|
Material |
Appearance |
Initial Cost & Installation |
Maintenance |
Winter Durability |
|
STAMPED CONCRETE |
Indistinguishable from
the real thing. Please view photos and view in person. |
Moderate - About 33%
less than the cost of pavers. |
Low - It is
recommended that a reseal be performed only once every 3 to 4
years. For a vibrant and richly colored look, a reseal can be
performed every 1 to 2 years. |
High - Sealed surface
is nearly impenetrable and protects against moisture and the
elements. |
|
PAVERS |
Typically looks nice
when initially installed. A few years later, due to a mere sand
and granular base, settling of pavers results in an up & down
surface that is no longer level and flat. |
High - Each unit must
be fitted together by hand. Very labor intensive. |
Moderate to High - Due
to settling, sometimes needs to be completely releveled within 5
years. Further, ants and weeds in joints need constant
maintenance and can be an issue. |
Moderate - Pavers can
shift over the course of a long winter and may need resetting in
the Spring. |
|
COBBLESTONE |
Gives elegant,
permanent, yet informal “Old World” feel. |
Very High - Each unit
must be fitted together by hand. |
Low - High quality
stone lasts for decades. Wide joints may encourage weeds and
ants. Rough surface makes walking and driving difficult. |
High - High density
stone resists cracking and salts. |
|
CLAY BRICK |
Mostly shades of red
and red-brown. Limited number of shapes available. |
High - Concrete base
often required which increases cost. Inconsistent dimensions
make units slow to install and difficult to maintain straight
pattern lines. |
Low - Irregularities
in surface make them prone to damage, especially edge chipping.
|
Moderate - Salts can
attack and deteriorate some clay pavers. |
|
ORDINARY CONCRETE |
Usually white.
However, can be colored for a more unique look. |
Low - Although a
little too difficult for a homeowner to install, professional
contractors abound. |
Low - Virtually no
maintenance when properly installed. |
High - Modern concrete
is far superior to that of years past. Proper installation is
the key. |
|
ASPHALT |
Limited color options.
Difficult to get neat looking edges. Cracks will likely develop.
Stamped and colored asphalt looks fake. |
Low - Goes in quickly
over compacted aggregate base. Can’t be installed by homeowner.
|
High - Wear and
weather will break down surface. Black seal coat required every
2-3 years. Ruts or pothole repairs make ugly patches. Subject to
erosion from oil drippings. |
Low - Cracks from
freeze-thaw, settlement and deteriorates from de-icing salts.
|
|
CRUSHED STONE / GRAVEL |
Typically a rustic
look. Appearance varies with color and shape of stones. |
Low - Dumped and
spread over soil (no base required). |
High - Scattered stone
must be replaced and releveled regularly. Ruts from tires will
likely develop. |
High - Stones resist
freeze-thaw cycles and salts. |
