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Stamped Concrete Patios vs. Stone Patios

Patios NJ

Stamped Concrete Patios vs. Stone Patios in New Jersey: The Concrete Facts

In this article, we will discuss:

  • The differences between installing stone patios vs stamped concrete patios.
  • The safety aspects, cost, maintenance and usability of both options.
  • The costs associated with stone patios and stamped concrete patios.

Every part of your home should be viewed as an investment, even the outdoor area. Entryways, driveways and backyard patios all offer pathways that should be integrated to accent and improve the overall function and aesthetics of your home.

With that said, homeowners prefer these outdoor improvements also hold up against varying weather conditions, be easy to maintain and look and feel as good as it did when you first installed them.

Nowadays, there is a wide array of materials and styles used for different applications, let’s explore two types of patios: Stone Patios and Stamped Concrete Patios. As two attractive and affordable patio options for you outdoor area, we’ll discover how they compare against each other with respect to safety, aesthetic appeal, maintenance and cost.

At First Look

When building a stone patio, most of us search for unique texture and variations. Some contractors and homeowners argue that stamped concrete patios are generally more appealing than stone patios. It also has the unique ability to imitate other natural stones such as slate, flagstone or brick, giving stamped concrete even more appeal over stone patios.

There are some that will always prefer stone patios vs stamped concrete. Proponents of stone patios praise their natural beauty and widespread availability in a multitude of finishes, colors and shapes. Like stamped concrete, stone patios also provide flexibility for design because you can create patterns to best suit the needs of your home and surroundings.

Because beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, let’s unveil some of the other areas to discuss the differences.

Safety First

Thinking about how foolish humans can be, is equally important as any other component when considering outdoor stone patio choices.

Let’s begin with stamped concrete patios. Due to its continuous slab construction, it has a likelihood to get slippery when wet and also create more daytime glare, which could have some downsides. Since New Jersey is frequented with rain in the spring and summer, for example, homeowners should safeguard it with some type of protectant.

Speaking of hazards of tripping, stone patios certainly aren’t off the hook either. With the settling and possible heaving of stone patios, paver stones can become uneven and cause a person to have a walking accident just as much, if not more, than a stamped concrete patio.

On a safer side of things, because the joints in the surface reach a higher level, stone patios aide in the drainage from snow and rain allowing some improved resistance against skidding while decreasing glare. Lastly, stone patios may have less absorption of heat since they are can laid over a concrete slab or base with sand swept joints separating them, which can be a bonus to people who like to walk barefooted.

Upkeep & Maintenance

A few other important components to consider before making a decision for a stone patio s: “When can I use my patio?” and “How much care does my patio require?”

Stamped concrete patios may take a little while longer after installation before you can begin utilizing it. Why is this? Since stamped concrete patios need to cure first, this option may takes about 3-5 days before you’re allowed to start walking on it.

After installing stamped concrete patios, it usually doesn’t stop there as far as maintenance goes. Whether it’s within a few days or several years, stamped concrete patios may be prone to crack.

Factors like heavy traffic, settlement issues and the simple fact that concrete tends to contract over time plays a huge role in the maintenance and upkeep of a stamped concrete patio. But before you become worried over the long-term care and maintenance of your patio, you might want to consider a couple of ideas.

Most homeowners who install stamped concrete patios prefer textured patterns to better conceal hairline cracks if they occur. Also bear in mind that stamped concrete patios tend to have a harder finish resulting in more wear and tear over the years. With that said, it can be a challenge to match to the exact color and pattern of the original concrete material every time a repair is needed.

Speaking of concrete repairs, it can be a fairly involved operation. Most maintenance work requires heavy machinery like a jackhammer to replace the area in need.

On the other hand, stone patios are ready to go immediately after proper installation and have a tendency to be more forgiving than stamped concrete and easier to repair. Why is that? Stone patios are built with individual paver stones that interlock with each other providing a more flexible environment with pressure, expansion and contraction. Stone patio stones are also cast under extreme pressure and are a lot stronger and more durable. Thus, they are less prone to cracking. Stone patio pavers can even increase their structural capacity over time. Overall, they perform well during extreme climate changes.

If your stone patio ever does require maintenance or repairs, paver stones are manufactured to be seamless and can easily be replaced with the same aesthetic appeal and quality as when first installed. It’s as simple as taking out your patio stone and replacing it, which can be an attractive option for those who are handy. Also, if the stone patio is properly installed with a solid base, there shouldn’t be significant issues with heaving or setting.

Like stamped concrete, stone patios do have their downsides as well. You may need to fill in the spaces between individual pavers with sand from time to time. This is an maintenance aspect that a stamped concrete patio wouldn’t experience.

Cost is Crucial

Maintenance and cost essentially go hand in hand. So, it’s hard to discuss one and not the other. Sometimes, maintenance and cost are the deciding factors when installing a stamped concrete or stone patio in New Jersey.

In general, most contractors suggest that the initial cost of stamped concrete patios are a the less expensive option compared to stone patios. The long-term cost efficiency between the two is relative some important components such as: proper installation, climate / environment and periodic maintenance. Therefore, some patio contractors would contest that it may be more cost effective over an extended period of time with a stone patio while others would maintain that a stamped concrete patio is more cost efficient in the long run.

The Hardscape Verdict

Improving your outdoor space with an attractive and affordable way certainly requires some careful consideration. When deciding whether to go with a stamped concrete patio or a stone patio in New Jersey, it’s pertinent to keep the above mentioned factors in mind when making your decision as both patio options should last for a lifetime of enjoyment.


Stamped Concrete Patio Design Gallery

Browse photos from our stamped concrete patio patterns for NJ patio ideas.
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For more information about stamped concrete vs stone patios in New Jersey, please call (973) 697-0659 or contact us online.