cost of the materials, the edging, laying the pavers, creating any designs, and clean-up.

The Cost of Concrete

On the flip side, concrete is comparatively less costly on initial investment. The average is between $8 to $18 per square foot, including the price of the concrete and labor. So, it might seem like a clear victory for concrete, right? The situation is not precisely as simplistic.

Long-Term Costs: Pavers VS Concrete

There’s another essential aspect to consider — long-term costs. Paving stones are extremely durable and require little to no maintenance. Furthermore, if a paver does get damaged, you can easily replace that particular stone without disrupting the rest of the layout.

Concrete, however, can crack and chip over time, especially in colder climates where freeze-thaw cycles are frequent. Once it cracks, fixing it may involve repairing the entire slab, and even then, the repair marks remain noticeable. Also, regular sealing and power washing are recommended for concrete maintenance to avoid its quick deterioration.

Aesthetic Considerations

Beyond the realm of costs, the visual appeal of the two options is worth discussing. Pavers offers an eye-catching and diverse range of designs, colors, and textures. You can lay them out to create unique, intricate patterns to complement your exterior decor.

Concrete holds a more simplistic, uniform look. Though you can color and texture it for an added appeal, it still does not offer the level of creative freedom that pavers do, and the aesthetic barely competes with the natural appearance of pavers.

Resale Value Prospects

From a real estate perspective, the aesthetic and durability factors of pavers can significantly boost your property’s value. Potential homeowners are more likely to be enticed by the artistic versatility offered by pavers and the promise of low maintenance compared to concrete. So, while it may cost you more initially, the return on investment through increased home value may well be worth it.

Final Verdict

So, is it cheaper to lay pavers or concrete? The initial cost of concrete is certainly lower. But when factoring in long-term maintenance costs, design versatility, durability, and potential resale value, pavers might end up being the more economical choice. Always remember, the best investment is not always the cheapest one, but the one that pays you back the most in the long run.