Commercial spaces are always looking for an edge when it comes to attracting new customers and tenants, and one of the best ways to do this is through dynamic landscape designs using either stamped concrete or paving stones for walkways, patios, or other features. But how do you choose which one is right for you? Here are a few things to consider:

Look and Feel

At a glance, both stamped concrete and paver projects have a similar look. Similar patterns and colors are not uncommon, but there are far more choices when it comes to selecting pavers vs. stamped concrete. Pavers allow you to provide subtle color variations in different parts of the project, or allow you to create interesting patterns and designs that stamped concrete simply cannot duplicate. Stamped concrete, just by its nature, has less variation and color choices.

Other disadvantages of stamped concrete are that it tends to be more slippery when wet and reflects a lot of sunlight creating a lot of midday glare. Pavers tend to break up the reflected light and because they are each a separate stone provides better traction overall. However, pavers cannot be used if you are looking to install a ramp for accessibility purposes.

Price

On average, stamped concrete costs between $6 to $10 per square foot and pavers range between $10 and $20 per square foot. Because stamped concrete is essentially a poured slab of concrete, it requires a lot less labor than carefully placing the paving stones, so the labor cost for stamped concrete will be significantly less. But as the adage goes, you get what you pay for.

Durability

If durability is a factor for you, then you need to know that stamped concrete, like all concrete, cracks over time. It is unavoidable. But because there is not a lot of variation in Central Florida’s temperature throughout the year, so the expansion and contraction due to freezing and thawing will not happen as much giving the concrete slab a bit longer life, and even more durability if something such as sealant is applied to it.

But that longer life can’t really compare to the life of installed concrete pavers. Pavers are a lot stronger than poured concrete overall and can easily handle the weight of vehicles and heavy foot traffic. Because the pavers are separate stones, they handle drainage and temperature changes better, and don’t crack because of them.

Upkeep

A stamped concrete slab is easy to clean, you sweep away the dirt, scrub it down with Pine-Sol or some other cleaner with a scrub brush or push broom, and then hose it down. Very quick and simple. Concrete pavers are a bit more difficult to clean because they are individual stones, but you still use the same process as you would for cleaning stamped concrete. It just takes longer and may require that you scrub individual stones.

The difference between the two becomes apparent when repairs are needed. For a paving stone project, you just remove the damaged stones and replace them. For stamped concrete, cracks in the slab will appear within a few months or–if you are lucky–a few years. The textured pattern of stamped concrete does help hide the cracks a bit, but eventually, you will have to make repairs to the slab and that can be expensive and involve heavy equipment.

Ultimately the choice is yours. A nice stamped concrete or paving stone project can be a fantastic addition to the front entrance to your retail establishment, or for your commercial property. Weigh the pros and cons of each and decide what you think would be best for you.

At Aeroscape, we have over 15 years of residential and commercial hardscape and landscape design experience including installing landscape designs involving concrete and paving stone walkways, patios, landscape retaining walls, and much more. To learn more, give us a call at (801) 567-2383 or click on our Contact an Expert green arrow on any page of our website to speak with one of our landscape design experts today.