Concrete vs. Pavers: Making the Right Choice for Your Doral Home

Cost Comparison

Concrete:

• Typically lower upfront cost
• Finish affects price (e.g., stamped, colored, etc.)
• Less labor involved in installation = lower costs

Pavers:

• Higher cost initially, especially for higher-end materials
• More labor involved in installation = higher costs
• Longer term, individual pavers can be replaced = possibly save money

Factors of Durability in Doral’s Climate

Concrete:

• A solid piece of concrete
• Cracks occur as soil settles &/or due to extreme temp fluctuations
• Repairs may be noticeable
• Will hold up well in Doral’s heat, provided it is installed & sealed properly

Pavers:

• Individual pieces allow for slight movement without cracking
• Better suited to handle Doral’s heavy rainfall &/or potential flooding
• Repair is easier since individual pavers can be replaced
• More maintenance is required to keep weeds out between pavers

Aesthetic Options

Concrete:

• Colors – unlimited to suit the vibrant aesthetic of Doral
• Stamped to resemble brick, stone, etc.
• Seamless, uniform look
• New technology allows for very custom design options

Pavers:

• Many different sizes, colors, & shapes
• Create intricate designs & patterns
• Texture – multiple-piece look
• Easy to add border & accent options

Maintenance Needs

Concrete:

• Must seal every few years to protect against sun & Doral’s heavy rainfall
• Can be cleaned with a power washer
• Difficult to remove stains from the surface
• May need to have cracks repaired over time

Pavers:

• Individual pieces may settle/shrink over time & need adjustment
• Weeds can grow between pavers if not properly maintained
• Easier to clean & remove stains – replace the damaged paver(s)
• Sand may need to be added between pavers periodically

Environmental Concerns

Concrete:

• Can pour concrete with permeable options for better drainage (very important in Doral’s rainy season)
• Concrete reflects more light than pavers – it helps reduce heat island effects in our warm climate
• Concrete can contain recycled material in the mixture

Pavers:

• Water can pass through between pavers & aid in groundwater recharge
• Pavers can be made from recycled material
• Easy to repurpose/recycle pavers if they are removed

Best Uses in Doral

Concrete:

• Large driveways
• Pool decks (cool deck options are available for our extremely hot summers)
• Modern, minimalistic designs are popular in many new developments in Doral
• Where a seamless surface is preferred

Pavers:

• Patios & walkways
• Areas prone to settlement/movement
• Older homes/traditional style
• Projects where modifications may be possible in the future

Climate Considerations in Doral

In Doral’s climate (warm, occasional heavy rainfall):

• Both concrete & pavers can work
• Concrete may be more susceptible to cracking due to thermal expansion
• Light-colored materials in either option will reflect less solar radiation & absorb less heat
• Both concrete & pavers must have adequate drainage to handle Doral’s heavy rainfall

Choosing Between Concrete and Pavers

When deciding between:

• Your budget (initial & long-term)
• Style of your home in Doral
• Specific use of the space (driveway, patio, pool deck, etc.)
• How much maintenance do you want to do
• Potential for future changes or additions

Doral Concrete Works Advantage

At Doral Concrete Works, while we specialize in providing concrete solutions, we also recognize that pavers could be the ideal solution for certain projects. Our services include:

• Designing custom concrete that mimics the appearance of pavers
• Stamped concrete options that provide the best features of both options
• Permeable concrete options that provide superior drainage
• Providing expert advice on what is best for your specific project

Enhance Your Outdoor Living Space

Regardless of whether you choose concrete or pavers, having a professional install them will ensure durability & appearance, especially in Doral’s unique climate. If you determine that concrete is the best option for your needs, we will assist you in designing a beautiful & long-lasting surface for your property.

Call us today at Doral Concrete Works to schedule a complimentary consultation. We will visit your property, talk about your vision, & assist you in making an informed decision regarding your Doral home. We are committed to creating beautiful outdoor spaces that will endure for years to come in our tropical paradise.