concrete paving ideas

Is it cheaper to lay concrete or pavers?

As far as installation costs and concrete costs go, poured concrete is technically the most affordable per square foot. However, even though the upfront cost of pavers is higher, concrete pavers offer greater value and durability than poured concrete and stamped concrete.

What do you put under concrete pavers?

Sand Bedding

Before laying the pavers, a layer of bedding sand is placed over the compacted base material. This layer provides a bed into which the pavers are set. The sand bedding also helps to protect the sand joints from being eroded away.

Can you lay concrete pavers on dirt?

While a permanent installation requires excavating soil and a compacted base of gravel and sand to ensure a long-lasting, level patio, you may only need the space for a season or two. A temporary installation of patio pavers on dirt may suffice until you're ready to install the hardscape in a long-range landscape plan.

What is the best base for concrete pavers?

The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute recommends washed concrete sand as the best base sand for pavers. Concrete sand, also known as bedding sand, is coarse and doesn't trap excess moisture beneath the paver surface.

How much does a 20x20 stamped concrete patio cost?

The average cost for a stamped concrete is $5 to $12 per square foot, not including the concrete slab which costs $2 – $7 per square foot. Most homeowners spend a total of between $3,751 – $8,540 for stamped concrete patio. Get free estimates from concrete pros near you.

What lasts longer concrete or pavers?

Poured concrete lasts up to 25 years and longer. Pavers last up to and beyond 50 years, thanks to their stronger material and simpler repair process. The exact time depends on the materials used, climate, and proper installation.

How thick should SAND be under pavers?

Paver base depth is determined by the type of stones used and the type of sand or gravel that will be laid under them. Paver thickness is generally about 3- to 3 1/2-inches. Therefore, you need to dig a paver patio base depth of about 9 inches (22.86 cm) to accommodate any kind of paver.

Is sand a good base for pavers?

Installing driveway or patio pavers without sand is not a good idea because the sand base serves as the main stabilizing material for your pavers. Without sand, the pavers are likely to shift and sink over time, resulting in an uneven and messy surface.

Do you wet sand before laying pavers?

The layer of sand should be from one to one and a half inches thick. The sand also needs to be dry, not wet.

How do I prepare ground for pavers?

Prepare Ground

Ensure you have a root and rubble free compatible sand sub-base of at least 50mm thick. The sub-base should be roughly levelled and damped down before tamping down firmly with a hand or mechanical compactor. Hand compaction is usually enough for most domestic applications when laying pavers.

Can you lay pavers on just sand?

Compacted concrete sand is then placed on top of this. A thin final layer of setting sand is the actual surface on which you place the pavers. Larger paving stones act like building footings. ... In other words, compacted sand can provide a sufficient base for a paver patio that's just going to have you walking across it.

How do you flatten ground for pavers?

Spread a 2-inch deep layer of sand over the gravel. Dampen the sand lightly with water from a hose sprayer. Smooth the damp sand with a rake. Tamp the sand with a hand tamper to flatten it.

Should I leave a gap between concrete pavers?

Yes, you will have to leave a gap between concrete pavers. ... Wide gaps required for stone or brick pavers. You can use a contrast filling for gaps to get a decorative accent. Pavers also get loosened over time, so it's important to know how to fix loose pavers in case they get too loose.

Should I put concrete under pavers?

Concrete can and does absorb moisture, which makes the area underneath the pavers ideal for the development of mold, mildew, moss, and weeds. This can lead to these problems spreading in between the paver joints and onto the surface of the pavers.

What to put under pavers to prevent weeds?

Polymeric sand can help prevent weeds with pavers.

Can I do stamped concrete yourself?

Stamped Concrete DIY. The short answer is NO! ... Concrete, especially stamped concrete, is unforgiving and expensive in terms of materials and time. Unlike carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work, concrete doesn't come apart and you can't come back tomorrow to finish if you run out of time or patience.

Why is stamped concrete so expensive?

You begin by having the client or designer pick out three things; the stamp design, the color of the concrete, and the color of the release which gives the highlights. ... It can also be cost prohibitive for the contractor to purchase a set of stamps as they can run upwards of $4,000 for a complete set.

Is stamped concrete worth the money?

Stamped concrete is generally more durable and requires less maintenance than most other paving materials, which can add up to big savings over time. Increase in resale value. Many homeowners wonder if it is worth the cost to install a stamped concrete patio or driveway.

How much does a 20x20 paver patio cost?

A 20x20 brick paver patio costs $3,800 to $6,800. The average cost of pavers and base materials is $4 to $6 per square foot, while labor runs $6 to $11 per square foot. Get free estimates from masonry contractors near you or view our cost guide below.

How much does it cost for a 24x24 concrete slab?

A typical 24x24 garage slab costs between $3,057 and $5,944 with prices ranging from $5.31 to $8.31 per square foot for a 4” reinforced slab of concrete, and $6.83 to $10.32 per square foot for a 6” slab of reinforced concrete.

Does paver patio add value to home?

Aside from this, how the pavers are used will also make a difference. For example, a great patio could add as much as $15,000 to the average home's price. However, if you are using pavers as part of creating a brand new garden space, you could improve your home's value by as much as 20 percent.