Pavers vs concrete: what are the pros and cons?

Wondering whether to opt for pavers or concrete in your outdoor space? Both can make great options for a patio, walkway or driveway materials, so you need to weigh up the pros and cons of pavers vs concrete to decide which is best for you. Read this guide to compare:

• Design options
• Strength and longevity
• Safety
• Installation
• Maintenance
• Cost

Pavers vs concrete: design options

Pavers are available in a choice of materials and colours, so you can get creative with the design. Because you're working with individual bricks or stones, you can create a custom pattern the way you want it.

However, the options for concrete can be even more diverse. With modern techniques such as concrete stencilling and stamping, concrete can be made to look just like pavers to the point that many people can't tell the difference, along with other options such as coloured concrete and pebblecrete pavers.

Pavers vs concrete: strength and longevity

Concrete is very strong, but it's prone to cracking and staining over time (although stamped concrete is better at hiding stains). You might eventually have to remove the entire slab when large cracks and damage appear.

Pavers can be up to four times stronger than concrete slabs and take up to four times as much weight. As they move with the ground underneath, and are capable of expanding, there's also less likelihood of pavers cracking if the earth moves.

Pavers vs concrete: safety

Pavers are non-slip, skid-resistant and offer superior drainage. They also have lower heat absorption, which means no burnt bare feet.

Concrete can be slippery when wet and produces a daytime glare – not ideal in super sunny spots. However, concrete coatings can be applied to address these concerns.

Pavers vs concrete: installation

Pavers need more preparation before installation compared to concrete. However, after installation, you can walk and drive on pavers straight away.

A concrete slab is fast to install but takes time to dry, and you may not be able to use the surface for up to five days.

Pavers vs concrete: maintenance

Concrete requires less maintenance generally, as weeds won't grow between concrete slabs as they can between pavers. However, if a paver cracks or is stained, you can simply remove the individual paver and replace it – unlike a concrete slab, which may need to be replaced if damage can't be patched up.

If you need to access the ground or drainage underneath your driveway, pavers can simply be removed and then replaced without much fuss or effort. This is difficult for concrete without ripping up the entire slab.

Pavers vs concrete: cost

If your choice between pavers or concrete comes down to cost, concrete is the cheaper option per metre – up to 15 per cent cheaper than pavers in some parts of Australia.

Pavers are more expensive for materials and installation compared to concrete slabs, but can be about the same price when compared to stamped, decorative concrete.

Whichever option you think is best for your driveway or other outdoor area, make sure you compare quotes from tradies to get the best deal. Also check that they have the appropriate license and insurance required where you live and ask to see examples of previous projects so you can be confident that you'll get the best results from your home improvement project.