Want to turn your backyard into usable living space? This is a great way to boost your property value and give your home an even greater purpose. Poured concrete and pavers are both great options for outdoor spaces, but one may be better suited for your property. Read on to compare concrete vs. brick pavers.
Benefits of Poured Concrete for Outdoor Spaces
Concrete is durable and can last for decades with proper care. It can be poured into almost any shape, and it’s strong enough to support outdoor furniture, hot tubs, fire pits, and much more. Concrete can be stamped to look like stone, and it’s available in a wide range of colors. This inherent versatility is why concrete is so sought after, but that doesn’t make it ideal for everyone. You may find that the benefits of pavers outweigh the benefits of concrete for outdoors.
Benefits of Pavers for Outdoor Spaces
Brick pavers are even more durable than poured concrete. Pavers can last 100+ years, according to the International Association of Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). Concrete could last 50 years, but it is subject to cracking with time. This is particularly true in Michigan where the soil is largely sand-based. The sand leads to frequent shifting, which cracks the concrete. The freeze/thaw cycles in the winter add to this issue, making concrete less durable in this part of the country.
The ground shifts below brick pavers just like it does below concrete, but pavers can easily be reset. With concrete, you have to pour a whole new slab. With pavers, you just have to adjust the materials you already have. This saves a considerable amount of money in the long run.
Pavers are considered the more high-end material, and they don’t cost too much more than concrete. If pavers are common on homes in your neighborhood, future buyers will likely expect them. Concrete may not hinder a sale, but it may make your home look less desirable than the competition.
How to Choose the Right Hardscaping Material for Your Property
As you weigh the option of poured concrete vs. pavers, answer these questions:
- What is your current budget?
- How long do you want the material to last?
- Do you have a plane exterior that could use some texture? If so, opt for pavers.
- Do you have busy siding, such as multicolored brick? If so, choose poured concrete or a single color for your pavers.
- Are there other hardscaping materials on the property that you need to coordinate with?
- How do the cost and installation times compare for concrete vs. pavers?
In most cases, pavers are the best choice for outdoor spaces. They are easy to maintain, they look timeless, and they’re popular among today’s buyers. If you’d like a quote for a paver driveway, patio, walkway, or anything in between, contact It’s The Brick Guys at (833) 627-4257. We work in many parts of Southeast Michigan, including Macomb County MI, Oakland County MI and Wayne County MI.
