Why are paver patios better than stamped concrete?

There are 6 reasons why paver patios are better than stamped concrete patios:

1. Authentic Look
2. More Durable in our Climate
3. Longer lasting with easier maintenance
4. Stain Proof
5. Updatable Looks
6. Expandable

1. Although stamped and colored concrete has come a long way in recent years, in terms of patterns and colors, concrete pavers have made even more leaps and bounds. Nothing can compare to the authentic look of pavers. Many new updated paver styles have been introduced to match the modern contemporary style of many 21st century homes. Choose from smooth, straight, and sleek lines of a modern looking paver, or stick with a rustic vintage cobble style paver. The options are endless and will fit in accordance with most any home architecture.                                                                                                                                                                  
2. Where poured concrete has a psi rating typically around 3,000-4,000 psi, concrete pavers are pressed to an approximate 13,000-14,000 psi rating. This makes the pavers much more dense and durable, allowing them to withstand the harsh climate Minnesota provides.                                                                                                                                                                                                   
3. An expert concrete contractor will tell you that poured concrete ‘IS going to crack at some point in Minnesota, due to the harsh freeze/thaw cycle’. No matter how well the concrete is installed, it is inevitable that it will crack. Pavers provide multiple seams and each paver has a small footprint. Due to this feature, and the fact that pavers psi rating is so much higher than poured concrete, it is very unlikely that a paver will crack. If a paver should crack however, it is a rather simple process in removing it and replacing it with a new paver.                                                                                                                                                                       
   1. People often-times have the misconception that pavers settle very easily, and are scared to install them for this reason. Installing the base material for the pavers is the most important step of installing a paver patio or driveway. If installed properly, settling of pavers is a very low occurrence. Over time, there is always the chance that ground may shift around and settle (often-times due to organic matter deep beneath the surface, decomposition and settling). Again however, the nice thing about pavers is that we are able to pull the pavers up and install additional base material in order to level the area once again, whereas with concrete, you would have to start over from the beginning once it has settled and cracked.                                                                                                                                                                 
4. Pavers often-times have a life expectancy of around 40 years. We feel however, if taken care of properly, this life expectancy can be increased substantially. Scenic Specialties always recommends sealing the pavers with an appropriate paver sealer. By sealing the pavers, you have the option to not only bring out the true natural color of the concrete, but also protect the paver from spills, stains, salt, etc. Appropriately sealing your paver patio or driveway adds significant value to the appearance and durability of the pavers.                                                                                                                                                                 
5. After 10 years, you may find yourself wanting to spruce up your patio or driveway with a slightly different look. Pavers allow you the option to remove a section of the pad, and install a new look, style, design, or color of paver to change the feel. Perhaps you want to add an additional patio in the backyard at this time? We can use the pavers we replaced, to create the new additional patio space. A creative professional landscape designer will be able to come up with good ideas of how to reuse the material you have already paid for.                                                                                                                                                                                               
6. Paver quality is not as dependent on the weather, as concrete. If you want to add on to a paver patio, you can do it over many seasons, with concrete, while you can add on, it will take much more effort. Paver Patios allow you a flexible way to expand over the years. Let’s say you are waiting for  your christmas bonus to install a pool but you would like a patio for the summer, well that is possible with paver patios.