Pavers vs Concrete Patio: Cost, Durability & Maintenance
Part of Landscaping & Aggregate
Quick answer
Poured concrete is cheaper to install — about $8–$15 per square foot (plain to stamped) versus $12–$22 for pavers — but it can crack and is hard to repair invisibly. Pavers cost more up front yet resist cracking, flex with the ground, and let you lift and replace individual units. Concrete wins on budget; pavers win on durability, repairability and looks.
A poured slab and an interlocking paver patio cover the same ground very differently. Concrete is one rigid surface; pavers are many small units set on a compacted base, so they move with the soil instead of cracking.
Side by side
| Factor | Poured concrete | Pavers |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $8–$15/ft² | $12–$22/ft² |
| Cracking | Can crack over time | Flexes — rarely cracks |
| Repairs | Patch visible; hard to match | Lift & replace single pavers |
| Install time | Faster (then cures) | Slower (base + laying) |
| Looks | Plain, or stamped/colored | Many shapes, colors, patterns |
| Maintenance | Seal occasionally | Re-sand joints, occasional weeds |
| Resale appeal | Good | Often higher |
When concrete wins
- You want the lowest installed cost for a large area.
- You want a fast, simple pour (a stamped finish can mimic pavers for less).
- The site is stable and well-drained.
When pavers win
- You want a surface that won't crack as the ground shifts or freezes.
- You value being able to repair a stain or settle by swapping a few units.
- You want premium curb appeal and pattern options.
Estimate the area either way, then size materials: pavers by the piece and base, or concrete by the cubic yard.
Estimate pavers & basePaver CalculatorFind how many pavers you need for a patio, walkway or driveway from the area and your paver size, with a waste allowance.OpenEstimate a concrete slabConcrete CalculatorCalculate the cubic yards of concrete and number of 60 or 80 lb bags for a slab, patio, driveway, round column, Sonotube footing or concrete stairs.OpenFAQs
Are pavers cheaper than concrete?
No — pavers usually cost more to install (about $12–$22 per square foot versus $8–$15 for concrete) because of the labor to prep the base and lay each unit. They can be cheaper over the long run thanks to easy repairs and no cracking.
Do pavers or concrete add more home value?
Pavers often add more perceived value because of their premium look and pattern options, but a clean stamped-concrete patio also boosts curb appeal for less money. Both beat a worn or cracked surface.
Which lasts longer, pavers or concrete?
Pavers typically last longer in practice because they flex with ground movement instead of cracking, and damaged units can be swapped. Concrete lasts decades too, but a major crack means patching or replacing a whole section.
Can I put pavers over an existing concrete patio?
Sometimes — thin pavers can be set over sound, well-drained concrete with the right base, but it raises the surface height. Cracked or heaving concrete should be removed first.