What is the cost of pavers vs. concrete?
What is the cost of pavers vs. concrete?
$4 – $15 cost per square foot installed (concrete)
$10 – $30 cost per square foot installed (pavers)
Pavers vs. concrete cost & comparison
The average cost of pavers is $10 to $30 per square foot for materials and installation, while the average cost to pour concrete ranges from $4 to $15 per square foot, depending on the area size and whether it's basic concrete or includes decorative color or textural elements.
| Factor | Pavers | Concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost per square foot installed |
$10 – $30 | $4 – $15 |
| Average 1-car driveway cost | $2,900 – $8,600 | $800 – $2,300 |
| Average 2-car driveway cost | $5,700 – $17,200 | $1,600 – $4,600 |
| Average patio cost (20'x20') | $3,800 – $6,800 | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Appearance | High-end aesthetic with limitless color, shape, & design flexibility | Less visually appealing; limited color, shape, & design options |
| Durability | Durable & flexible; may loosen over time | Durable; may crack from ground shifts |
| Climate concerns | Stable in most climates | May split in extreme temperatures |
| Safety concerns | Not as smooth to walk on | May become slippery when wet |
| Installation | Labor-intensive installation | Easier to install |
| Maintenance | Easier to repair but more difficult to clean | More challenging to repair but easier to clean |
| Property value | Increases home value | May increase home value |
| Lifespan | 25 – 75+ years | 30 – 50+ years |
Appearance
Pavers offer much more design flexibility than concrete. The individual pavers come in a wide variety of materials, sizes, and colors, and installers can create virtually any shape or design with them during the installation process.
Poured concrete is more limited in its color and design options. Concrete slab surfaces are typically smooth but may be stamped with decorative patterns for an extra cost. Installers can also mix color into the concrete before pouring. Color added after installation often needs reapplication over time due to fading.
Durability
Pavers are more durable than concrete, with an average strength four times higher than that of a concrete slab. Pavers hold up better in harsh weather and typically don't crack from freeze-thaw cycles. Replacing individual pavers as needed is also cheaper and easier than repairing or replacing a concrete surface.
While not as strong as pavers, concrete is more durable than asphalt and can last just as long as pavers in some applications if installed correctly and well maintained. Still, concrete is more susceptible to cracking over time from extreme temperatures or ground shifting.
Consider installing concrete pavers to get the best of both worlds—the cost-effective concrete material pricing with the flexibility and durability of pavers.
Materials
Paver prices range from as little as $0.50 per square foot to as much as $20 per square foot for the pavers alone, depending on the size, type, and quality. Paver installation also requires a base, which adds $1.40 to $2.20 per square foot to the material costs.
On average, the material costs to pour concrete are typically lower than the material costs to install decent quality pavers.
| Material | Average material price per square foot* |
|---|---|
| Concrete slab cost | $3.00 – $7.00 |
| Bluestone pavers cost | $6.00 – $14.00 |
| Clay brick pavers | $1.40 – $15.00 |
| Cobblestone pavers | $10.00 – $25.00 |
| Concrete pavers | $1.25 – $18.00 |
| Granite pavers cost | $10.00 – $15.00 |
| Limestone pavers cost | $7.00 – $15.00 |
| Permeable pavers | $4.00 – $12.00 |
| Plastic pavers | $1.90 – $8.00 |
| Porcelain pavers | $1.10 – $18.00 |
| Rubber pavers | $1.70 – $10.00 |
| Slate pavers | $3.60 – $20.00 |
| Stone pavers | $0.50 – $14.00 |
| Travertine pavers | $0.50 – $11.50 |
*Installation adds $3 to $5 per square foot for concrete and $7 to $13 per square foot for pavers.
Installation
Pavers require more time and labor than poured concrete. The designer must plan out the details thoughtfully, level and prep the site, and then place each paver stone individually. Once the pavers are in place, installers typically fill the gaps and joints with polymeric sand.
Concrete installs quickly and easily in most cases. Installation involves preparing the site—often with excavation and grading or leveling—before mixing and pouring the concrete. The concrete then takes several days to cure before it's ready for use.
Maintenance & repairs
Pavers are relatively low maintenance overall. You may need to clear unwanted weeds or moss from the seams and joints periodically and replace individual pavers that crack or break over time. The ability to replace pavers individually makes repairing this surface cheaper and easier than repairing concrete.
Concrete is also low maintenance but needs ongoing maintenance for continued durability. Patch cracks right away to prevent more costly repairs. Resurfacing concrete costs $3 to $7 per square foot and involves replacing only the top layer to refresh its look for less than the cost of complete replacement.
Installing pavers costs more up front, but concrete's higher maintenance and repair costs may make it more expensive over the long term.
Property value
Both pavers and concrete have the potential to increase property value when installed and maintained correctly. A decorative paver installation that complements the home boosts curb appeal and improves resale value. Replacing old, damaged concrete with a newly poured concrete surface can have a similar effect.
Concrete patio cost vs. patio pavers
Patio pavers cost more than standard poured concrete, but both options can give your backyard an aesthetic boost. Concrete offers a smoother surface to walk on but may become slippery when wet, while pavers provide better traction but may create a bumpier walking surface, depending on the material.
| Patio type | Average cost per square foot installed |
Average total cost (20'x20' patio) |
|---|---|---|
| Average paver patio cost | $10 – $17 | $4,000 – $6,800 |
| High-end paver patio cost | $25 – $40 | $10,000 – $16,000 |
| Basic concrete patio cost | $5 – $15 | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Exposed aggregate concrete patio cost | $7 – $18 | $2,800 – $7,200 |
| Epoxy-coated or painted concrete patio | $7 – $22 | $2,800 – $8,800 |
| Stained concrete patio | $8 – $25 | $3,200 – $10,000 |
| Stamped concrete patio cost | $8 – $19 | $3,200 – $7,600 |
Paver driveway cost vs. concrete
A basic poured concrete driveway costs less to install than a paver driveway due to concrete's lower material costs and shorter installation time. Staining or decorative stamping brings concrete costs closer to some driveway paver costs. The best choice for you depends on your location, budget, and design preferences.
| Driveway material type | Average installed cost (per square foot) |
Total cost installed* |
|---|---|---|
| Basic poured concrete driveway cost | $4 – $8 | $1,600 – $4,600 |
| Stained concrete | $8 – $12 | $4,600 – $6,900 |
| Stamped concrete | $12 – $18 | $6,900 – $10,400 |
| Brick pavers | $10 – $25 | $5,500 – $14,500 |
| Cobblestone pavers cost | $20 – $50 | $12,000 – $30,000 |
| Concrete pavers | $10 – $20 | $5,500 – $11,500 |
| Stone pavers | $10 – $30 | $5,500 – $18,000 |
| Porcelain pavers | $15 – $30 | $8,500 – $18,000 |
| Rubber pavers | $8 – $15 | $4,500 – $8,500 |
| Permeable pavers cost | $8 – $30 | $4,000 – $17,000 |
*Total cost for an average 24'x24' (2-car) driveway.
Getting estimates from paver installers and concrete contractors
When researching local paver installers and concrete contractors near you, be sure to:
Get 3 to 5 detailed estimates with similar details to compare from contractors specializing in the type of project you're planning:
Read their reviews and check out their previous work on Google and HomeGuide.
Confirm their licensing credentials and insurance are valid and up to date.
Ask for local references you can contact for feedback or examples of similar local projects you can see in person.
Be skeptical of low bids as this may indicate they lack experience, use low quality materials, or both.
Ask for a contract and warranty in writing before the start of the project.
Only pay up front for supply costs. Work out a payment plan for the labor as it is completed.
Questions to ask your paver or concrete contractor
Ask the following questions to help you decide who to hire for your concrete or pavers installation:
Is the company licensed in this state, bonded, and insured?
What training/certifications and how many years of relevant experience do you have?
Will you provide references from previous customers?
Does your bid include all prep work, materials, installation labor, and cleanup?
Do you offer a warranty, and what does it cover?
Do you require a deposit, and how much is it?
Do you do the installation yourself, or will you be using subcontractors?
When can you start, and how long will it take to finish?
Who is my main contact during and after the installation?
What extra costs might come up during a project like this?
What permits do I need, will you obtain them, and are permit fees already included in your estimate?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.