Pavers Versus Cement

Cement

• Cement itself is a component of concrete. When paving an area, cement is mixed with other materials, known as aggregates, to create a durable finished surface. These aggregates, typically fine sand and small rocks or pebbles, are mixed with the cement and water to create concrete. Concrete can be molded to create a number of textures, shapes or sizes, making it an extremely versatile product.

Pavers

• The term "paver" refers to any type of small masonry block that is used for creating patios, walkways and driveways. Pavers can be made from clay (similar to bricks), concrete or stone. Pavers come in a number of sizes, shapes and colors. This material interlocks, allowing the consumer to create basic or intricate patterns, adding to the home's overall curb appeal.

Cost

• Depending on the type of paver used, the price can vary from as little as $2 per square foot to $15 or more per square foot, as of publication. For example, concrete pavers, which are generally a cheaper material, cost around $2 to $5 per square foot. Meanwhile, brick pavers, which tend to be a higher end paver, can cost up to $15 or more per square foot. Concrete can also vary greatly in price. For example, poured cement with a smoothed finish tends to be cheaper than stamped concrete. However, concrete is sold in cubic yards rather than in square feet. Expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $200 per square foot for concrete; not including the cost of stamping, staining or other applications such as polishing.

Lifespan

• Pavers that are made from concrete can have a lifespan of up to 30 years or more. Brick pavers have a slightly longer lifespan at around 40 years, though some brick or clay pavers have lasted for more than 100 years, according to the Thompson Building Materials company. Concrete, on the other hand, has a much longer lifespan. Concrete can last anywhere from several decades to several thousand years if high quality, high-density concrete is used.

Durability

• Concrete pavers have a strength of 8,000 to 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi); while a concrete slab has around 3,000 to 4,000 psi. If damaged, a surface made of pavers is easily repaired, as the damaged pavers can simply be removed and replaced with new pavers. Furthermore, pavers are individual pieces that will move and adjust to the changes in the environment around them, such as the ground freezing and thawing. Therefore, the chances of cracks or splits in the pavers is greatly reduced. Concrete will crack over time, and replacement of the entire area is often expensive. Instead, concrete can be repaired using grout made from cement, though there is no guarantee that the color will match.