Whether you are building a home and need an idea for a new driveway, or you are looking to replace your current, damaged driveway, you may want to think outside of the poured concrete box. Yes, I know, we all think of poured concrete when the word ‘driveway' comes to mind. They're practically synonymous. And yet, there are more attractive (and nearly as affordable) options out there that you should consider before you go with the old standard.
One of the options that you may not have considered for your driveway is concrete pavers. Concrete pavers are made using a concrete mix that includes sand, gravel, cement, and a handful of other ingredients. This wet concrete is poured into molds and compressed, creating blocks of various sizes and colors. Because these pavers are highly compressed, they can withstand a great deal more force (over twice as much according to some studies) than average poured concrete.
This makes concrete pavers for your driveway a great option. Not only are they more attractive, they are also more durable, being able to hold up to whatever abuse you and your vehicle can dish out.
So, what are some of the pros and cons of concrete pavers?
Pros of Concrete Pavers for Driveways
1. Durability
As we've already mentioned, concrete pavers are over twice as strong as poured concrete. This is a major pro that you should keep in mind as you decide what to use for your next driveway.
2. Easy to Replace
Unlike poured concrete, you won't have to replace huge swaths of your driveway if part of it is damaged. Since concrete pavers come in individual blocks, you'll only need to replace the damaged brick. This means that it's far easier to maintain a concrete paver driveway and keep it looking its best well into the future.
3. Dozens of Designs Available
Unless you stamp it, poured concrete only has one design available: bland. Concrete pavers, on the other hand, offer dozens of colorful options, including different shapes and sizes. You can create a truly one-of-a-kind driveway with the help of concrete or brick pavers.
4. Easy to Install
Concrete pavers are also very easy to install. And what's more, they require zero curing time. Once they are laid, they are ready for you to drive on.
Cons of Concrete Pavers for Driveways
1. May Give Space to Weeds
One of the disadvantages to concrete pavers is the joints between them. It doesn't take much space for a small seed to work its way down, take root, and begin growing in the cracks between your pavers. This means that you'll need to be more diligent in maintaining them then you would with a flat, gray concrete slab.
2. May Move
One of the other disadvantages to concrete pavers is their tendency to move under pressure. In particular, large roots, freezing and unfreezing water, and settling can cause your pavers to shift over time. This is something you'll need to be aware of as you maintain your concrete pavers for your driveway.
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