Concrete Patio vs Pavers | A Comprehensive Comparison of Concrete vs Paver Patios

Patios bring families together. This spacious outdoor living area allows us to invite everyone for a weekend get-together to enjoy barbeque, Cuban sandwiches, and everyone’s favorite dessert, the Key Lime pie. Now, if you are thinking about upgrading your patio and giving it a do-over, you’d want something that is not only beautiful but also durable and easy to maintain. We have two great options for you to choose from, each with its own benefits and drawbacks: Concrete and Pavers.

Salt, Climate, and Topography Affect Concrete Patios and Pavers

Before going into details about the advantages and disadvantages of using poured concrete and pavers, let’s first discuss the factors you need to consider when choosing patio materials. Understanding Tampa's unique geography can help you with your decision-making:

• Climate: 246 sunny days with an average high of 76°F (91°F in summer); the blistering heat in Tampa Bay can corrode outdoor structures. Add to that the chance of freeze-thaw cycles that can worsen the internal stress in materials, and they will crack over time. The good news is that when installed properly, both concrete and pavers can withstand the constant expansion and contraction caused by changing environmental temperatures.
  
  
• Sandy Soil and Sinkholes: Unlike the rolling hills of North Florida, where the soil has more clay, Tampa has sandy soil prone to shifting. The sand’s unstable nature causes structures sitting on top of it to crack or be displaced. Besides the sandy soil, there’s also the notorious sinkholes you have to worry about. The sinkholes, which are most common in Hernando, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties, happen when acidic rainwater reaches the karst limestone aquifer and breaks it down. As the limestone gets washed away, it leaves behind cavities and voids, resulting in sinkholes.
  
  
• Salt Spray: Everybody loves the coast! It is relaxing and makes a great backdrop for a backyard patio. However, beneath this beauty lies a threat: salt spray. Salt spray is bad for all porous materials but is devastating to concrete. When in liquid form (salt+water), salt spray can seep inside structures easily through the pores. However, once the temperature goes higher and the moisture evaporates, what’s left behind is the salt that crystallizes and expands, pushing everything beside it. Because of this, the porous material expands. But what’s worse is when salt reaches the rebar added to improve the sturdiness of concrete. It can cause the metal to rust, causing it to expand and detach from concrete. This results in large cracks and spalling. It can even compromise the structural integrity of concrete.

Concrete vs Paver 

Poured Concrete

This budget-friendly option offers many pros. You don’t only get a modern aesthetic landscape but also long-lasting durability.

• Affordable: Among the many materials available for constructing patios, concrete is one of the more affordable options. Concrete costs around $4.5 to $6.5 per sq ft for material alone. Compared to the $6 to $35 price range per sq ft of paver materials, concrete is definitely budget-friendly. Homeowners who want to have a nice-looking patio that does not cost an arm and a leg, concrete is a great choice. Budget-conscious Tampenos can still relax in their outdoor space, enjoying a Tampa Bay Buccaneers watch parties with concrete. Or better yet, have a relaxing evening with a refreshing glass of locally brewed craft beer.
  
  
• Modern Marvel: If you are looking for a smooth, mirror-like finish, concrete is for you. With different colors and finishes available, you can have a patio that works well with your modern home and neighborhood. Just imagine your pool party with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge as your backdrop; it is going to be a riot! Concrete slab provides the exquisite minimalist canvas for your Tampa Bay entertaining galore.
  
  
• Built to Last: Now that you understand the challenges materials face in Tampa, you have a reason to worry. But know that concrete is durable and resilient. It just needs proper installation and sealing every 3 to 5 years, and it can withstand whatever Tampa throws its way. High temperatures and heavy traffic? Easy-peasy!
  
  
• Low-Maintenance: Everyone’s social calendar is packed here in Tampa! Between attending a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game and catching a concert at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, nobody has the luxury nor the inclination to spend so much time cleaning. Good thing concrete slabs are low-key. Sweeping and occasional hosing down can keep your patio looking tidy. Don’t forget to reseal it after 3 to 5 years to protect it from staining and damage from the elements.
  
  

Considering Concrete? Ask Yourself:

• Budget: Is affordability a top priority?
• Desired Look: Do you prefer a clean, modern aesthetic?
• DIY Potential: Are you comfortable hiring a professional installer?
• Future Expansion Plans: Do you envision expanding your patio in the future? (Concrete can be trickier to add onto seamlessly)

If your answer to all these questions is a resounding YES! Concrete is for you. But if your answer is “maybe” or NO, then you may want to check if pavers are for you.

Patio Pavers: Style Icon and Fix-It Friend

Be creative and enjoy an excellent driveway or patio with these versatile and stylish pavers.

• Stylish: You may have a couple of design options with concrete, but the sky is the limit with pavers. You can choose from different colors, textures, designs, and stone components with it. It is King when it comes to versatility and customization. Using pavers with earthy tones and natural stone hues, you can turn your front and backyard into a paradise of your own design. Or if you feel like embodying the celebratory spirit of Tampa's Guavaween, you can use pavers of varying colors and shapes to create a patterned paver.
  
  
• Drainage Dynamo: Every year, Tampa Bay sees an average of nearly 54” of rainfall, with over two-thirds falling in summer. Because of this much rain, efficient drainage is important. Here's where pavers outclass concrete. The spaces between the individual paver units let water pass through without a hitch, preventing pooling and potential foundation issues.
  
  
• Cool Customer: Patio pavers are cooler underfoot than concrete. This is because pavers are light-colored and can reflect sunlight. Moreover, pavers are smaller individual units; hence it’s smaller mass absorbs less heat and releases heat faster than big slabs of concrete. Picture yourself enjoying a refreshing Cuban sandwich on your flooring during the hottest summer months – with lighter-colored pavers; your feet won't feel like they're burning on a griddle!
  
  
• Fix-It Friend: Pavers are not only more durable than concrete but also easier to repair. A dropped grill lid or a rogue soccer ball can chip or crack a concrete patio. But with pavers, repairs are a breeze! All you have to do is take out the damaged unit and replace it with a new one. No need for costly, extensive repairs or unsightly patches. 
  
  

Concrete vs Pavers: Patio Cost

Here's a quick estimate of how much a patio cost per square foot  for concrete patios, stamped concrete, and paver patios in Tampa Bay (including component and installation):

• Concrete Patio: $4.5 to $6.5 per sq ft (materials only)
• Stamped Concrete Patio: $8 - $18 per sq ft (material and finish)
• Paver Patio: $6 - $35 per sq ft(materials only)

Remember, these are just estimates. The final cost can vary depending on the size and complexity of your project, the chosen landscaping component, and the specific contractor you hire.