Are you looking to replace your patio, but unsure if you should use paver stones or stamped concrete? If so, it will help to know more about using these two materials. 

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete is going to look great for very large patios. That's because it is very easy to form different shapes with poured concrete on site. You can create elegant curves in a cost-effective way that is very visually appealing. You don't have to have a square-shaped patio, since it is possible to use whatever shape you want. 

The stamping process happens at the very end, and you will get to pick from a variety of different stamped designs that go on top of the concrete. It is common for a concrete contractor to provide a catalog of different patterns and you pick the one that is your favorite. The plates are placed on top of the concrete while it is curing, and pressure is applied to stamp the pattern into the surface. This pattern can replicate the look of natural stone, even though it is concrete.

You also have the option to add color to a stamped concrete patio. It is common to use two colors, which would be a base and release color, that are spread across the entire surface. It is also possible to color certain sections of the stamp pattern with different colors to give the appearance of stones of different colors.

One of the downsides to using stamped concrete, or any concrete for that matter, is that it can crack. The ground beneath the concrete can shift over time, which will cause the concrete to crack. If the crack gets worse and you want to replace a portion of a stamped concrete patio, know that it can be very difficult to replace a section that blends in with the rest of the patio.

Paver Stones

Paver stones are known for their durability, which is going to be stronger than using poured concrete. Each stone is created by pressing it into a mold to create an incredibly strong material to use for a patio. The stone can also tie into your existing landscaping and create walls made out of the same stone. 

If you need to repair a section of a patio made out of paver stones, know that it is possible to lift out a stone, level the ground, and place a new one in the patio. The new paver will blend in well and not look that noticeable. However, the biggest downside is the price, with paver stones being much more expensive than stamped concrete. 

Reach out to a company that provides customizable stamped concrete installations in your area.