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Posted by on March 8, 2008, 11:07 am
> >It's snowing like a B%&@ here today, so I'm dusting off my landscape plan=
s
> >for the backyard. =A0We'd planned to put in a paver patio, roughly 16' x2=
0'
> >but now we're thinking of stamped concrete as something that might be a b=
it
> >less maintenance (aint as young as I use to be!) =A0 =A0Any pros or cons =
people
> >would like to share? =A0(as I mentioned - snowing now - so we do have som=
e
> >weather extremes to consider!)
>
> I would go with the pavers. =A0What maintenance? =A0 Spray the joints in
> the spring with a herbicide that lasts all summer. =A0 =A0That's all I've
> done with mine for 6 years.
>
> If you're doing the job yourself, it is a no-brainer. =A0 Pavers are the
> perfect DIY project. =A0 =A0Concrete is best left to the masters-
> especially for big slabs of it.
>
> If you're hiring it out, then this is just an opinion-
>
> Pavers are better looking- no cracking. =A0 If there is frost, I =A0would
> prefer the 'much easier to repair if necessary' paver patio. =A0 =A0[do
> either right the first time and you should be OK for years- but life
> isn't always that kind.]
>
> Jim
There are advantages/disadvantages to both pavers and stamped
concrete. I have a large stamped concrete patio thats about 10 years
old now. Overall, I'm happy with it. It looks like gray slate
stones of varying sizes.
Here's my take on some issures:
Stamped concrete:
Advantage
No weed problems
Has a smooth, wet looks appearance
Wide variety of styles and colors, from cobblestone look to slate.
Disadvantage
Needs to be resealed every 2 years to maintain finish
Eventually, over enough time, the finish will still deterioriate and
start to look weathered, more like concrete, etc.
(With mine at 10 years, I applied a solid concrete stain to the whole
thing, which made it look like new again)
Like all concrete it can crack.
Pavers
Advantage
Can easily modify by taking out or adding sections
No maintenance
No cracking
Possibly a DIY job
Disadvantage
Weeds - (Agree with the advice to use one of the long lasting
herbicides which lasts up to a season)
Can shift and become uneven.
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