The Advantages of Installing Stamped Concrete vs. Natural Stone

As the weather gets warmer this spring in Sanford, NC, you’ll be able to spend some time outside on your patio—if you have one, that is. If you don’t have a patio or are in the market to remodel the one you already have, you’ve likely come across all the different types of hardscape bases available to form the floor of your patio.

Due to the cost and relative permanence of this decision, it’s not one to be taken lightly. In this article we’ll examine the advantages of installing stamped concrete vs. the use of natural stone pavers.

What are natural stone pavers and stamped concrete?

Pavers are larger pieces of natural stone cut to uniform lengths that are then fitted together to form the hard surface of your patio. They’re essentially bigger, more durable, outdoor floor tiles. Stamped concrete, on the other hand, is concrete that is poured onto a slab and then stamped with whatever color, design or texture you desire. It can be made to look like a wide variety of different surfaces, without some of the drawbacks other materials pose. When looking at natural stone pavers vs. stamped concrete in Sanford, NC, there are many advantages to installing stamped concrete.

Cost

Because stamped concrete is significantly less labor-intensive to install, it can be put in for as little as half the price of natural stone pavers. The material itself is also much less expensive than natural stone, so you would be saving money in multiple ways.

Customization

Stamped concrete is very flexible when it comes to the type of color, pattern, design or texture you want to put down. The color can be added to the concrete mix itself, to the surface or added to the sealer, and it can all be done on site. This is helpful because you can match colors and styles on the fly to different accents of your home. This level of detail is not really possible with natural stone pavers, because they are pre-cut pieces and changing them out would be cost prohibitive.

Speed of installation

The installation of natural stone pavers is slow and arduous, as those installing it must lay each individual paver down and seal them together one by one. Complicating matters is the fact that not all the pieces are exactly the same, so alterations often need to be made on-site. Installing stamped concrete, however, is much swifter, as the concrete can be put down like a slab, and the designs added shortly thereafter. Before you know it, you’ll be lounging out back with a cool drink in hand.

Minimal upkeep

Concrete is one of the more durable surfaces out there, and you won’t have to worry about broken or uneven tiles like you would with natural stone pavers. For maintenance, all you have to do is have it resealed every few years and sweep it periodically to keep it free of dirt and debris.

Consider a stamped concrete patio today

As you can see, there’s a multitude of reasons to select stamped concrete for your backyard patio. We’ve covered some of the advantages of installing stamped concrete vs. using natural stone pavers. If you’d like a backyard hardscape that’s durable, looks great and doesn’t cost a fortune, contact Maddox Concrete, LLC in Sanford, NC. We’ll answer any questions you may have, and get you squared away!