What are the differences: natural stone, stamped concrete, pavers?
Stone is usually set in mortar. Mortar is porous and will almost always crack and flake off in pieces because of water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles. Stone can be porous and mildews easily and is difficult to clean. Pavers are usually set in compactable crushed stone and sand base. This base is often seen sinking or bulging because of freeze thaw and or improper installation. The paver itself is extremely durable concrete but it is very difficult to clean without blowing out the sand that holds this system in place. Stamped Concrete is a solid slab that rarely shifts after placing. Broadcast color, often used with stamped concrete makes the surface extremely hard and reduces porosity and improves the wear characteristics of concrete. Once sealed, the stamped concrete surface retards mildew formation and is easy to maintain. Concrete can and does crack. Therefore, stamped concrete should be scored every eight to ten feet to accommodate for contraction of the slab so that cracks fo
