The Facts About Patio & Walkway options
Companies that do patios often just specialize in one specific type, but we do them all. For example, many landscapers will offer pavers on stonedust, but do not offer stamped concrete, stone, or brick. Some companies will do just stamped concrete and not brick, stone, or pavers on a concrete slab. What does this mean? Often, consumers are not getting all the correct information they need to make an informed decision because they are only getting information on the limited products a certain company offers.
To help you make an informed decision, here is information on all patio and walkways surfaces. You’ll find they vary greatly in price, appearance, quality, and lifespan.
Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete is a one of the most durable patio options we can install, and is the most cost-effective. Although it can develop hairline cracks over time, it offers a long lasting option. There may also be color variances between concrete batches on larger patios, and on any patio, exact colors cannot be guaranteed (See our Concrete Facts page for more information). The advantage to stamped concrete is that you can get a big patio at a lower cost than other options. Also, stamped concrete offers a unique value: if you opt for stamped concrete now, it can be covered with stone, brick, or pavers in the future if you choose to do so. This is not an option if you install pavers, stone, or brick on a crushed gravel base.
Brick
When installing brick on a concrete slab that's reinforced with 1/2” steel rebar, we consider this to be an almost “forever” product for flat surfaces. Yes, you will get some cracking over time, but the overall product is extremely durable. There are many different brick colors and designs to select from, as well. Also, because brick is made from true clay, when you pressure wash it, scrub it, or expose it to the elements, it never fades the way pavers will.
Thick Cut Flagstone
Pennsylvania thick cut square cut random pattern variegated flagstone on a concrete slab that is reinforced with rebar will generally last between 20 to 30 years. After approximately 15 years or so, the patio may require some repairs, but not a total redo. If you see a stone patio falling apart with badly cracking mortar, it is normally due to improperly mixed cement or the use of thin flagstone. It may also be that it is really old! The thicker the stone, the deeper the mortar joint, which is heavier, less prone to cracking, and less prone to movement. Selecting a patio made with real natural stone, much like brick, when you pressure wash it, scrub it, or expose it to the elements, the color will never fade.
Pavers
Concrete paver products on a concrete base last a long time. Stone, brick, or concrete pavers on a crushed gravel base are hit or miss, no matter how well the surface is tamped. Often, though not always, they may settle, move, and shift without a concrete slab underneath them. Normally, within 4 to 8 years of installation of this product on crushed gravel, you will see ups and downs in the surface. Once in a while, the soil may be pretty decent and won’t move- but that is extremely rare. Another significant issue with patios or walkways on crushed gravel bases is weeds. Weeds are one of the biggest customer complaints we hear, even with the use of weed block or vapor barriers.
Summary
Overall, brick and stone on a concrete base are the best, most durable products that we can provide and are our top recommendation. However, they are also the most expensive. Concrete pavers on a concrete base are extremely durable as well; this option is also quite costly. Stamped concrete is an appealing and economical alternative for anyone looking for more usable decorative surface. It is also nice because it provides the option to upgrade with any material in the future.
To help you make an informed decision, here is information on all patio and walkways surfaces. You’ll find they vary greatly in price, appearance, quality, and lifespan.
Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete is a one of the most durable patio options we can install, and is the most cost-effective. Although it can develop hairline cracks over time, it offers a long lasting option. There may also be color variances between concrete batches on larger patios, and on any patio, exact colors cannot be guaranteed (See our Concrete Facts page for more information). The advantage to stamped concrete is that you can get a big patio at a lower cost than other options. Also, stamped concrete offers a unique value: if you opt for stamped concrete now, it can be covered with stone, brick, or pavers in the future if you choose to do so. This is not an option if you install pavers, stone, or brick on a crushed gravel base.
Brick
When installing brick on a concrete slab that's reinforced with 1/2” steel rebar, we consider this to be an almost “forever” product for flat surfaces. Yes, you will get some cracking over time, but the overall product is extremely durable. There are many different brick colors and designs to select from, as well. Also, because brick is made from true clay, when you pressure wash it, scrub it, or expose it to the elements, it never fades the way pavers will.
Thick Cut Flagstone
Pennsylvania thick cut square cut random pattern variegated flagstone on a concrete slab that is reinforced with rebar will generally last between 20 to 30 years. After approximately 15 years or so, the patio may require some repairs, but not a total redo. If you see a stone patio falling apart with badly cracking mortar, it is normally due to improperly mixed cement or the use of thin flagstone. It may also be that it is really old! The thicker the stone, the deeper the mortar joint, which is heavier, less prone to cracking, and less prone to movement. Selecting a patio made with real natural stone, much like brick, when you pressure wash it, scrub it, or expose it to the elements, the color will never fade.
Pavers
Concrete paver products on a concrete base last a long time. Stone, brick, or concrete pavers on a crushed gravel base are hit or miss, no matter how well the surface is tamped. Often, though not always, they may settle, move, and shift without a concrete slab underneath them. Normally, within 4 to 8 years of installation of this product on crushed gravel, you will see ups and downs in the surface. Once in a while, the soil may be pretty decent and won’t move- but that is extremely rare. Another significant issue with patios or walkways on crushed gravel bases is weeds. Weeds are one of the biggest customer complaints we hear, even with the use of weed block or vapor barriers.
Summary
Overall, brick and stone on a concrete base are the best, most durable products that we can provide and are our top recommendation. However, they are also the most expensive. Concrete pavers on a concrete base are extremely durable as well; this option is also quite costly. Stamped concrete is an appealing and economical alternative for anyone looking for more usable decorative surface. It is also nice because it provides the option to upgrade with any material in the future.