When it comes to flooring choices for your outdoor area, concrete is a great material to choose for a whole host of reasons, which we’ll dig into below. But which provides more benefits – concrete pavers or a poured concrete slab? Let’s find out.
Safety
Concrete pavers are manufactured to provide a non-slip and non-skid surface that is safe for use for pedestrian and vehicle traffic. This feature is particularly useful around pools and water features, making it a very safe area for both children and adults, as well as pets. As well, concrete pavers are cooler to the touch in direct sunlight than other types of material, adding to their safety credentials.
In contrast, concrete slabs can be quite slippery when wet, which can be a problem for both people and humans losing traction on the surface.
Durability and longevity
Concrete pavers can withstand a huge amount of pressure, and can hold more weight on the surface before a crack occurs than poured concrete. Both concrete and concrete pavers are durable and long lasting, but concrete pavers have a slight edge, as they are not prone to cracking and staining over time like poured concrete. Concrete pavers are far less likely to crack, as they can move with the earth underneath and expand.
Aesthetics
A concrete slab looks like, well, concrete – often dull, grey and bland (although you can find more interesting concrete finishes for an extra cost). Concrete pavers, however, look nothing like concrete. They come in a huge range of colours, tones, textures, finishes and styles, that will give you a very attractive and appealing outdoor area.
Design options and versatility
Because they come in such a wide range of styles, colours and finishes, concrete pavers are obviously more versatile and give more design options than a concrete slab. You can really get creative with concrete pavers, and can create any kind of custom look that you can imagine.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, both concrete pavers and a concrete slab provide a low-maintenance solution. Pavers, however, may often have problems with weeds growing in the cracks between the pavers; a problem you won’t experience with a concrete slab. However, pavers are a little easier to clean than concrete if they become dirty or stained.
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Adding value to your home
When it comes to resale value, concrete pavers are the clear winner. They are the best option to add visual appeal to your property, which translates to added home value. They are much more appealing than poured concrete, which has nowhere near the aesthetic appeal of pavers, and often develops unsightly cracks.
Installation
More preparation is required to install concrete pavers, and laying pavers is a bit more time and labour-intensive than pouring a concrete slab. However, laying pavers doesn’t require any specialised machinery, whereas pouring a concrete slab does. You’ll likely have to hire a contractor to pour your slab, but the average home handyperson should be able to lay concrete pavers themselves.
As well, a concrete slab is quick to install, but takes time to dry, meaning you can’t use the surface for around five days. You can use concrete pavers straight away.
Ease of repair or replacement
Concrete slabs can be prone to problems such as cracking caused by tree roots, freezing and thawing cycles and ground movement. And when a concrete slab cracks, sinks or moves, it will usually need to be completely replaced, making it a very costly exercise.
With concrete pavers, on the other hand, it’s a quick and easy matter to lift and replace a damaged paver or two, without affecting the rest of the surface.
Cost and value for money
When it comes to straight out cost, poured concrete is the more affordable option per square metre. However, when it comes to value for money, concrete pavers hit the lead. While the initial cost of pavers may be a little higher, they offer much greater durability than poured concrete, meaning they are the most cost-effective option over the long term. This is due to the high cost of repairs necessary for concrete slabs, as well as the more frequent need for replacement.
So, it would seem that concrete pavers are the clear choice for so many reasons, and will add that touch of class and beauty to your outdoor area. Have a look at a great range of concrete pavers here: https://www.nationalmasonry.com.au/blocks-bricks-pavers-retaining-walls-qld-nsw/pavers/