Should I Choose A Concrete Drive and Walkway Or Pavers?

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Should I Choose A Concrete Drive and Walkway Or Pavers?

Concrete:

In the past the answer was almost, always, concrete but things have changed in Central Florida! I would like to think for the better.

Typically, flatwork concrete in Orlando is poured 4” thick with 2,500 PSI concrete, delivered and placed by a concrete subcontractor. He hires a separate concrete supplier to deliver ready mixed concrete directly from the plant. The driveway and service walk first have to be formed and the ground prepared for the concrete pour. Normally it is at least a two day process or more if a municipal inspection is required.

Concrete normally lasts for years but develops unsightly cracks over time. Additionally, the smooth concrete weathers and attracts mold. If for some reason a section of concrete has to be replaced the newly replace section will never match the existing.

Builders in the Orlando area have used wire mesh, fiberglass chop, more and deeper control joints,  and increased the PSI to 3,000, all without success.  The truth is concrete cracks! 

Whatever material you choose for your driveway and service walk the public walk still has to be poured in place concrete as that is the requirement of municipalities as well as homeowner associations.

Concrete Pavers:

In more recent years, the market has shifted towards concrete pavers. They are available in many colors, sizes and finishes. In fact the choices are almost limitless!

Before placing pavers the soil  is graded and covered with “concrete fines” then compacted in place. Pavers have to be set individually, by hand so the process is quite labor intensive. After setting, the pavers are covered with sand to fill the joints, compacted with a vibrator and locked in place by a poured in place concrete border. Afterwards, the pavers are sealed to minimize staining. 

Pavers have many advantages. The normally don’t crack, easily repaired if displaced, many shapes, colors, sizes, 4 times stronger than poured in place concrete and backed by a manufactures warranty. The best and most convincing advantage is the cost! Though prices vary throughout the Country, in the Central Florida area pavers are $4.00/SF vs. $5.00/SF for poured in place concrete. Now you can see why most homeowners are choosing pavers over concrete.

Have an awesome day!

Mike

www.regalclassichomes.com