|
Appearance |
Initial Cost & Installation |
Maintenance |
Winter Durability |
| Stamped Concrete |
Indistinguishable from the real thing. Please view photos and view in person. We invite you to see for yourself… |
Moderate - About 33% less than the cost of pavers. |
Low - It is recommended that a reseal be performed only once every 3 to 4 years. For a vibrant and richly colored look, a reseal can be performed every 1 to 2 years. |
High - Sealed surface is nearly impenetrable and protects against moisture and the elements. |
| Pavers |
Typically looks nice when initially installed. A few years later, due to a mere sand and granular base, settling of pavers results in an up & down surface that is no longer level and flat. |
High - Each unit must be fitted together by hand. Very labor intensive. |
Moderate to High - Due to settling, sometimes needs to be completely releveled within 5 years. Further, ants and weeds in joints need constant maintenance and can be an issue. |
Moderate - Pavers can shift over the course of a long winter and may need resetting in the Spring. |
| Cobble Stone |
Gives elegant, permanent, yet informal "Old World" feel. |
Very High - Each unit must be fitted together by hand. |
Low-High quality stone lasts for decades. Wide joints may encourage weeds and ants. Rough surface makes walking and driving difficult. |
High-High density stone resists cracking and salts. |
| Clay Brick |
Mostly shades of red and red-brown. Limited number of shapes available. |
High-Concrete base often required which increases cost. Inconsistent dimensions make units slow to install and difficult to maintain straight pattern lines. |
Low-Irregularities in surface make them prone to damage, especially edge chipping. |
Moderate-Salts can attack and deteriorate some clay pavers. |
| Ordinary Concrete |
Usually white. However, can be colored for a more unique look. |
Low - Although a little too difficult for a homeowner to install, professional contractors abound. |
Low - Virtually no maintenance when properly installed. |
High - Modern concrete is far superior to that of years past. Proper installation is the key. |
| Asphalt |
Limited color options. Difficult to get neat looking edges. Cracks will likely develop. Stamped and colored asphalt looks fake. |
Low-Goes in quickly over compacted aggregate base. Can't be installed by homeowner. |
High-Wear and weather will break down surface. Black seal coat required every 2-3 years. Ruts or pothole repairs make ugly patches. Subject to erosion from oil drippings. |
Low-Cracks from freeze-thaw, settlement and deteriorates from de-icing salts. |
| Crushed Stone Or Gravel |
Typically a rustic look. Appearance varies with color and shape of stones. |
Low-Dumped and spread over soil (no base required). |
High-Scattered stone must be replaced and releveled regularly. Ruts from tires will likely develop. |
High-Stones resist freeze-thaw cycles and salts. |
