Concrete pavers are a popular landscaping material used for patios, walkways, driveways, pool decks, and more. Made from concrete, these modular blocks offer a versatile and attractive surface for outdoor living spaces. In this detailed concrete paver review, we will examine the pros and cons of using concrete pavers to help you determine if they are the right choice for your project.

What are Concrete Pavers?

Concrete pavers, also known as paver stones or brick pavers, are pre-cast concrete blocks designed to interlock together to create a solid and even surface. They typically range from 2 inches to 4 inches thick and come in a variety of shapes, colors, textures, and patterns.

The most common shapes for concrete pavers are:

Square or rectangular blocks
Hexagonal blocks
Interlocking rectangles

These modular units feature spacer lugs or interlocking edges that allow them to be installed tightly together. The joints between the pavers are filled with sand or fine gravel to further stabilize the surface.

Concrete pavers offer the charming look of brick, tile, or natural stone with the strength and durability of concrete. They can be used to create attractive patios, walkways, pool decks, driveways, parking areas, paths, and more in residential or commercial landscapes.

Pros of Concrete Pavers

Attractive and Versatile Design

One of the biggest benefits of concrete pavers is the wide range of available shapes, colors, textures, and patterns they come in. From subtle earth tones to vibrant reds and blues, concrete pavers allow you to add personalized style and aesthetic charm to your landscape. Combining different sizes, shapes, and colors creates visually appealing designs.

Concrete pavers offer a flexible solution for designing curved or geometric patterns in patios and walkways. Their modular nature means they can be cut to fit around landscaping features or create custom designs. The variety of options allows concrete pavers to complement any landscape style from traditional to contemporary.

Durable and Long-Lasting

Concrete pavers are extremely durable and stand up well to heavy foot traffic, vehicles, furniture, harsh weather fluctuations, and ground movement. Their lifespan can range from 25-50 years with proper installation and maintenance.

The concrete mixture used to manufacture pavers contains aggregate for added strength. Pavers resist cracking, chipping, splitting, and deterioration better than other paving options. Their color is embedded through the entire paver rather than just on the surface, so they maintain their vibrant appearance over time.

Properly installed concrete pavers have exceptional resistance to shifting and settling, retaining their smooth and even surface. Concrete pavers won’t rot, warp, or splinter like wood surfaces.

Low Maintenance

Once concrete pavers are installed, they require very little ongoing maintenance compared to other materials. Their color stability and resistance to weathering cuts down on maintenance needs.

Pavers don’t require sealing, staining, or painting. You may need to do periodic cleaning with mild soap and water using a stiff brush. Re-sanding the joints every few years will keep everything locked in place.

Weeds can be prevented by using a polymeric sand in the joints or maintaining a 3-4 inch layer of gravel under the pavers. Any weeds that do grow are easy to remove by hand or with chemical weed killers.

Snow removal is easier with pavers than poured concrete. The modular units flex rather than crack and heave under freezing and thawing cycles. You can use standard snow removal equipment without damaging the surface.

Permeable Surface

Permeable or porous concrete pavers provide an eco-friendly solution for patios, walkways, driveways and more. They allow rainwater to pass through small openings in the pavers and down into the gravel base below.

This reduces stormwater runoff and flooding while filtering out pollutants. Permeable pavers replenish groundwater supplies rather than contributing to wasteful runoff.

Using permeable concrete pavers can qualify your project for LEED green building credits and stormwater management credits in many areas. They are a smart choice to address environmental concerns and meet regulatory requirements.

Cost Effective

Concrete pavers provide a cost-effective solution when compared to poured concrete or natural stone. Their manufactured nature makes them budget-friendly, especially for large projects.

You’ll save on installation costs since pavers don’t require forming or extensive subgrade preparation like poured concrete. Pavers are lightweight and easy to handle, speeding up installation time.

Pavers don’t require expansion joints which are needed in poured concrete slabs. If any pavers become damaged or stained over time, you can remove and replace them individually without altering adjoining pavers.

Overall, concrete pavers provide lasting value and curb appeal for years to come at a competitive upfront investment. Their durability equates to long-term savings.

Cons of Concrete Pavers

Heavy Lifting

Concrete pavers are considerably heavy, with each full-size paver weighing 15-25 lbs. Their weight makes transporting and lifting the pavers labor-intensive. Most projects require two or more people to maneuver the pavers into place.

Mechanical installation with a specialized paver layer machine simplifies the process but comes at an added equipment rental cost. For DIY projects, you need to be prepared for the back-breaking work involved with setting hundreds of heavy pavers.

Proper Installation is Key

Achieving the advertised durability and flawless appearance of concrete pavers hinges on meticulous installation. If the base and sub-base aren’t properly graded and compacted, the pavers will eventually shift and settle unevenly.

Ensuring full interlock between the pavers takes patience and attention to detail. The slope must facilitate proper drainage. For DIYers without experience, concrete pavers can prove tricky to install correctly. Hiring an experienced contractor is recommended.

Prone to Weed Growth

The joints between concrete pavers are prime territory for weed growth. Seeds tend to collect and germinate in the sand or gravel joints, leading to sprouts appearing among the pavers.

Using polymeric joint sand can deter weeds. However, ongoing applications of weed killer or manual removal may still be required. Weeds can be unsightly and potentially cause damage if they spread extensively or dig deep roots among the pavers.

Can Stain and Discolor

The concrete material of pavers is prone to staining, efflorescence, and discoloration under certain conditions:

Plant pots or fertilizer can leach out color-altering compounds onto the pavers.
Oil, grease, food spills, and other substances left on the surface may penetrate and cause permanent staining.
Mold, mildew, and moss can take hold in damp areas of the patio or walkway.
Efflorescence, a white powdery deposit, can form on the surface of the pavers from salts in the concrete rising to the surface.

While concrete pavers are less prone to staining and fading than other materials, they do require some occasional cleaning to keep them looking their best. Avoiding spills and stains when possible will also help.

Can Crack Under Heavy Weight

Although strong, concrete pavers have a maximum weight capacity. Very heavy objects dragged across the surface can potentially crack individual pavers if adequate care isn’t taken.

Cracking is more likely if the pavers weren’t installed properly over a stabilized base. Repeated excessively heavy loads in one area may eventually lead to cracking or deformation. The modular pavers are easy to replace but cracking should be avoided when possible.

Freeze-Thaw Damage

In cold climates, concrete pavers are subject to damage from repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Water can penetrate the small joints between pavers. As this moisture freezes and expands, it can slowly deteriorate the structural integrity of the pavers.

Heaving and buckling may occur in areas with frequent freezing and thawing movement under the pavers. Using polymeric joint sand and maintaining proper drainage can help minimize moisture and potential damage through the winter.

Typical Costs for Concrete Pavers

Concrete paver prices depend on the size, shape, color, style, quality, and quantity needed. Here are some typical price ranges:

Standard square pavers: $2 – $5 per square foot
Premium large format pavers: $8 – $20 per square foot
Permeable pavers: $5 – $12 per square foot
Labor costs: $5 – $12 per square foot

Concrete pavers for patios generally run between $8 – $30 per square foot installed. Walkways and paths cost $10 – $25 per square foot installed. Expect to pay $12 – $35 per square foot for a paver driveway or parking area. Unique designs, patterns, borders, color blends and custom cutting and shapes add to costs.

Bulk purchases of concrete pavers can sometimes qualify for contractor discounts at major home improvement stores. Ordering surplus pavers is a good idea in case replacements are needed down the road for repairs.

Uses for Concrete Pavers

Patios
Walkways and paths
Driveways
Pool decks
Steps
Parking areas
Courtyards
Garden pathways
Borders and edges
Dog runs
Landscape accents

Concrete pavers offer versatility for residential settings like gardens and backyards as well as commercial locations including:

Restaurant patio dining areas
Hotel pool decks
Public parks and plazas
Golf courses
School courtyards
Rooftop terraces
Tree surrounds
Planter beds

Tips for Choosing Concrete Pavers

Follow these tips when selecting concrete pavers for your project:

Decide on the overall design aesthetic – Choose colors, shapes, laying patterns, and textures that complement your landscape style and home architecture.
Calculate the area – Measure the square footage to determine how many pavers are needed. Allow for a 5-10% overage.
Determine durability needs – Driveways and high traffic areas demand extra strength pavers rated for vehicular use.
Select quality pavers – Check manufacturer specifications listed on the packaging. High density, low absorption pavers will be most durable.
Acquire samples to view colors – Colors shown online or in catalogs can look different in person. Viewing a few loose pavers gives the most accurate representation.
Buy from same production batch – Pavers manufactured in different batches can have slight color variations. Purchase all at once from the same batch.
Consider permeable pavers – For areas needing better drainage, permeable pavers provide eco-friendly benefits.
Hire an experienced installer – Unless you have paver experience, hire a professional installer to ensure structural longevity.

How to Install Concrete Pavers

Installing concrete pavers correctly involves careful preparation of the base layers beneath the pavers along with meticulous attention during laying the pavers. Here are the basic steps:

Plan and Prepare the Area

Decide on the layout of the pavers. Mark curves, borders, patterns, and decorative areas.
Excavate at least 6 inches down to allow for a 3-4 inch aggregate sub-base and 1-2 inch sand or gravel base layer.
Compact and level the bare soil or aggregate sub-base until smooth and evenly graded.

Install Base Layer

Add a 1-2 inch layer of coarse sand or fine gravel over the compacted sub-base. Screed evenly.
Compact the layer thoroughly which will require making several passes with a plate compactor.
Ensure the base layer is smooth, level, and follows proper grading for drainage.

Set the Pavers

Begin laying pavers in your chosen pattern, keeping consistent spacing between units of 1/16 to 1/8 inch.
Tamp or hammer pavers with a rubber mallet as you go to settle them into the bedding sand. Check for level frequently.
Use cut pieces secured with mortar around edges and for filling in gaps. Remove any unevenness between pavers by re-tamping.
Let traffic compact pavers further for 1-2 days before applying polymeric sand to joints. Sweep sand across and into joints.

Finish and Maintain

Make one final pass with a plate compactor over entire surface to lock in. Sweep away excess sand.
Minimize weed growth by applying sealers, weed killer, or manually removing weeds promptly when they sprout.
Keep sealed joints intact by re-sanding and re-compacting any settled areas as needed.
Clean pavers periodically with soap and water. Avoid use of harsh chemicals that may stain or discolor concrete.

Following best practices for installation and maintenance will keep your concrete pavers looking pristine and performing optimally for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Pavers

What is the best base for pavers?

The ideal base layer under concrete pavers is 1 to 2 inches of coarse concrete sand or fine gravel. This allows pavers to bed into the base layer and remain level while providing structural support.

How long do concrete pavers last compared to poured concrete?

Properly installed concrete pavers can last 25-50 years. Poured concrete is prone to cracks and normally lasts 15-25 years on average before needing replacement. Pavers better tolerate ground movement and freezing conditions.

Are concrete pavers better than poured concrete?

Concrete pavers offer benefits over poured concrete including easier installation, flexibility in design, ability to replace individual units, permeability options, and improved longevity. Their modular nature makes pavers the better choice in many cases.

Can you apply a sealer to concrete pavers?

Sealers can help protect concrete pavers from staining, enhance color, and prevent efflorescence. Look for penetrating sealers specifically made for concrete pavers which won’t alter traction. Reapply sealer every 1-2 years.

How often should pavers be cleaned?

Regular cleaning 1-2 times per year will help keep pavers looking their best. Sweep often to prevent dirt from accumulation. Deep clean with mild soap and water annually or whenever significant moss, mold, stains, or discoloration occurs.

How many years do concrete pavers last?

The average lifespan of concrete pavers is 25-50 years when properly installed over a stabilized base. Freeze-thaw cycles, improper drainage, and inadequate bedding sand decrease the longevity of pavers. Optimal maintenance will maximize their life expectancy.

Can concrete pavers crack under weight?

Yes, consistent excessively heavy loads concentrated on a small area of concrete pavers may eventually cause cracking or deformation. Proper installation and dispersing weight over a broader area minimizes the risk. Cracked pavers can easily be replaced.

How thick should pavers be?

For patios and walkways, a paver thickness of at least 2 3/8 inches provides sufficient strength and durability. Driveways and areas exposed to heavier loads require a minimum 3 1/8 inch thickness rated for vehicular use.

How do you calculate how many pavers you need?

Determine the square footage of the area then divide by the dimensions of your paver to calculate quantities. Example: 200 sq ft patio / 1 sq ft pavers = 200 pavers needed. Add 5-10% extra for cutting, waste and repairs.

Concrete Pavers Enhance Outdoor Living

Concrete pavers offer an extremely durable, versatile, and attractive solution for outdoor living areas exposed to the elements. Though heavy and somewhat prone to weeds and staining, their pros heavily outweigh their cons when installed properly. The variety of shapes, colors, patterns, and textures to choose from combined with their longevity and low maintenance needs make concrete pavers a smart investment for driveways, patios, walkways, and decorative landscaping. They provide long-lasting curb appeal, functionality, and design options for your outdoor space.

Concrete Paver Review: Pros and Cons Summary

Concrete pavers provide a durable and cost-effective alternative to poured concrete, natural stone, asphalt, and other paving options. The precast modular blocks come in a variety of colors, shapes, textures that allow for flexible and stylish designs. When reviewing the pros and cons of using concrete pavers, the many benefits outweigh any drawbacks:

Pros of Concrete Pavers:

Attractive appearance with wide variety of design options
Very durable and long-lasting, 25-50 year lifespan
Resists cracking, shifting, frost heave better than poured concrete
Requires minimal maintenance, no sealing needed
Permeable pavers allow water drainage
Cost competitive with other paving materials
Easier DIY installation than poured concrete

Cons of Concrete Pavers:

Heavy to transport and install, labor-intensive
Prone to some weed growth in joints
Can stain or discolor over time
May crack under extremely heavy concentrated loads
Freeze-thaw damage possible in cold climates
Meticulous base prep and installation required

Ideal Uses for Concrete Pavers:

Patios
Walkways
Driveways
Pool decks
Steps
Landscape paths
Parking areas

Overall, the advantages of durability, style, and ease of maintenance make concrete pavers an excellent choice for most outdoor paving projects. Following best practices for site preparation, installation, and care will ensure your concrete pavers look and perform beautifully for decades. Pavers transform an outdoor space into a welcoming and stylish area for relaxing, entertaining, or adding curb appeal.