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Appearance Initial Cost & Installation Maintenance Winter Durability

STAMPED CONCRETE

Indistinguishable from the real thing. Please view photos and view in person. Moderate - About 33% less than the cost of pavers. Low - It is recommended that a reseal be performed only once every 3 to 4 years. For a vibrant and richly colored look, a reseal can be performed every 1 to 2 years. High - Sealed surface is nearly impenetrable and protects against moisture and the elements.

PAVERS

Typically looks nice when initially installed. A few years later, due to a mere sand and granular base, settling of pavers results in an up & down surface that is no longer level and flat. High - Each unit must be fitted together by hand. Very labor intensive. Moderate to High - Due to settling, sometimes needs to be completely releveled within 5 years. Further, ants and weeds in joints need constant maintenance and can be an issue. Moderate - Pavers can shift over the course of a long winter and may need resetting in the Spring.

COBBLESTONE

Gives elegant, permanent, yet informal “Old World” feel. Very High - Each unit must be fitted together by hand. Low - High quality stone lasts for decades. Wide joints may encourage weeds and ants. Rough surface makes walking and driving difficult. High - High density stone resists cracking and salts.

CLAY BRICK

Mostly shades of red and red-brown. Limited number of shapes available. High - Concrete base often required which increases cost. Inconsistent dimensions make units slow to install and difficult to maintain straight pattern lines. Low - Irregularities in surface make them prone to damage, especially edge chipping. Moderate - Salts can attack and deteriorate some clay pavers.

ORDINARY CONCRETE

Usually white. However, can be colored for a more unique look. Low - Although a little too difficult for a homeowner to install, professional contractors abound. Low - Virtually no maintenance when properly installed. High - Modern concrete is far superior to that of years past. Proper installation is the key.

ASPHALT

Limited color options. Difficult to get neat looking edges. Cracks will likely develop. Stamped and colored asphalt looks fake. Low - Goes in quickly over compacted aggregate base. Can’t be installed by homeowner. High - Wear and weather will break down surface. Black seal coat required every 2-3 years. Ruts or pothole repairs make ugly patches. Subject to erosion from oil drippings. Low - Cracks from freeze-thaw, settlement and deteriorates from de-icing salts.

CRUSHED STONE / GRAVEL

Typically a rustic look. Appearance varies with color and shape of stones. Low - Dumped and spread over soil (no base required). High - Scattered stone must be replaced and releveled regularly. Ruts from tires will likely develop. High - Stones resist freeze-thaw cycles and salts.

MATCRETE · 1495 Hudson Avenue · Ontario, CA 91761 · USA · 800.777.7063
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