Making your outdoor space beautiful is a top priority for property owners. You may have decided that your walkway, driveway or patio needs to be replaced or installed and you have seen many ideas online but are still not sure if you should go with interlocking stone or stamped concrete. Choosing the right product is crucial to ensure your investment goes a long way. Understanding the pros and cons of each option will help make the most informed choice.
If you live in the Guelph area, you are well aware of the harsh winters faced and the severe damage this cold weather can cause to your property. The weather is just one of the top things you have to consider when choosing between interlocking and stamped concrete. There are also many other factors you have to consider before settling on a material. For the cold weather, interlocking stone is the perfect choice. This is more so when you consider the advantages built into its design which makes it a competitive option. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each option.
Interlocking pavers
Pros: This is a beautiful option for your outdoor space. It offers many benefits among them being the fact that it is a less expensive option. Pavers are also low maintenance and do not crack over time. They also require very little repairs. You can customize the look of your outdoor space by mixing as well as matching patterns and colors.
Cons: The downside is that weeds tend to pop up between pavers unless polymer sand is used to bind the pavers together. The binding sand may need to be topped every couple of years. It is also good to note that the dye lots may vary between pallets. You have to be careful when installing interlocking pavers to avoid blotchy appearances. You should also note that the interlocking pavers can move when not installed correctly. This is common in wet and cold
Stamped concrete
Pros: If you are looking for a beautiful choice for your outdoor space, then this is it. This concrete can mimic natural stone as well as segmented paving. The colors can also be hand-blended on-site so as to achieve the exact color that you desire. There are also many patterns to pick from. This is what makes stamped concrete a great choice for homeowners who want to personalize their outdoor space. It is also good to note that this option comes with a sealant that protects the concrete from extreme weather and chemicals.
Cons: On the flip side, stamped concrete is a bit more expensive. You will also need to hire professionals to install the concrete. There is also the issue of ongoing maintenance and repairs. The concrete can also fade and may require patching from time to time. Another major con is the fact that concrete cracks and its condition can be deteriorated by de-icing salts.
With the pros and cons in mind, it is up to you to pick the option that best suits your projects. Speaking to one of our professionals at MDS Projects Ltd. will help to guide you and help you make a more informed choice.