Is Imprinted Concrete Cheaper Than Paving?

Looking for the perfect home improvement project? A stamped concrete driveway may just be the thing for you. If you have considered this and found it to be a plausible project, planning for it should be your next action. There is always a bit of a dilemma among property owners when it comes to choosing between stamped concrete and paving. Each option offers its own benefits, and it may be difficult to decide between the two. This article goes into detail about the important factors that should be considered when selecting between the two. To help you budget better, we have also compared the cost of each option.

Durability

As a homeowner, you want to invest in a durable home improvement project that will keep your home looking beautiful 5 to 10 years down the line. Your driveway is one of the installations that will most likely be used every day, and therefore, you should pay attention to the durability of the material for installation purposes. Both stamped concrete driveways and pavers last long; however, block pavings are regarded as more durable than imprinted concrete. Block paving is designed to withstand frequent heavy-duty use without showing signs of damage. In addition, the method or pattern of installation allows each of the blocks to expand and contract in reaction to ambient temperature. With paver bricks, you also enjoy a better weight distribution when cars are parked on it compared to stamped concretes.

With paver bricks, you also have the advantage of a faster and easier repair. If any of the bricks are damaged, it is easier to remove the damaged brick and reinstall a new one. In general terms, you can expect as much as 20 years from brick paver, while stamped concrete can last only 10 years with proper maintenance. The shorter lifespan of the stamped concrete is attributed to the thinness of the installation. With stamped concrete, only one layer of concrete is poured on the sub-base. This installation method poses a long-term problem, especially if the sub-base sinks. In a situation like that, the affected area cannot be repaired. Instead, a new layer of stamped concrete must be added.

Drainage

Your driveway should offer value for the money you have spent. This means that you need to consider all of the pros and cons of each option you have been presented with. Drainage is important, especially if you do not wish to step into puddles of water just after a rain. If drainage is the main focus, paving stones or bricks are the best. The interlocking installation method creates space between each of the bricks, and this channels rainwater away from your foundation and house. With paver brick, you don’t have to worry about stepping into water puddles. However, the same cannot be said for stamped concrete. Stamped concretes do not possess a permeable layer which makes it impossible for water to seep through. If your driveway hasn’t been designed to slope away from your building or doesn’t have a drainage point, you may have a significant flood problem with stamped concrete. Also, note that standing water is a recipe for ice during the winter months, and this can cause slips.

Appeal

Your driveway isn’t just there for utilitarian purposes only. It is also there to beautify your home. While individual preferences matter, you should consider that stamped concrete is available in different colors, textures, and designs. This means that you can easily choose a color that mirrors or contrasts the exterior paint color. You can also choose different colors to highlight certain designs or pathways. Paving bricks are also available in different types and sizes. You can select from different options, including quaint cobbled finishes, mottled effect bricks, Mediterranean finishes, charcoal options, and others.

Cost

Your budget will primarily determine what you go for. If you are interested in something affordable and equally beautiful, stamped concrete is the top choice for you. Paver stones are a lot more expensive and cost much more to install. With stamped concrete, you can spend less money and have the project completed in significantly less time.