Stamped Concrete vs. Other Material for Your Pool Deck in Springfield, IL

When installing your pool deck, you want to make sure you choose the best hardscape material for your property and the best concrete contractors. Homeowners in Springfield, IL have options, and two of the most frequently used are pavers and stamped concrete. Both offer distinct advantages. For example, both stamped concrete and paving stones are durable enough to withstand the elements while keeping their great looks. And, both choices are affordable to install.

So, how do you choose the one that will work best for your home? Here is a look at the positive and negative points of installing your pool deck from stamped concrete vs. pavers.

Pros of Installing a Stamped Concrete Pool Deck

It is generally less expensive than pavers.

Prices vary from region to region, but typically, stamped concrete by the square foot costs between one-third and one-half the price of pavers.

There are many pattern choices available.

Part of the appeal of stamped concrete is the antiqued look it has. This comes from mixing a base color right into the concrete, then adding a second color to the surface just before stamping. You have a wide variety of colors and stamp patterns to choose from when you want concrete. This allows for more creativity when it comes to the design of your pool deck.

It is sealed.

The seal is especially important for the area around your swimming pool. It protects the concrete from the elements and from harsh chemicals in your pool water. This can help your deck last a long time.

Cons of Stamped Concrete for Your Pool Deck

It will develop cracks.

The truth about concrete is that it will crack. No matter what you do, it is going to happen sooner or later. Your concrete contractor will place control joints, which will hopefully cause the pool deck to crack where they choose. But concrete doesn’t always listen to the rules before cracking.

Concrete can be slippery.

The truth about concrete is that it will crack. No matter what you do, it is going to happen sooner or later. Your concrete contractor will place control joints, which will hopefully cause the pool deck to crack where they choose. But concrete doesn’t always listen to the rules before cracking.

Pros of Installing Pavers for your Pool Deck

They will not crack if they are installed properly.

Pavers will keep their good looks for a long time without the risk of cracking.

They are easy to add later.

Not ready to add the pool deck yet? No problem with pavers. Their design allows you to build it later when you’re ready.

If you need repairs underneath, the repair to your pool deck will be unnoticeable.

Sometimes a pool deck has to be partially dismantled for repair work underground. With a deck made of pavers, the new section can be easily filled in, leaving no trace of the repair.

Unless they are sealed, they are not slippery.

Typically, for pool decks, pavers are not sealed, avoiding the slipping risk.

Cons of Pavers as Hardscape Material for Your Pool Deck

If not installed properly, they will settle and shift.

Make sure that you have a professional installing your pavers. If the ground is not properly prepped for the installation, they could move around as they settle.

Weeds can spring up between them.

Unless you polymeric sand between the pavers, weeds can grow in these spaces.

In truth, either choice will make a fine hardscape material for your pool deck that will likely last decades. Knowing the advantages of each one should help you create the pool deck of your dreams.