Are you in the market for a new patio? If so, do you know what a paver patio is?
A paver patio is constructed with a type of stone made from a dry concrete mix containing cement, sand, gravel and pigments. Some pavers are made of clay brick or natural stone. They are normally small pieces of various sizes and come in a wide array of colors, shapes and sizes. The individual pieces are interlocked to form the surface of the patio.
Is this type of patio of right for you? Read on for some pros and cons for paver patios.
Paver patio pros
1. Pavers are durable
The interlocking pavers are much more durable than a concrete slab, which is the alternative. In fact, pavers can last up to twice as long as their poured concrete counterparts. Why? Pavers are much more resistant to damage caused by the common freeze/thaw cycles that happen during New England winters. Poured concrete slabs are prone to breaking, or at the very least cracking. When cracking occurs, you have to patch it up. Otherwise, weeds will start to grow through the cracks and it won’t look very nice.
2. Pavers are cost effective
Don’t fall into the cost trap. People will tell you that poured concrete is the most inexpensive way to build a patio. And they aren’t lying. But because the concrete slabs are prone to cracking or breaking, the maintenance costs far outweigh the upfront cost of the pavers.
3. Pavers require little routine maintenance and repair
You may need to occasionally sweep or rinse the debris from your patio. The smooth surface is easy to shovel off the snow so you can enjoy your patio even in the winter if weather allows. A properly installed and maintained paver patio can last 25 years or more.
4. Pavers are more unique
Concrete pavers can work well with almost any home design and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. You can also tailor them any way you want when you’re installing them. This allows you to customize your patio and make it unique to you!
Paver patio cons
1. Pavers are time consuming to install
The average paver patio may take professionals up to five days to install, as it’s a multi-step process. From removing dirt/grass and leveling the installation area; to pouring gravel and installing bedding sand and pavers; to edging the patio area, sanding the joints, and sealing. Whew! That’s a lot of work.
Alternatively, you can pour a concrete patio within several hours. Note, you won’t be able to walk on the patio for up to three days, but the labor portion will be done is much less time than if you were installing pavers.
2. Weeds will eventually find a way to push through the joints
Paver patios are built from individual pieces. So, you’ll need to use sand to fill the joints. If your patio isn’t properly constructed, over time, the sand will wash away and the weeds can push through. As a result, you you’ll need to add more sand to keep the weeds out. To ensure you understand what it takes to build a patio, walkway or retaining wall correctly, read part four of our four-part series on front walkway construction. The prep work for the patio is the same as the walkway.
If you’re still unsure as to which patio type is right for you, call our experts today.