Is it Cheaper to Use Pavers vs Concrete for a Patio?

If you’re planning a new patio, one of the first questions that comes up is: Is it cheaper to use pavers or concrete?

The short answer is that a concrete patio usually costs less to install upfront, while patio pavers are more expensive at first but can save money over time with easier repairs and longer durability.

On average, the cost of patio pavers falls between $6 and $30 per square foot installed. A concrete patio is usually cheaper, ranging from $4 to $15 per square foot. Decorative options like stamped concrete or colored finishes can push that price closer to what you’d spend on a basic paver patio.

Throughout this guide, we’ll compare pavers vs concrete patios in terms of cost, appearance, installation, and long-term value. We’ll also look at different types of patio pavers and concrete patio styles, with practical insights to help you choose the right option for your outdoor area.

 

Material Cost of Pavers vs Concrete Patios

Before choosing between pavers vs concrete, it helps to compare the basic material costs. The prices below show industry averages and typical ranges per square foot.

 

 

Note: Costs are based on national averages. Actual costs can vary depending on location, materials, and labor. It’s best to get quotes from local contractors or suppliers to see what’s accurate for your project.

 

Types of Patio Pavers

When comparing pavers vs concrete, it helps to understand that patio pavers come in many materials, each with its own look, cost, and level of maintenance.

Here are some of the most common options you’ll see for a paver patio or paver walkway:

• Concrete pavers. Affordable and versatile. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a popular choice for new patio projects.

• Brick pavers. Classic red tones with strong durability. They work well for a paver driveway or walkway where you want a timeless look.

• Natural stone pavers. Includes slate, bluestone, limestone, granite, and travertine. These bring unique features and design flexibility but can be more expensive per square foot.

• Permeable pavers. Designed to handle heavy rain by allowing water to drain through. Great for eco-friendly outdoor spaces. You can check out our permeable pavers collection for options that improve drainage and reduce water pooling.

• Porcelain pavers. Smooth surface, available in modern styles, and resistant to stains.

• Cobblestone pavers. Extremely durable and long-lasting, though they require more labor during paver installation.

• Rubber or plastic pavers. Cost-effective and softer underfoot, often used in backyards or play areas.

Most pavers provide design flexibility, boosting curb appeal and even helping resale value. With the right base and support products like geo grid and underlayment, they hold up well in harsh weather and heavy-use areas.

 

Types of Concrete Patios

A concrete patio is one of the most common choices for backyards and outdoor areas because it’s cost-effective and versatile. While poured concrete is the standard option, there are several ways to upgrade the look and performance of a concrete surface.

Here are some of the most popular types:

• Plain concrete slab. The simplest form, usually the cheapest per square foot. Works well if you want a quick installation for a basic patio or concrete driveway.

• Stamped concrete. Designed with patterns that mimic stone, brick, or wood. Stamped concrete patios bring style at a lower cost than natural paving stones, though the installation process requires professional work.

• Stained concrete. Uses color treatments to create a more decorative surface. A great choice for homeowners who want a new patio with more personality.

• Exposed aggregate concrete. Features small stones or pebbles visible on the surface, adding texture and traction.

• Polished concrete. Smooth, shiny, and modern-looking, though it’s less common for outdoor spaces compared to patio pavers.

Compared to most pavers, concrete offers fewer design options but can be installed faster and usually at a lower upfront cost. Over time, though, concrete cracks may appear, making repairing concrete or resurfacing necessary.

If you’re comparing stamped concrete with patio pavers, it helps to look at the best materials for hard landscaping projects. This gives you a clearer idea of cost, durability, and long-term value.

 

Comparing Concrete vs Pavers for Patios

When deciding between pavers vs concrete, it helps to look at the main factors that homeowners care about: design, durability, installation, upkeep, and long-term value. Both materials can give you a strong, attractive patio surface, but the differences become clear once you compare them side by side.

Appearance & Design Options

Patio pavers come in a wide range of styles—brick pavers, natural stone, and even concrete pavers made to mimic slate or granite. Because each piece is laid individually, installers can create custom patterns and shapes that make your outdoor area stand out. Options like permeable pavers also combine design flexibility with eco-friendly drainage benefits, which is why they’re often recommended in modern hardscape projects.

A poured concrete patio has a simpler, more uniform look. While plain slabs are the most affordable, homeowners often upgrade with stamped concrete or decorative staining for texture and color. These features improve appearance, but they add to concrete costs and usually need maintenance over time as the finish fades.

Durability & Longevity

Most pavers are four times stronger than a standard concrete slab. They handle harsh weather, ground shifts, and heavy use better. If damage occurs, you can replace individual pavers without disturbing the whole patio, making repairs straightforward and cost effective.

Concrete offers durability, but it’s more prone to cracking as the ground shifts or freezes. Repairing concrete usually means patching or resurfacing large areas rather than fixing a small section. Once cracks form, water can worsen the damage, leading to higher long term costs.

Installation Cost and Process

Paver installation is more labor-intensive because each piece is set by hand, leveled, and finished with polymeric sand between the joints. This adds to the upfront cost of pavers, but also gives homeowners flexibility in design. Tools like paver edging keep the patio secure and help reduce shifting.

Installing concrete is generally faster and cheaper at first. Contractors prep the ground, pour the mix, and allow it to cure over several days. While this makes it less time intensive than a paver patio, the curing time means you’ll wait longer before enjoying your new patio.

Patio Maintenance & Repairs

Most pavers are considered relatively low maintenance. You may need to sweep out weeds or moss that grow in the joints, but sealing the surface and joints with products like paver sealer keeps them looking clean. If one or two pieces crack, it’s easy to swap them out without disturbing the rest.

A concrete patio is easier to clean but harder to fix. Cracks can appear over time, and while patching is possible, it rarely blends in perfectly. Resurfacing is another option but comes with added cost per square foot. Compared to swapping out individual pavers, fixing damaged concrete usually takes more work.

Property Value & Resale

Because of their design flexibility and curb appeal, patio pavers tend to boost property value more than plain concrete. A well-installed paver walkway or backyard patio adds character to the home and makes it more attractive to buyers.

Concrete offers a clean, uniform look and can also raise value, but it’s often seen as less customizable. Decorative options like stamped concrete improve its appeal, but they add to the installation process and maintenance over time.

 

Long-Term Cost Breakdown

Upfront costs are only part of the decision when comparing pavers vs concrete. The real difference shows up when you look at maintenance and repairs over time.

Here’s an overview of estimated costs over 20 years:

 

On paper, concrete patios still look cheaper. Installation runs $4 to $15 per square foot, and with resealing or resurfacing, the 20-year total is usually $8 to $25 per square foot.

Paver patios start higher at $6 to $30 per square foot. Maintenance is lighter — usually just topping up joint sand or replacing a few pieces — which adds about $2 to $5 per square foot over 20 years. That brings the total to $8 to $35 per square foot.

Cost ranges are based on national averages. Actual prices may vary depending on location, suppliers, and labor.

So yes, concrete can appear less expensive. But it’s also more likely to crack and need large-scale repairs. Pavers cost more upfront but often last longer and add more resale value to the home.

 

Choosing the Right Patio for Your Backyard in Colorado

Both pavers and concrete patios can create a functional and attractive backyard space. Concrete is usually cheaper to install, while pavers cost more at the start but often last longer and are easier to repair. The right choice depends on your budget, design goals, and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with over the years.

If you’re ready to start your project, you can stop by our store at 3961 Co Rd 114, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, or shop online from the comfort of your home. We deliver to Grand Junction, Carbondale, Aspen, and surrounding areas so you can get the materials you need without the hassle.

 

Concrete vs Pavers for Patios FAQS

Is it better to use pavers or concrete?

Concrete is cheaper upfront and installs faster, but it is more likely to crack and need larger repairs over time. Pavers cost more to install, yet they are easier to repair and can last longer. They also add more design flexibility and curb appeal, which can increase resale value.

Do pavers last longer than concrete?

Yes, most pavers last longer than concrete. Pavers can hold up 50 years or more if installed correctly, while a concrete slab patio often needs replacement after 30 to 40 years. Plus, you can replace individual pavers if they get damaged, which makes repairs easier.

What is the most low-maintenance patio?

A paver patio is often easier to maintain because you can swap out damaged pieces and control weeds with joint sand and sealing. A concrete patio looks smooth and simple but becomes harder to fix once cracks form. For long-term durability with fewer headaches, pavers are the better low maintenance choice.