Stamped Concrete vs. Pavers: What’s Best for Your Concrete Walkway?

The sun is out, the birds are chirping, and time spent outside has drastically increased. It’s summer in Portland, Oregon, and everyone is making the most of it! That includes making sure your landscape looks gorgeous. And as one of the most traveled parts of your property, your walkways should get a little love.

That leads to one of the most common questions we hear: “Should I opt for a stamped concrete walkways or pavers?”

At GWC Decorative Concrete, we understand this is a major question and investment, and we want to help. In this article, we will compare and contrast the two materials so you can make the best decision for your next concrete walkway project.

This is probably one of the first thoughts you’ll have when you consider improving your current walkway. Are you planning on a stamped concrete walkway or a paved walkway, maybe even a decorative cement walkway? Will it be modern, rustic, or traditional?

Learning what different elements stamped concrete and pavers have to offer will help during this process.

Stamped Concrete Pros

• Endless color schemes and textures
• Easily customizable from a unique design to a logo
• Can mimic slate, brick, or even weathered wood

Stamped Concrete Cons

• Depending on customization, can be expensive
• Colorants may chip off over time
• Stone or natural material aficionados can tell the difference

Pavers Pros

• Made of brick, concrete, or stone
• Can be made into almost any design you can think of
• Many styles and colors available

Pavers Cons

• Choice of paver can be limited to supplier
• Depending on customization, may be time-consuming
• Over time, color may fade

We all know maintaining outdoor areas can be work. When making a decision between stamped concrete and pavers there are a few things to consider in regards to maintenance. Understanding what kind of upkeep you are willing to do will be helpful when choosing your material.

Stamped Concrete Pros

• Can be sealed for protection
• Easy to clean, just need a little soap and water
• Some companies, like GWC Decorative Concrete, offer repair and restoration services, such as pressure washing

Stamped Concrete Cons

• Cracks! These happen due to settling, weight put on the surface and shrinkage
• Can show wear and tear over time
• If repairs are needed, it can be time-consuming and hard to match the exact color

Pavers Pros & Cons

• Do not crack
• Can tolerate and hold up to extreme weather
• Each paver is easily replaceable if warranted

Pavers Cons

• Weeds! They love popping up through the space between pavers
• Settles over time and may create an uneven surface
• Need to re-sand every couple years

If you’re like most people, the cost is probably your biggest concern when it comes to your next walkway project. Each material has their pros and cons, but ultimately only you can make the decision on what you are most comfortable with.

Stamped Concrete Pros

• Cost dependent on intricacy of design
• Durability prevents future cost of upkeep & repairs

Stamped Concrete Cons

• Initial cost up front can be more expensive
• While less frequent, upkeep takes time and money
• Hard to make into a DIYer project

Pavers Pros

• Upfront cost is low
• Quick installation
• Easy to make into a DIYer project

Pavers Cons

• Style of paver can increase price
• Installation methods may increase price as well

Breathe a sigh of relief, you have gained the knowledge needed to make the next step in your walkway project! Give us a call or email today to set up an appointment for a free quote.

If you aren’t quite there yet and need some decorative cement walkway inspiration, head on over to our portfolio and check out our past projects.