Pavers vs. Concrete: Weighing Your Options for a Durable and Stylish Outdoor Space in Tampa

Florida’s vibrant city, Tampa, is famously known for its alluring beaches and tropical-like ambiance and lifestyle. Tampa is also recognized for its stunning outdoor spaces, designed to combine the richness of the city’s historical heritage and its adaptation to modern living.

Transforming your outdoor space, though, may not come as easy as you think. There are a lot of factors to consider. The never-ending debate of which is better, paver or concrete, is a constant struggle for homeowners.

But don’t worry! We are here to present to you the benefits and drawbacks of each type to help you make a wise and informed decision. We are your reliable choice for paver installation in Tampa—reach out now!

How Tampa’s Weather Can Affect Your Home Patio

The weather in Tampa is considered subtropical. Meaning the city experiences abundant sunshine and warmth, while at the same time, grappling with high humidity, heavy rainfall, and frequent thunderstorms. And in these weathers our outdoor spaces are continuously facing physical threats. It could worsen our driveway making its material deteriorate quicker than normal – leading to issues such as staining, cracking, and spalling. Hence, it is important to consider the hardscape materials that can fight off these harmful elements. Proper maintenance is strongly recommended too.

Soil, Sinkholes, and Salt Spray on Paving

The geography of Tampa is largely characterized by limestone bedrock as its foundation and on the surface, sandy soil. The combination of these two creates unique challenges for homeowners and contractors since it would pose difficulties especially in laying a sturdy base. On top of that, Tampa’s coastal location – strategic-wise – does not help at all. Its location constantly exposes our hardscapes to salt spray, causing a corrosive effect that leads to further deterioration.  

• Sandy Soil: While ideal for beaches, Tampa’s sandy soil offers less support to our pavers as compared to clay or compacted soil. This results in uneven surfaces and magnets for potential structural damage. Proper base preparations are required before installing pavers or concrete for a safe structure.
  
  
• Sinkholes: Sinkholes can be anywhere in Florida – and Tampa is no exception. It is very important to consider the risk of sinkholes, especially in hardscape projects that involve surface installation. It is advisable to first consult with a geodetic engineer who can provide recommendations to mitigate soil condition problems of your landscape ventures.  
  
  
• Salt Spray: The proximity of Tampa to beaches means that hardscape installations are exposed to salt spray. Exposure to salt spray results in deterioration. Materials, including pavers and concrete, are vulnerable to such elements causing cracking and flaking to your hardscape. It is, therefore, advisable to conduct proper sealing and regular maintenance to extenuate the impact of salt spray on either material.
  
  

Concrete vs Pavers

Now let’s get down to business and see which one has more weight: pavers vs concrete.

Pavers: A Beloved Choice in Tampa

Pavers are used everywhere in Tampa. They’ve become a staple for many of the landscapes and hardscapes in Florida. Pavers are more versatile and design-savvy than concrete. However, it comes with a higher price tag. The following are some of the reasons why you might choose pavers:

• Drainage: Pavers are good at draining water. It allows rainwater to seep through the joints or gaps, preventing pooling. Hence, it prevents erosion and puddling of water in which mosquitoes like to lay their eggs.
  
  
• Heat Resistance: Pavers tend to stay cooler than concrete. Hence, it is perfect for the summer season and makes your house more comfortable for barefoot walks and outdoor gatherings.
  
  
• Design Flexibility: Pavers offer a variety of styles, oftentimes channeling the laid-back charm of old Florida. From classic brick and natural stones to concrete pavers, the selections are endless.
  
  
• Durable: There are different types of pavers: concrete paver, brick paver, and natural stone paver. Each one offers different levels of durability. They can carry more weight than concrete slabs and survive Tampa’s weather better than a slab. Pavers are not only more durable than concrete but also easier to repair. When a unit is damaged, you just have to deal with that specific unit instead of the entire paving.

Note: As discussed, pavers may come with a high price tag. But this type of material surely embodies longevity and low maintenance. Investing in pavers may come in handy in the long run.

Concrete: A Timeless Option

Since the early days of Tampa, concrete has been its building block. It is versatile, durable, and way cheaper than pavers.

• Budget-Friendly: Concrete materials are cheaper than pavers. It is also generally less expensive to install.
  
  
• Flexibility: Due to advanced technology, concrete materials can mimic the look of brick or stone. Adding colors to make it more aesthetic can be an option also.
  
  
• Longevity: Strength and resiliency are the concrete’s key features. It is one of the most durable materials for our landscape despite Tampa’s unforgiving climate. Imagine, it can last for 50 years or so! 

Note: It is not to say, however that concrete is the perfect material. It, too, has its own drawbacks. Concrete may crack due to constant fluctuation of temperature and is more susceptible to mold and stains. Hence, it is imperative to prioritize proper sealing and maintenance to keep your concrete looking good.

Paver vs. Concrete: Which One is Better

Reaching a decision is difficult to begin with. So, we prepared a summary of key differences between pavers and concrete for you to consider:

Cost Comparison

In choosing between a paver or concrete for patio deck, or driveway, cost is always a big concern. While both selections can greatly improve the physical appearance of your Tampa property, their initial and long-term expenses may vary depending on the application and usage. The following are the numbers: