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Stamped Concrete vs Pavers: Which Is Better for Your Patio?

If you're planning a new patio in the south suburbs, you've probably narrowed it down to two choices: stamped concrete or pavers. Both have their place, but as a concrete contractor who's been installing both for over 10 years, here's what I tell homeowners.

Cost Comparison

Stamped concrete costs 25-40% less than pavers for most projects. A typical stamped patio runs $20 to $33 per square foot here in the Lockport and Naperville area, while pavers can easily hit $30 to $50 per square foot with proper installation.

Stamped concrete is one solid slab. That means no weeds growing between joints, no pieces shifting or sinking over time, and no ants building colonies underneath. Pavers look great on day one, but after a few Illinois winters with freeze-thaw cycles, you'll start seeing movement.

Maintenance Over Time

For maintenance, stamped concrete just needs resealing every 2-3 years — a quick afternoon job. Pavers require regular weeding, re-leveling sunken pieces, replacing cracked pavers, and re-sanding joints. Over 10 years, the maintenance cost of pavers far exceeds stamped concrete.

Where pavers do win: if you ever need to access underground utilities, individual pavers can be pulled up and replaced. With stamped concrete, you'd need to cut and repour a section. But honestly, this comes up very rarely.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line? For most homeowners in Will and DuPage County, stamped concrete gives you a better-looking patio at a lower price with less maintenance. That's why it's our most popular service at ZBL Concrete & Design.

Ready to see what a stamped concrete patio would look like in your backyard? Call (312) 721-0835 or fill out our contact form for a free estimate.