Poured Concrete vs. Pavers: Which is Best for Your Home?

When it comes to outdoor flooring options, nothing beats stone and concrete. They look fantastic, feel great underfoot, and fit in naturally with the setting and climate of Nevada. There are plenty of outdoor flooring options available for homeowners, and poured concrete and pavers are two of the most popular choices for several reasons. Since their benefits can often overlap, deciding the winner of poured concrete vs. pavers and picking which is best for your home might be tricky.

At Proficient Patios & Backyard Designs, we’ve been the premier backyard contractor in the Las Vegas, Nevada, area for more than a decade, so we have plenty of experience when it comes to both poured concrete and pavers. Both options provide unique benefits, so finding the right option for your home and lifestyle can be the difference between a yard you don’t use much and one in which you spend all your time.

The Differences Between Poured Concrete & Pavers

As its name suggests, poured concrete is poured into slabs, creating an even, uniform surface. Pavers are usually made from concrete and then formed into interlinking bricks that can be joined to make patios and footpaths. Here are some more specific differences to each style:

Poured Concrete Flooring

The uniformity of poured concrete creates a level surface that is useful for balancing furniture and other outdoor products. It requires minimal maintenance and can be stamped or stained to mimic the appearance of more expensive materials like brick or stone. Unfortunately, large slabs are also susceptible to cracking and can be difficult to repair.

Some of the popular finishes for poured concrete include:

• Broom/sand finish – For a broom finish, the surface is brushed with a broom to create grooves that help create traction. A sand finish offers a more stylish look and also helps prevent slipping.
• Stamped overlay – A stamped overlay finish creates the look of natural stone, slate, or brick at a fraction of the cost.
• Stained – Concrete stain can be used to create almost any look, and since the stain penetrates the concrete, the finish is fade-resistant.
• Spray-Deck – Spray-Deck is a spray-on overlayment that is resistant to abrasion, perfect for high-traffic areas, and available in a wide array of color options.
• Epoxy – Popular for garages and workshops, epoxy floor coatings can last for several decades and resist damage from oil, gas, extreme heat, and more.

Pavers

Since pavers are completely modular, long-term care is easy: Individual pavers can be removed and replaced without disturbing the entire surface. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, allowing for endless design possibilities. Pavers can also be used to make paths and hardscaping in areas where poured concrete simply isn’t feasible. Unfortunately, the small gaps between pavers can also make them a haven for weeds and they may require regular cleaning.

Paver can be used for a variety of hardscaping options, including:

• Flooring
• Retaining walls
• Walkways
• Pool decks
• Edging
• Driveways

Who Wins in the Battle of Pavers vs. Poured Concrete?

Like nearly everything in home improvement, the right option between pavers and poured concrete depends entirely on your home and personal preferences. The good news is that pavers, concrete patios, and hardscaping are all completely customizable, so you can find a look that you’ll love and that suits your yard. And, as long as you work with a skilled outdoor contractor, you can count on receiving years of service from your pavers or concrete slabs. Both are a smart choice for hot, sunny climates, like Nevada, so be sure to consider all your options before deciding which one is right for you.

Schedule a Consultation

At Proficient Patios & Backyard Designs, we have more than 15 years of experience designing incredible back yards throughout Nevada. If you have any questions about poured concrete, pavers, or any other outdoor living and backyard upgrade, we can help. To find out more, contact us today or visit us at our expansive showroom in Las Vegas. Be sure to ask about the convenient financing options that could make your project even more affordable.