Deciding between Concrete Pavers vs Natural Stone Pavers, choosing between them depends on how much money you have, what style you like, and how much work you want to do to keep them nice. It’ll change how your outdoor area looks and feels. In this article, we have covered their main factors like cost, maintenance, characteristics, and which is better. So, let’s dive in.
Firstly, let us tell you about Concrete Pavers and Natural Stone Pavers.
Concrete Pavers
Concrete paving is also known as paving stones and concrete pavers. It is a commonly used material for cover driveways, walkways, patios and commercial surfaces. Concrete pavers are known for their durability, adaptability, and ease of installation. They also come in several sizes, structures and colours.
Natural Stone Paver
A stone paver is simply a natural stone that’s been cut to fit specific dimensions. They are commonly used for paving for driveways, walkways, patios and commercial surfaces. Natural stone pavers are great for their durability and timeless beauty, adding smoothness to outdoor spaces with unique colours and textures.
Now, let’s discuss their differences.
Cost Comparison
Cost Comparison of Concrete Pavers and Natural stone pavers are mentioned below.
Installation Costs
Cost difference between Concrete Pavers vs Natural Stone, Natural stone costs more than concrete pavers because it’s dug up from quarries. Since the stones are irregular, they need more labour to install and level properly. Concrete pavers typically cost less because they’re manufactured, making them more uniform in size and shape.
Material cost:
Concrete pavers typically cost less per square foot than natural stone. Concrete is a man-made material, allowing for more consistency and lower production costs. Natural stone varies widely in cost depending on the type of stone chosen. Some natural stones like flagstone or slate can be more expensive than concrete pavers due to their scarcity and labour-intensive extraction process.
That means Natural stone typically costs more than concrete pavers due to the factors we have mentioned above. Concrete pavers are perfect for you if you are on a budget.
Maintenance Difference
Here is the maintenance difference between Concrete Pavers and Natural stone pavers.
Concrete Pavers
Here is the maintenance difference of Concrete Pavers
Cleaning:
Generally easy to clean with soap and water or a mild detergent. Pressure washing can also be effective for removing dirt and stains.
Sealing:
May benefit from periodic sealing to enhance colour retention and protect against stains, especially for lighter-coloured pavers.
Weed Growth:
Susceptible to weed growth between paver joints, requiring occasional maintenance such as applying joint sand or herbicides.
Cracking:
Prone to cracking over time, especially in areas with freeze-thaw cycles or heavy loads. Damaged pavers can be individually replaced.
Natural Stone
Here is the maintenance difference of Natural stone pavers.
Cleaning:
Cleaning methods vary depending on the type of stone. Some stones are more porous and prone to staining, requiring more careful cleaning with pH-neutral cleaners.
Sealing:
Many types of natural stone benefit from regular sealing to protect against staining and moisture absorption. The frequency of sealing depends on the type of stone and the level of traffic.
Weed Growth:
Like concrete pavers, natural stone can also experience weed growth between stones, necessitating maintenance to prevent overgrowth and maintain aesthetics.