When it comes to patio pavers, there are a lot of options out there. But if you're looking for the most affordable option, you'll want to focus on four main types: concrete pavers, brick pavers, porcelain pavers, and rubber pavers. In this article, we'll look at the advantages and disadvantages of each type of paver, their durability, and their costs. We want you to have the best, not just the most affordable.
Otherwise, you could end up incurring a lot of maintenance, repair, or replacement costs sooner than you think. Concrete pavers are the most affordable patio pavers. They come in several shapes, including square, rectangular, octagon, triangular, etc. To make concrete pavers, manufacturers pour concrete into molds in a controlled environment to ensure they are stiffer, stronger and more durable. With proper care, concrete pavers last 30 to 50 years.
Most manufacturers will give you a lifetime warranty. They don't require much maintenance. Simply sweep and clean them regularly, remove any stains with the right products and seal them with a good concrete sealer every few years. Brick pavers are the second cheapest paver for patios. They are cast and heat-cured clay bricks that mostly come in a rectangular shape but other shapes are also available.
They are available in several colors (depending on the clay used). Therefore, you can mix and match them or create different charming patterns such as herringbone, bond, basket weave, etc. The installation is done with mortar or sand only in the case of concrete patio pavers. Durability is not in question when it comes to these clay bricks as they can last several generations longer than concrete.
However, they can crack or chip and the exact length of time they will last depends on use and weather conditions. Porcelain pavers are special types of fully vitrified ceramic tiles (molten clays). They are cooked at a higher temperature and are denser, stronger, more durable and more waterproof making them perfect even for outdoor use. However unlike porcelain tiles for indoor use pavers are thicker making them ideal for use. In addition you will find both porcelain pavers and types of boards.
Finally these tiles come in a variety of colors designs and surface finishes including those that mimic the grain of wood and natural stone however the costs may vary depending on the cost of labor and that of one of the tiles. Make sure you don't compromise on quality when trying to get something more affordable. With proper care porcelain pavers can last 75 to 100 years and last longer than other paving materials including concrete pavers or poured concrete. Porcelain is the cheapest paving stone for patios since you can clean it with your usual household products. They are almost impervious to water so moss mold or fungi are unlikely to grow however re-sealing can help extend the life of porcelain. Rubber pavers haven't been as popular since they recently entered the market and not many people have tried them or are aware of their versatility.
However they are an affordable option not because they have a low purchase price but because you can install them even on land. If you're still in doubt see the 16″ by 16″ rubber patio above the ground with a weed-preventing fabric and a Brock Paver base. If you're interested try Rubberific or Envirotile and see what they have. In addition there are many other manufacturers on the market who recycle tires to make rubber pavers making them one of the greenest options on the market that competes effectively with brick concrete or stone pavers. In addition their patterns can look like cobblestones bricks stones intertwined tiles and you'll get them in various colors such as terracotta natural stone traditional brick etc.
They are large and easy to install plus you won't incur the costs of an expensive subbase like in the case of other pavers. They are durable and resist wear and tear just like tires even when exposed to very harsh conditions. They will serve you for a long time however they tend to disappear under sunlight all you need to do is clean its surface regularly plus you will need to use a high-pressure hose periodically for a more thorough cleaning. Concrete is also an option if you think it has to be boring and unexciting think again instead of smooth concrete you can opt for stamped version this opens up a variety of style options patterned concrete comes in many colors and textures including products made to look like natural stone or other materials plus you can also create patterns shapes and designs to give your patio a unique look it's not very easy to install so hiring a contractor is highly recommended however the price of concrete even with labor makes it one of the most economical options. As a loose material gravel can be riddled with weeds and twigs of grass that grow through it but you can avoid this by placing garden cloth before spreading the gravel plus gravel types range from small round pebbles often called pea gravel all the way up to larger stones like river rock.
