Poured Concrete vs Concrete Pavers - Which Is the Better Material for a Patio?

Installing a patio is a great idea, as it offers a spot to host gatherings in your outdoor space in Oregon. Poured concrete and concrete pavers are popular material options for patios, but it begs the question: which is better? Poured concrete patios are durable and cost-efficient but are difficult to repair, high maintenance, and prone to cracking. On the other hand, paver patios are low-maintenance, offer many design options, and are easy to repair, but they typically have a higher up-front cost and take longer to install. Which material you should choose depends on your preference, though it's important to note that pavers are usually a better long-term investment and will give you more bang for your buck.

Pros & Cons of Poured Concrete Patios

Poured concrete is one of the most common, traditional material options for patios because it offers many perks. For one, it's durable and can withstand wear and tear. It's also more cost-efficient than other materials, making it an ideal option if you're on a tight budget. Poured concrete can also be stamped to elevate your patio's look.

However, there are some drawbacks to using poured concrete as well. For example, poured concrete patios are difficult to repair because if it cracks, you'll need to uproot everything to fix it. They're also generally higher maintenance, prone to cracking, and more likely to become damaged from the freeze-thaw cycles. That's because they don't have much flexibility and can't move with the ground as it expands and contracts.

Pros & Cons of Concrete Paver Patios

Concrete pavers are another common material you can use to build your new patio, which is becoming increasingly popular due to their numerous advantages. After all, they're very low-maintenance and don't require much to stay pristine. Pavers are also highly durable and can withstand frequent use and heavy loads without cracking or breaking, along with being flexible, meaning they won't become damaged as the ground shifts. Not only that, but they're even easy to repair, as you only have to replace the broken or damaged paver rather than the entire patio, and offer many design options! From arranging them into patterns to the numerous shapes, sizes, and colors they come in - the opportunities for creating a patio unique to your outdoor space are endless!

On the other hand, there are some cons with concrete paver patios, with one being that they have a higher up-front cost. However, they will save you money in the long run since they last such a long time. Another downside is that they generally take longer to install and are prone to weed growth in between the joints, though there are ways to avoid this, like ensuring a well-packed foundation and adding polymeric sand to the spaces.

Which is the better material for your new patio - poured concrete or concrete pavers?

Both poured concrete and concrete pavers have pros and cons, and whether one or the other is the better material for your new patio comes down to your preference. However, paver patios are usually a more worthwhile long-term investment than poured concrete ones, as they'll last year after year while maintaining their like-new condition. That way, you can get the most bang for your buck.

Call us today to receive an estimate on our patio installation service!

If you want to bring your vision for your new patio to fruition, we are the company to turn to. At J&C Lawn Care, we construct equally durable and stunning patios using high-quality materials, including poured concrete and concrete pavers, so you can select the option that best suits your preferences. We proudly serve property owners in Portland, Gresham, Beaverton, OR, and other nearby areas. Call us at (971) 284-2035 to receive an estimate on our patio installation service today!