Page 77 - New England

h a r d s c a p e s a n d p a v e m e n t

c o m p a r i s o n i n f o r m at i o n

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c o n c r e te p a v e r s

c o b b l e s to n e

s t a m p e d c o n c r e te

s l a b c o n c r e te

a s p h a lt

n at u r a l s to n e

wo o d d e c k i n g

Driveways, walkways and patios

Walkways and patios

Driveways, walkways and patios

Walkways and patios

Patios

High durability with low maintenance needs. Pavers

regularly last for decades and many manufacturers

offer a 25-50 year warranty. Stained or broken pavers

can be replaced without patches. Ants and weeds

in joints can be prevented by sealing pavers once.

High durability as stones regularly last for decades.

Wide joints may encourage weeds and ants so

maintenance is important.

Moderate durability and maintenance requirements.

Cracking is common in stamped concrete, and

repairs may leave unattractive patches. Weeds or

ants may occur in joints or cracks.

Moderate durability and maintenance requirements.

Cracking is common in slab concrete and repairs

may leave unattractive patches. Weeds or ants may

occur in joints or cracks.

Low durability and high maintenance as wear and

weather break down the surface. A black seal coat

is required every 2-3 years to maintain integrity.

Ruts or pothole repairs may leave unattractive

patches. Subject to erosion from oil drippings.

High durability though depending on specific stone

used, may chip. Fairly easy to maintain but watch

for smooth surfaces that may be slippery when wet.

Low durability and high maintenance as wood

decks need to be resealed regularly to keep from

rotting and splitting.

Wide range of surface options available including

different color, shape, texture and style options.

Laying patterns may be varied to complement

architecture of home. Different pavers may be

mixed to create unique designs or color diversity.

Single color may be used for color consistency.

Lends an elegant, informal feel to areas. Different

stones offer limited color, size and shape options.

Surface is usually colored and may be customized in

color depending on provider. Patterns usually imitate

pavers or natural stone from a distance. Up-close

surface appearance is not tight or always consistent.

Very limited color options of gray or light brown. May

be colored on the surface only. No diversification of

shapes, texture or styles.

Very limited design and color options.

No diversification of shapes, texture or styles.

Wide range of color, shape and style options. Hard

to maintain consistent color throughout because of

diversity of color within individual pieces.

Wide diversity of color through stains and painting

of surface. Limited texture and shape options.

Moderate cost. Tightly fitted, uniform units are

placed over a sand bed and compacted aggregate

base. Immediately ready for use. May be installed

by homeowner.

High cost and difficulty of installation since each

unit must be fitted together by hand. Immediately

ready for use.

Moderate to high cost and difficult for homeowner

to install due to specialized equipment needs. Must

wait for concrete to harden before use.

Moderate to low cost; difficult for homeowner to install.

Must wait 5 to 7 days for hardening before use.

Low cost; cannot be installed by a homeowner.

Goes in quickly over compacted aggregate base.

Moderate to high cost depending on regional

availability. Difficult to install due to inconsistent

shapes and sizes. If mortared, must wait until

mortar hardens to use.

Moderate cost; may be installed by homeowner.

Ready for immediate use.

a p p l i c at i o n

d u r a b i l i t y & m a i n te n a n c e

a p p e a r a n c e & c o l o r o p t i o n s

i n i t i a l c o s t & i n s t a l l at i o n

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