Homeowners want nothing but the best for their homes. There is always a great feeling of blissfulness whenever you see a homey, visually-appealing atmosphere in any corners of your house. Whether it is your patio, pool deck, or driveway, we want to ensure that we get its utmost value. So, when a homeowner is planning to build or revamp a driveway or any outdoor space, there is always a question of which material is better for their property. Of course, the contractor’s responsibility is to discuss the material selection, provide the pros and cons, and come up with the best- and worst-case scenarios.Two of the most common driveway materials used for comparison are the stamped concrete and the concrete pavers. Two opposing means but designed to meet a common goal. And that is to create a decorative and an exquisitely patterned surface area. A stamped or decorative concrete is formed by pouring a concrete on the area, then patterned or embossed with designs using a stamping equipment. Whereas, the concrete pavers or paving stones are ready-to-use concrete blocks that can be positioned and installed on the surface area easily.Both materials are great options for outdoor flooring designs, especially on your driveway. However, the question as to which one is better still depends on different factors. These determining factors are important aspects you need to consider, so you can decide which one to install on your driveway. Let’s have a better grasp of the details and see which driveway material suits your style and needs.
Appearance
Stamped concrete and paving stones offer almost the same significance in enhancing the architectural accent of your property. Both materials can improve the curb appeal of the exterior of the house with their distinct choices and patterns. The texture and color options can also complement whatever landscape design of the house. Concrete pavers and stamped concrete are creatively-made hardscape materials which gain equal value in terms of appearance and elegance. You won’t be compromised nor be out-of-style by choosing any of the two. Both hardscape materials can make an impressive concrete driveway.
Variety and Versatility
A multitude of patterns and texture is what makes the stamped concrete stand out. Stamped concrete has a limitless variety of colors and patterns that homeowners can choose from. This means you won’t run the lack of options if you choose a stamped concrete as your driveway material. You can even make a customized pattern because it is one continuous form of a concrete slab. You just need to talk to a professional contractor to work on the details and design ideas. Concrete pavers, on the other hand, provide limited color and pattern selections. Though they also have various type of patterns and style, they may usually run out of stock from any landscape warehouse or supplier. Since there are limited options and designs, you just need to stick and choose any precast patterns or blocks presented to you.
Durability
Both hardscape materials deliver remarkable result in terms of strength and durability. However, concrete pavers are almost three times stronger than the stamped concrete or any poured concrete. Imagine that the concrete pavers are precast blocks, so builders installed and set them up piece by piece. This manner takes the installation longer but guarantees integrity and durability. The paving stones are also less prone to cracks if installed properly. On the other hand, stamped concrete is also sturdy and durable but usually susceptible to cracks. Remember that a stamped concrete is a poured, thus it forms a single continuous slab. In this case, if one part of the slab cracks, the other areas might be affected. This is the main reason why contractor normally creates special joints upon installation to prevent this from happening.
Installation
The time it takes for installation to complete varies on the materials used. Installation on stamped concrete is less labor intensive as opposed to natural stone or pavers as it is just one continuous form. It is simply mixed, poured and patterned by stamping designs or templates. It is a quicker process because it does not need to do any subsequent flooring system like bricks or tiles. Concrete pavers typically take longer, for at least 3 to 5 days, because the contractor needs to position and lay the stones or bricks piece by piece on the base material.
Maintenance
Stamped concrete and concrete pavers require very little upkeep, but they also got their fair share of maintenance issues. Normally, both surface materials suffer from wear and tear over time due to exposure conditions. The good thing about stamped concrete is you don’t have to worry about the weeds growing on joints since it is one continuous piece of concrete. The process of sealing makes it protected from weather elements and chemicals. However, decorative concrete is prone to cracks. Also, they are non-resistant to moisture and freeze-thaw conditions. It is advisable to periodically seal the concrete every 2 -3 years to prevent these conditions. Concrete pavers, on the other hand, are resistant to moisture and freeze-thaw conditions. They don’t absorb moisture and water that easy. This means you can expect a non-slippery driveway using paving stones. They are not prone to any cracks as well. However, concrete pavers are very much susceptible to growing weeds in between blocks or gaps. But you need not worry because repairing any missing blocks is a less-hassle since you can set them up by yourself—no equipment required.
Cost
The cost spectrum of these hardscape materials differs quite a bit on installation, maintenance, and repair. On material and installation, concrete paver driveway normally rates at $10-$15 per square foot, whereas, the stamped concrete driveway valued at $10-$12 per square foot. The price ranges may vary depending on some factors. It can be depending on the type of designs, pattern, paving stones used, the size of the surface area, and the complexity of the project. It is better to consult a professional contractor to give a better estimate and options.
Final Thoughts
We cannot deny the fact that the concrete pavers and stamped concrete each deliver significant and incredible advantages which make them great materials for your driveway. Two opposing means yet creating a delightful way of enhancing the appeal of your concrete driveway. Now, the decision to which material you want to use still depends on you. Apply the art of comparing to make an informed decision. Seek help from a professional builder to come up with a more meaningful solution and options. Just always keep in mind that no matter what driveway material you want to use, proper maintenance and care are vital to creating an exceptional concrete driveway.
Both materials are great options for outdoor flooring designs, especially on your driveway. However, the question as to which one is better still depends on different factors. These determining factors are important aspects you need to consider, so you can decide which one to install on your driveway. Let’s have a better grasp of the details and see which driveway material suits your style and needs. 
