Are you looking to add a beautiful, durable flooring solution to your outdoor living space? When it comes to deciding which material is best for your landscaping project, two of the top contenders are porcelain pavers and concrete. To make an informed decision, weighing each option’s advantages and disadvantages is essential. Let’s compare the pros and cons of porcelain pavers and concrete, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
Porcelain Pavers vs. Concrete: Durability
Porcelain pavers are made of clay fired at extremely high temperatures. This process makes them very strong and resistant to wear and tear. Porcelain pavers are unlikely to scratch, are resistant to freeze & thaw cycles, and are non-porous, so they do not stain.
While concrete is indeed a long-lasting building material, it does have a limited lifespan. Difficult to repair, concrete can easily crack and chip, especially in Canada, under freeze & thaw cycles which can cause it to shift. Concrete is porous, making it nearly impossible to remove stains, and it is prone to pockmarking from rock salt in the winter.
Porcelain Pavers vs. Concrete: Maintenance
Porcelain pavers require almost zero maintenance. As they do not stain or fade, they only need occasional power washing to restore them to their freshly-installed good looks.
There isn’t much you can do to maintain concrete. You can only sigh when it stains, cracks or chips.
Porcelain Pavers vs. Concrete: Cost
Concrete is the traditional choice and is seen as a low-cost option. However, few people can pour concrete themselves, so you’ll likely need to enlist professionals when using concrete in your projects. Typically, concrete is purchased in 5-cubic yard minimums, which means a lot of unnecessary expense, waste & disposal if you’re only doing a small project. Due to concrete’s shorter lifespan and lower durability, you should factor replacement into your cost comparison.
All things considered, the cost of porcelain pavers is a plus when comparing them to concrete. They will last a lifetime and not need to be replaced or repaired. Have a cracked tile? Simply swap it out for another; it’s that easy. Order only the number of tiles you’ll need, and save on transportation costs too. Porcelain pavers can be installed as a DIY project, saving labour expenses, especially when installed using Uptec Pedestals.
Porcelain Pavers vs. Concrete: Aesthetics
Sure, you can get stamped or tinted concrete at a higher cost, but it’s still dull, lifeless concrete. Porcelain pavers are available in a variety of sizes, colours and finishes to match any décor or even to extend your indoor aesthetic to your outdoor living space.
Porcelain Pavers vs. Concrete: Sustainability
Did you know that concrete is one of the leading producers of carbon dioxide in the world? It is said to be responsible for 4-8% of the world’s CO2, right behind coal, oil and gas. One of the steps we can take towards a greener world is to embrace building materials with less environmental impact.
Porcelain pavers are entirely recyclable. Pedestal systems, upon which porcelain pavers are mounted, are generally made from recycled materials. The system together also requires no adhesives or chemicals that might leach into the soil and less excavation.
For designers, landscape professionals and homeowners, porcelain pavers are an increasingly popular outdoor flooring choice. They’re durable and low maintenance, adding an upscale appeal to your outdoor projects.
Deciding between porcelain pavers and concrete comes down to your specific needs, preferences and available budget. Porcelain pavers are a great option if you’re seeking a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor flooring option that will last a lifetime. To learn more about the possibilities of porcelain pavers and pedestal systems, visit Canadian Pedestal Systems today!