Installing a new patio in your outdoor space is exciting, as it provides the perfect spot for gatherings. However, one decision you'll need to make is the building material: concrete or pavers. You'll want to consider the pros and cons of each to choose which is best for you. For example, concrete patios are durable and generally lost less initially, but they can become damaged due to the freeze-thaw cycle here in Georgia and require more maintenance. Meanwhile, paver patios are low-maintenance, durable, and easy to repair but generally take longer to install and have a higher up-front cost. Which material you should opt for depends on your preference, though pavers are usually a better long-term investment than concrete.

Pros & Cons of a Concrete Patio

 

Concrete Patio

 

One material option for building a new patio is concrete. These patios are made from poured concrete slabs, and you'll want to weigh the pros and cons of this material to decide whether it's right for you. Some pros are that it's durable and generally costs less to install. It also offers many design options, such as stamping it to make it look like stone.

However, there are cons to using concrete for your patio. For example, this material is prone to cracking and becoming damaged from the freeze-thaw cycles, as it doesn't have much flexibility. Not only that, but it's also difficult to repair since you'll likely have to uproot the entire patio, and it requires more maintenance.

Pros & Cons of a Paver Patio

 

 

Pavers are another material you can use for your new patio. Pavers are interlocking stone pieces made from various materials, and deciding whether they're ideal for you starts with considering their pros and cons. For starters, pavers are very low-maintenance, requiring only occasional sweeping or rinsing with water to clean them. They are also highly durable and flexible, making them resistant to cracks and breaking. Another pro of pavers is that they offer many design options, as they come in different stone types, shapes, sizes, and colors, which you can arrange in eye-catching patterns. They're also easy to repair, as you can replace the broken or cracked one without taking apart the entire patio.

However, one drawback of a paver patio is that it generally takes longer to install because each individual piece needs to be put in place. It also has a higher up-front cost, though pavers can save you money in the long run with their durability and longevity. Additionally, they're more prone to weed growth between their joints, but there are ways to avoid this, such as establishing a properly packed foundation and filling the spaces with polymeric sand.

Some patterns you can arrange the pavers for your patio into are basketweave, herringbone, running bond, and stack bond.

Which one is better for you - a concrete or paver patio?

Both concrete and paver patios have pros and cons, but which is better for you depends on personal preference. Weighing their differences and specific qualities is crucial for choosing the right one for your new patio. However, pavers are usually a better long-term investment than concrete because they can stand the test of time while remaining in tip-top shape.

Call us today to sign up for our patio installation service!

Do you want to enhance your outdoor space with a new patio? If so, we can help. At O'Neill Landscape Group, we offer our patio installation service to residential and commercial properties, as well as HOAs, in Woodstock, Roswell, Alpharetta, GA, and nearby areas. We use top-quality materials like concrete slabs and pavers, though we usually only opt for the former if you want to expand an existing patio. Regardless, we'll ensure it meets your aesthetic goals and provides long-lasting durability. You can trust that we'll do an exceptional job and exceed your expectations with our services. Call us today at (770) 627-5012 to sign up for our patio installation service!