Patio & paving surfaces

Compare the four most common patio surface materials.

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Poured concrete

$6–$18 / sq ft
Lifespan
25–40 years
Maintenance
Low — seal every 3–5 yrs, address cracks
Climate fit
All climates; can crack in hard freeze/thaw
Install time
2–4 days for an average patio
Pros
  • Cheapest hardscape option
  • Smooth surface
  • Quick to install
Cons
  • Cracks are visible and hard to fix invisibly
  • Limited design appeal
  • Heat retention in sun

Stamped concrete

$12–$28 / sq ft
Lifespan
20–35 years
Maintenance
Medium — reseal every 2–3 yrs to preserve color
Climate fit
All; sealer protects against freeze-thaw
Install time
3–5 days
Pros
  • Mimics pavers/stone at lower cost
  • Wide design options
  • No joints to weed
Cons
  • Cracks unfixable invisibly
  • Color fades over time
  • Slippery when wet without finish

Concrete or clay pavers

$16–$35 / sq ft
Lifespan
40+ years
Maintenance
Medium — re-sweep joint sand, occasional re-leveling
Climate fit
All; handles freeze-thaw better than slab concrete
Install time
4–7 days
Pros
  • Individual unit replacement
  • Premium look
  • Naturally non-slip
Cons
  • Highest cost
  • Joints can get weeds without polymeric sand
  • Settling over time

Natural stone (flagstone, bluestone)

$22–$45 / sq ft
Lifespan
50+ years
Maintenance
Low–medium — annual seal, occasional re-pointing
Climate fit
All; very durable in freeze-thaw
Install time
5–8 days (irregular shapes slower)
Pros
  • Premium "forever" look
  • Each stone unique
  • Cool underfoot
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Irregular sizing complicates layout
  • Heavy — needs solid base

Gravel / decomposed granite

$2–$6 / sq ft
Lifespan
15+ years (with top-ups)
Maintenance
High — top-up every 2–3 yrs, weed regularly
Climate fit
Best in dry / moderate; muddies in heavy rain
Install time
1–2 days
Pros
  • Cheapest option
  • Excellent drainage
  • DIY-friendly
Cons
  • Migrates without edging
  • Not great for furniture stability
  • Weeds find their way through

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