Concrete Patio vs Pavers -  Comprehensive Material Comparison of Concrete vs Paver Patio

Albuquerque is not only rich in history, it is also culturally rich with various influences like Spanish, Asian, African, and Anglo. This richness is seen in the varied architecture, hardscapes, and landscapes all over Duke City.

Knowing that, it is understandable that you would want to have a patio that reflects the city’s culture. You’d also want to take into consideration the wild beauty of the desert. Don’t forget the majestic Sandia Mountains and the scenic Rio Grande. All these can be incorporated into your patio designs to create a unique look.  

Now the question is, what material can you use to bring all this inspiration to life? Well, there are two great options you can choose from: concrete patio or pavers. So, which one between pavers vs concrete is best in terms of design? Could they also withstand the elemental challenges thrown their way by Albuquerque?

Upgrading your home with eye-catching patios and other hardscapes like driveways and pool decks is exciting. But, it is important to know the factors you need to consider before breaking ground. 

One of the determinants is your lifestyle and intended use for your patio. Do you plan on hosting neighborhood barbeques in summer? How about simply creating a zen spot where you can relax after a long day at work? Maybe you wish to extend your living space outdoors, making your patio a functional addition to your home.

Depending on your response, deciding between concrete and pavers should be made easier.

• Entertaining: If you want to go for a modern and sleek look, concrete is a viable option. Meanwhile, you can create a more welcoming atmosphere with pavers. However, if you are to become the best host in town by often entertaining big crowds, pavers might be the better option. Thanks to its construction and design, it can carry more load than concrete.
  
  
• Relaxation: Hands down, concrete vs pavers, pavers are the winner when it comes to curb appeal. If having a lush patio is what you have in mind, you can have a beautiful private oasis with natural stone pavers. While concrete can also do the job, you might have to add comfortable seating and potted plants to get a desirable effect.
  
  
• Dining: Both concrete and pavers can accommodate outdoor dining sets. Both can carry heavy loads and offer a stable platform. In this case, it is best to consider maintenance and cleaning. Concrete wins this round as it is easier to clean and maintain compared to pavers. 

Resilience is a must in Albuquerque. The city’s topography, elevation, and cold and semi-arid climate can throw a wrench in any hardscape and landscape. 

Soil Considerations

Clay plus caliche is never a good combination - and Albuquerque has tons of it! This presents a challenge to any structure, no matter what material you use. The notorious combination of clay and caliche is especially problematic in neighborhoods built on the city's outer fringes. In the West Mesa and North Valley, this soil is common. Now why are clay and caliche an issue? Caliche is a hardpan soil that is almost as rigid as a rock. It does not really soften when it becomes wet, but the soil around it does. When it rains, and the soil around it moves, caliche also moves, affecting the structure sitting atop it. Moreover, caliche is terrible for water drainage and requires heavy machinery to be removed. 

As for clay, it swells and becomes soft when mixed with rainwater. On the other hand, it contracts when the moisture in it evaporates. The change in clay structure can cause strain on pavement that could lead it to crack. Also, like caliche, clay is awful at draining rainwater, resulting in flooding and erosion.

Climate and Temperature Extremes

We can enjoy the outdoors thanks to the 310 sunny days we have in Albuquerque. But the same cannot be said for pavements and other outdoor structures. Imagine getting beaten relentlessly by the heat of the sun that could get as high as 93°F and you’ll understand how difficult it can be. Add to that the afternoon rains that cause the temperature to drop, adding stress to concrete and pavers. Besides causing internal stress to concrete due to changes in outside temperatures, it could also cause fading. 

There are also possible freeze-thaw cycles when the temperature drops below freezing that sometimes happen in Duke City. When there’s water inside concrete when winter arrives, it could freeze and expand further. It’s like ice crystals elbowing the insides of concrete. But this worsens when the temperature rises and ice melts. It could get to the rebars, if there are any, and cause the metal to corrode, further causing damage to the structure. Imagine this happening over and over until winter is over - the worst way for pavement or patio to deteriorate. 

Topography and Drainage

Albuquerque's topography varies significantly. From flat plains to the rugged Sandia Mountains, the terrain is simply different. In flat areas, you might experience some drainage issues because of caliche and clay soil. But notably, flooding is less severe. However, go a little bit higher, like in the foothills of the Sandias or along the Rio Grande Valley, and you’ll have to deal with erosion and runoff. 

Although Albuquerque only experiences an average annual rainfall of 9 inches, it could get intense when thunderstorms occur. With the soil too dry, it cannot absorb water quickly enough that there’s always a chance of flooding and erosion.

In most parts of the United States, especially in Albuquerque, concrete is a popular choice for building backyard patios. People love it for its durability and being budget-friendly. It can provide a solid foundation at an affordable price. 

Pros

• Cost-effective: Concrete is affordable upfront. You can get a reinforced concrete patio installed for $7 to $14 per sq ft. If you just need an un-reinforced pad, expect to pay less at $5.5 to $12 per sq ft. Check below to learn how much pavers cost per sq ft.
  
  
• Durable: Concrete can withstand the harsh elements of Albuquerque. It just needs to be properly installed and sealed every 2 to 5 years to ensure it lasts for decades.
  
  
• Accessible: Concrete provides a smooth, even finish. This provides a safe walking surface for old people and those with disabilities.
  
  
• Quick Installation: Unlike other materials, concrete can be installed within the day. In a day or two, you can start walking on it. In seven days, you can even use it as a temporary parking space for light-weight cars. However, you need to wait for concrete to fully gain strength before using it for heavier vehicles and machinery.
  
  
• Versatile: Gray and flat - that’s no longer applicable to concrete. It comes in various stains and stamped concrete finishes, giving you room for various styles.

Cons of Concrete Patios vs Pavers

• Susceptible to cracking: Albuquerque's clay soil and rapid temperature changes can cause concrete to crack over time.
  
  
• Difficult to repair: Repairing cracks in concrete can be a messy and costly process. Unlike pavers that come in small, individual units, concrete comes in a big slab. When it cracks, there’s a possibility of having a need to replace the entire paving.
  
  
• Limited design flexibility: While concrete offers some style options, pavers generally provide more variety.

Pavers have gained popularity in recent years due to their aesthetic appeal and versatility. You can choose from concrete pavers, clay and brick pavers, and natural stone. In Albuquerque's arid climate, pavers offer several advantages.

Pros of Paver Patio

• Design flexibility: Comes in different shapes, colors, and sizes. With it, you can customize your patio or driveway to however you envision it. You can use mono blocks or mix and match the colors, sizes, and designs to your own liking.
  
  
• Easy to repair: This is one of the most notable benefits of pavers. If a paver becomes damaged, it can be easily replaced without affecting the rest of the patio. You simply removed the damaged unit, put the replacement in, and voila, you get a functional and good-looking patio again!
  
  
• Durability: Pavers are resistant to cracking and can withstand Albuquerque's harsh weather conditions. Their construction and design allow them to breathe when they expand and contract without causing damage. Also, their interlocking style and sturdy composition can help stand the test of time in various settings and elements.
  
  
• Better drainage: Pavers are innately permeable. Through the joints between the units, rainwater is allowed to pass through slowly and drain directly underground. This mitigates flooding and soil erosion. 

Cons of Pavers vs Concrete

• Higher Costs: Paver patios tend to be more expensive than concrete patios. The price is dependent on the paver material you’ll use and how laborious and intricate the design is. In any case, a standard paver patio could range from $15 to $30+ per square foot, depending on the stone used. Concrete paver is at the lower end, while brick is in mid-range. If you plan on using natural stones, expect to pay a premium for getting them installed.
  
  
• Labor Intensive: Installing pavers requires skilled labor. Concrete contractors need to cut and lay them according to your complex design.
  
  
• Potential for Shifting: In areas with expansive soils, pavers may shift or settle over time. Unlevel units may be a tripping hazard to physically challenged people and cause serious injuries.