Tampa’s subtropical climate practically begs for outdoor living. It’s so hard to stay indoors when we have 246 sunny days to enjoy doing activities like zip lining, boating, swimming, and more. When the sun beckons you to come outside and enjoy the beauty Tampa has to offer, you can’t just say no! So, of course, we’re always on the lookout for ways to improve our outdoor spaces to have better access to the outdoors. Two materials are currently popular for transforming lawns and yards - the highly esteemed stamped concrete and pavers. But which one is the right fit for you and your home? Let’s weigh the pros and cons. Also, for dependable paver services in Tampa, call the local experts today!
Understanding Your Needs: Stamped Concrete vs Pavers
Now, we can’t just base our decisions on looks alone. There are other factors to consider, like cost, durability, and what best fits our needs and lifestyles.
Now ask yourself: am I looking to create a low-maintenance driveway? Do I prioritize a chic-styled patio for entertaining? Am I into a ritzy-looking bespoke pool deck?
When you know what you really need and want, have set a budget, then it is easier to decide which one to choose. If you have decided on design and know how much time you are willing to set aside for cleaning and maintenance, those will factor in too!
Now let’s see how stamped concrete vs pavers will fare in Tampa’s weather and topography challenges.
Stamped Concrete: The Versatile Choice
Tampa homeowners love stamped concrete - and for good reason! It is durable and budget-friendly. It is also known for its versatility. By stamping patterns into wet concrete, you can make it look like brick and natural stone. You can even make it look like wood! So, you see, with concrete, you get heavy-duty paving that is aesthetically pleasing at a fraction of the cost of other expensive materials.
Pros
If you are on the fence about choosing stamped concrete, here are some good reasons why you should get it:
- Cost-effective: Stamped concrete is cheaper upfront. It costs around $9 and $17 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the design you are going for. If you want a simple, single-colored style, expect it to be on the lower end. However, if you want multi-colored and multi-patterned landscape, then it will definitely cost you more.
- Customizable designs: Concrete is no longer the drab, gray slab you know from way back. It has come a long way in terms of design. It now comes in various colors, patterns, and textures. With the ones currently available, you can create a look that’s entirely YOU!
- Seamless appearance: Unlike its counterpart, stamped concrete creates a continuous surface. Your patio, driveway, or deck wouldn’t be out of place. Everything would look seamless and boost the overall look of your outdoor living space.
- Fast installation: Stamped concrete can be installed more quickly. It takes about 48 hours to prep the base and pour the concrete. On the second day, before the concrete hardens, colors and stamps will be applied. On the third day, the concrete will be sealed to protect it from the elements, staining, and scarring. Considering all these are done in three days, there will be minimal disruption to your daily routine.
- Low Maintenance: It may need to be resealed every 3 to 5 years to protect if from elements, but the actual cleaning is a breeze. It just needs a few minutes of sweeping once a week, hosing down once a month, and deep cleaning every 6 months or so.
Cons
Concrete has many benefits, but it also has its own set of drawbacks. Here are some disadvantages of using this material:
- Susceptibility to cracking: High temperatures in summer that could reach 91°F and the sudden drop because of sudden afternoon rains can be challenging to concrete. There’s also the salt spray from the coast that can corrode the metal rebars under the concrete to make it sturdy. Don’t forget the shifting sand and sinkholes that all contribute to concrete slab cracking. This is especially a big concern if the base and slab are not installed properly.
- Difficulty in repairs: Repairs and replacement can be costly and time-consuming. This is because cracks could go from a fine hairline to a full-blown crack that spans the entire slab. When this happens, you either repair a big part or replace it entirely.
- Potential for heat absorption: Since concrete is inherently darker than pavers, it can be hot underfoot, which is most noticeable in summer. But you can mitigate this problem by choosing a light-colored stain. You can also use some shades strategically placed in different spots on your patio or deck.
Pavers: The Durable Classic
If you want something more classy, pavers can give off that feeling of exclusivity. For higher-end neighborhoods like Arbor Greene and Bayshore Beautiful, pavers are a crowd favorite. Here’s why:
Pros of pavers in Tampa:
- Durability: Pavers are highly resistant to cracking, chipping, and fading. This is because the units are built and laid individually, allowing them to expand and contract more freely when the temperature changes.
- Heat Resistant: Pavers are naturally light in color and has smaller mass. These gives pavers the ability to reflect light and heat better, making it cooler underfoot even at the height of summer. What’s more, being resistant to heat, it can help negate the island heat effect and keep you home environment colder.
- Versatility in materials and designs: You can choose from different paver materials, from concrete, to clay brick, and natural stones. Paver also comes in different colors and cuts. You can choose from different colors, patterns, and sizes to create a unique design.
- Easy to repair or replace: If a paver becomes damaged, it can be easily removed and replaced. As mentioned earlier, pavers are small, individual units. In case one breaks, you just have to remove the damaged unit and put in a new one. Easy-peasy!
- Eco-Friendly: Thanks to its design, pavers are great for draining rainwater, that can help prevent water from pooling and runoffs. Because of the joints, fillers in the joints, and base gravel, it can siphon water from the surface safely and get it underground while filtering the water.
Cons of pavers in Tampa:
- Higher initial price: No questions about it, hands down, pavers are expensive. Be it the materials or the installation, both are more expensive than stamped concrete. Depending on the style, size, and type of stone, a paver patio and deck installation price is around $25 to $70 per sq ft.
- More labor-intensive installation: Installing pavers requires more time and expertise. A simple driveway that is less than 1100 square feet could take 5 to 7 days to complete. If you choose a more complex style with lots of curves and different-sized units, it will take longer.
- Potential for settling: Since Tampa has sandy soil and shifts in time, pavers with their small mass tend to move with it. This can cause a potential problem in sloping areas or sinkhole alleys. To avert disaster, it is best to contact a reputable local contractor familiar with these topographical challenges of Tampa.
Final Decision
Ultimately, you are the one who will live on your property, not us. We can only provide recommendations you may want to consider. However, by understanding the pros and cons of using these two materials, you get to make the best call for you and your family’s safety and comfort.
