If your home has a patio, you should consider yourself privileged, as patios are the heart of outdoor living. It is the perfect place to entertain your guests in summer, enjoy a morning cup of coffee, or relax with a good book. However, having a patio comes with additional expenses since it will need some maintenance from time to time; otherwise, it loses its appeal.
If your patio is at the point where it needs an overhaul, you have two options in regard to the materials you can use; pavers and concrete. Both options have their good and not-so-good side, and this guide looks in-depth at the two and can be a good read when determining the material that fits you best.
Pavers
Pavers come in the form of flat blocks\ made from natural stones, clay, or even concrete. They are installed by interlocking them to create a wide range of patterns or designs.
They are typically strong and durable, thus able to withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy foot traffic. When installed right, pavers create a functional, strong, and visually appealing surface to fit various preferences.
Pros and Cons of Pavers
One of the most notable pros for pavers is that they come in a variety of styles, shapes, and colors, allowing for a customized look that can match your preferences.
They’re pretty durable compared to the concrete option because of their ability to withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions. They are easy to maintain, and any damaged or stained pavers can be easily replaced without redoing the entire patio.
They’re also slip-resistant, making them a safe choice for outdoor spaces meaning you may not need to worry much about accidents that could result in liability lawsuits.
On the other hand, pavers can be relatively more expensive than concrete and may require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. The patio’s surface can also become uneven as the pavers shift or settle.
Concrete
As you may have imagined, a concrete patio is made of concrete which is poured on the patio surface to create a continuous slab of concrete. But you can introduce some variations to improve its aesthetics by stamping it or shading some sections.
If you have a wide area, you could also consider adding an antic rack membrane to minimize the possibility of cracking which is most prevalent with concrete slabs.
Pros and Cons of Concrete Patio
Installing a concrete patio is less time intensive and cheap, with the cost of installing one being up to 15% cheaper than using pavers.
But, you may not achieve much flexibility with designs, as you would when working with pavers. But you can stamp or stain it to create a variety of colors and patterns to customize your outdoor space to your liking.
Over time, extreme temperatures and heavy loads cause cracks on a concrete patio and are the most significant disadvantage in concrete. Also, if you’re unlucky to have a small area damaged, you may have to redo a large section or even the whole thing.
Funding Your Patio Renovation
Like every other upgrade on your property, patio renovation plays a critical role in boosting the value of your property. Therefore, the cost of renovating your patio shouldn’t deter you from taking on your patio improvement project.
If you do not have money in the bank, the best option for funding your project would be to use your home’s equity to acquire low-interest loans such as a mortgage or a home equity loan. However, you will want to leverage an online home loan calculator to help you determine the cost and affordability of the loan you intend to borrow.
Final Words
Ultimately, deciding between a concrete and a paver patio will come down to preferences, affordability, and budget. But irrespective of your chosen option, it will have its good and ugly side, as highlighted in this guide.
