Why Should You Consider Concrete Paver For Your Driveway?

Your driveway welcomes you and everybody who wants to visit you to your home.  It can be the first landscape structure that greets anyone who goes to your place.  When thinking about a beautiful concrete driveway, there are many options out there.

You must first know a few things to have a well-informed decision on the material that you would like to use for your driveway.

One of the most popular materials because of its durability is the concrete paver.  They are available in a variety of colors and designs that add character to paver driveways.  Hence, it can suit any style of home.

Pavers have become a top choice for driveways because they come with more options in terms of patterns, shapes, and colors.  But, the most important reason why many consider pavers for their driveways is because of their durability.

They do not simply crack, especially when compared to poured concrete.  Let’s look deeper into the reason why concrete pavers are a prime choice in finishing driveways and improving the curb appeal of your property.

Concrete Paver: Pros and Cons

Concrete mainly consists of sand, aggregate (gravel), and water. Some would add color and other additives for better performance characteristics.

Concrete pavers are usually made of the same material. The only difference is that they are pigmented to suit the likeness of the client.

When concrete pavers are made, they are shaped into various molds and sizes. Then, they are vibrated to compress and cure. There is a standard being followed for manufacturing pavers so that they can withstand at least 8,000 pounds per square inch of pressure.

Here are more benefits of using concrete pavers:

1. They don’t crack because of being unsuitable for a certain soil condition or being reactive to some soil types.

2. You can choose from several eye-catching and elegant patterns, colors, and shapes that will match the overall design of your home or property.

3. They are user-friendly because it is easier to install, maintain, and repair them. In fact, they are great for DIYers.

4. When they get chipped or cracked, they can be easily replaced.

5. You can get much easier access to underground services because you can easily remove and relay the concrete pavers.

6. They have a high ability to drain because they have gaps within them. You will not have to deal with puddle issues on your concrete driveway pavers!

7. Concrete pavers give you more value for your money because they are more durable than poured concrete and other driveway materials.

8. They add value to your home by complementing other landscape structures and objects. There are different textures available to match the overall design and style of your landscape.

9. They are slip-resistant and are best for sloped driveways because textured concrete pavers provide further traction.

10. They carry a lifetime of warranty or structural integrity. Concrete pavers are very durable, especially with proper maintenance.

The disadvantages of using concrete pavers include:

1. The color of the surface of concrete pavers can change over time. The color changes can be caused by underlying aggregate changes that can affect the color and appearance of the pavers.

2. Concrete pavers have a porous surface that makes them absorb stains that can be caused by oil and other materials. To maintain aesthetic appeal, you will have to clean the surface with a degreaser and pressure washer. Otherwise, the individual paver with a stain will have to be replaced.

3. The presence of spaces and joints between pavers can give way for weeds to sprout.

4. Installation can be more expensive because pavers can require an extra-thick base of carefully graded crushed stone if you desire optimal drainage to prevent runoff. This process can add complications to installments and additional costs as well.

Is Concrete or Pavers Better for a Driveway?

A concrete paver driveway consists of permeable pavers and durable materials. These are the main reasons that make them a top choice. They also provide aesthetic appeal to a home because they can be matched to any design and style.

But, even with the many benefits that a concrete driveway paver can offer, the best driveway material will still depend greatly on several factors, like:

• The slope of your driveway
• Water problems like runoff issues
• Preference for a slip-resistant driveway
• Aesthetic appeal

Is a Paver Driveway Cheaper Than Concrete?

There are likewise various factors that would determine the final cost of installing a permeable driveway pavers. But, to give you an estimate, expect to spend a minimum of $15 per square foot for a quality paving stone installation.

Hence, if you have an area of 1,00 square feet to be installed with concrete pavers, initial costs will be around $15,000.

What Lasts Longer, Concrete or Pavers?

One of the advantages of using pavers is that it provides you with a permeable paver driveway.

This feature alone already makes brick pavers more durable than regular poured concrete because pavers will not cause drainage issues.

Moreover, they are built to withstand ground movement and temperature fluctuations. This means that they are not greatly affected by these factors, making them more durable.

Concrete Paver Cost

The upfront cost of installing a concrete paver is $15 per square foot. This will vary depending on the material used, the installation company, and the quality of the work.

It can cost up to $30 to $40 per square foot. You would usually spend more on labor costs because installation can be labor-intensive.

Maintenance and Repair

One of the best benefits of a concrete paver driveway is that it requires very little maintenance. You will just need to occasionally sweep and hose-rinse the surface to keep it clean.

Weeding will also be needed when weeds start to grow in between pavers where there are joints. The concrete surface can be protected from degradation by a regular application of a sealer.

Concrete Paver Installation

To give you an idea of how long it often takes to install a concrete paver, it will typically take about 5 days to finish the installation by a crew of four to five for a 1,000 square foot area.

The process includes these steps:

1. Excavation
2. Grading
3. Sub-base compaction
4. Geotextile fiber install
5. Base preparation
6. Base compaction
7. Sand preparation
8. Laying the pavers
9. Cutting the borders
10. Preparing the bond beam
11. Compacting the stones
12. Sealing the pavers

You will not have to wait for a couple of days before you can use your concrete squares driveway. Since there is no curing time for concrete pavers, you can use your driveway immediately after installation is completed.

Improve the curb appeal of your home with a concrete paver driveway. It is a definitive choice that will not cause you issues with concrete repairs, adjustments to cold climates, and high maintenance costs.

They come in a range of colors, a variety of styles, and a variety of shapes with a price range that gives you the best deal with long-term costs. So, if you want a high-quality driveway, a paved driveway could be your best choice.

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Big Easy Concrete is your go-to concrete pouring contractor in New Orleans. We are a company with an insurance license in Louisiana ready to provide you with professional service in the Mandeville, Kenner, and Covington locations.

Whether you need us for home or business, we’re dedicated to bringing you concrete paving and services at reasonable rates.

Our other services include concrete slabs, curb & gutter, concrete demolition, and gunite services.

Contact us now and get your concrete pouring ready!