Euro Pavers - Comparison Guide

Pavement Types

Appearance

Cost & Installation

Maintenance

Winter
Durability

Snow Removal



Concrete Pavers

A wide range of
surface
finishes-smooth to
texture. Many
available colors,
shapes and laying
patterns can
compliment the
architectural style
of your home.

Moderate. Tightly
fitted, uniform units
are placed over sand
bed and a
compacted
aggregate base.
Immediately ready
for use. Can be
installed by
homeowner.
Factory-made pavers
last for decades.

Low. Stained or
broken pavers can
be easily replaced
without patches.
Dark colored pavers
can help hide stains.
Ants and weeds in
joints can be
prevented with
sealers or herbicides.

High. Small,
high density
units resist
cracking as well
as damage from
freeze-thaw and
salts. Pavers are
stronger than
ordinary or
stamped
concrete.

Smooth surface
allows for easy
snow removal.
Pavers can be
colored dark to
help melt snow
faster. Snow-melt
systems can be
installed to
eliminated snow
and ice removal.



	Cobblestone

Gives elegant,
permanent, yet
informal "Old
Word" 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.

Rough surface
makes plowing
difficult.


		Stamped Concrete

Surface is usually
colored. Patterns
look good from a
distance, but
close up surface
look artificial.

High. Difficult for
homeowner to install
Requires special
equipment to stamp
stone or paver
pattern into surface.
Surface sealer often
used.

Moderated. Cracking
will likely develop.
Difficult to match
original color or
pattern in repaired
areas. Repairs leave
unattractive patch.

Low. Subject to
deterioration
from de-incing
salts. Surface
sealer may
provide some
protection from
salt attack.

Uneven surface of
some patterns and
textures can make
plowing difficult.


		Clay Pavers

Mostly shades of
red and
red-brown.
Limited number of
shapes available.

High. Concrete base
required which
increases the 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.

Rough surface can
make snow
removal difficult.



		Ordinary Concrete

Grey or light
brown. Can be
colored
throughout or on
surface only.

Moderated. Difficult
for homeowner to
install. Must wait 5 to
7 days for hardening
before use. Surface
quality depends on
weather at time of
pour and expertise of
installers.

Moderate. Cracking
will likely develop.
Repairs and
replaced sections
leave unsightly
patches. Oil stains
difficult to remove.

Low. Cracks from
freeze-thaw,
settlement and
deteriorates from
salt.

Smooth surface
allows for easy
removal. Light
colored surface
may not melt snow
rapidly.



		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
not 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

Smooth surface
allows for easy
removal. Dark
surface
accelerates snow
melting.