Concrete vs. Pavers: The Math That Landscapers Don't Want You to See
We crunch the 10-year numbers on maintenance, weed control, and settling.
The Hidden Costs of Pavers vs. Concrete
When you're looking at a new driveway or patio, landscapers will often push pavers. They look great in the brochure, and the profit margins for the installer are significantly higher than they are for concrete. But before you commit to the "premium" look of pavers, you need to see the 10-year math. Most homeowners find that pavers become a part-time job or a massive hidden expense within just a few years.
The 10-Year Math Breakdown
Let's look at a typical 1,000-square-foot driveway installation. (Note: These are example costs for reference purposes only. Actual costs vary by project.)
Initial Installation Cost
- Concrete (Standard 4000 PSI): approximately $8,000 - $12,000+ ($8-$12/sqft)
- Pavers (Standard Concrete Pavers): approximately $15,000 - $25,000+ ($15-$25/sqft)
Right out of the gate, you are paying a 2x to 3x premium for pavers. But the real "math" happens after the installer leaves.
The Maintenance Reality Check
This is where landscapers gloss over the details. Pavers are a "system" of thousands of individual blocks held together by sand. Concrete is a monolithic, solid slab.
1. The Weed Factor
Every joint between your pavers is a perfect home for weeds. Within 24 months, seeds will blow into the sand joints and take root. To keep a paver driveway looking like the day it was installed, you will either spend 20+ hours a year weeding or pay approximately $200-$400+ annually for professional weed control and re-sanding. 10-Year Cost: approximately $2,000 - $4,000+.
2. Settlement and Shifting
Even with a perfect base, pavers shift. Heavy vehicles (like garbage trucks or delivery vans) exert thousands of pounds of pressure on individual blocks. Over time, you will get "ruts" and "low spots." Fixing a sunken section of pavers involves pulling them up, re-leveling the base, and re-laying them. 10-Year Repair Estimate: approximately $1,500 - $3,000+.
3. Re-Sanding and Sealing
Pavers require "polymeric sand" to stay locked together. This sand washes out over time due to rain and pressure washing. You must re-sand and re-seal pavers every 2-3 years to prevent them from becoming loose and dangerous. 10-Year Maintenance Cost: approximately $3,000 - $5,000+.
The Concrete Advantage: "Set It and Forget It"
Compare that to a properly installed concrete driveway from Local Concrete Contractor. Because we use 4000 PSI concrete and a solid steel-reinforced slab, the maintenance is nearly zero.
- Weeds: Impossible. There are no joints for seeds to take root in.
- Shifting: Minimal. A monolithic slab distributes weight across the entire base, preventing ruts.
- Cleaning: A simple pressure wash and reseal every 3-5 years is all it takes. 10-Year Cost: approximately $1,000 - $1,500+.
10-Year Total Ownership Cost (Example)
| Expense Type | Concrete Driveway | Paver Driveway |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Install | ~$10,000 | ~$20,000 |
| Weed/Sand Maint. | $0 | ~$3,000 |
| Repairs/Leveling | $0 | ~$2,000 |
| Sealing/Cleaning | ~$1,200 | ~$4,000 |
| TOTAL 10-YEAR COST | ~$11,200 | ~$29,000 |
The Verdict
Pavers can look beautiful, but they are an expensive hobby. You will pay nearly 3x more over a 10-year period compared to concrete. If you want a "premium" look without the "premium" headache, consider **stamped concrete**. It gives you the patterns and colors of stone or pavers but with the monolithic, low-maintenance strength of a solid slab.
At Local Concrete Contractor, we specialize in high-strength concrete installations that save you money and time. Contact us today for a quote on a driveway that actually adds value to your life, not chores to your weekend.
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