Stamped concrete is definitely going to be less expensive than pavers, but it's going to look just like prettified concrete. A concrete slab always has to have control joints running straight across the surface. These joints provide a place for the concrete to crack- which it will. Even if you find someone who gets the color just right, picks a gorgeous pattern, and manages to make the edge of the slab not look like crap (I've seen the edges look good once), there'll be a big old control joint struck right through the pattern, effectively destroying the illusion.

It sounds like you're being quoted pretty normal prices for your area. I'd encourage you to look at a few other manufacturers as well. Techo Bloc is quickly becoming an industry favorite, and I've begun specifying it on the rare jobs where I don't use real stone.

Speaking of real stone, you may be able to get a random rectangular patterned flagstone patio, laid on stone dust, for a comparable price. Depends on what you want for maintenance- the flagstone on dust will need "topped off" every few years, whereas the poly sand used with pavers isn't going anywhere.

Marcinde-

I have a question that's OT, but maybe helpful to someone else out there. Which surface do you think offers the safest footing? After breaking my leg last year, I'm pretty concerned about this aspect of exterior surfaces. We hope to put in a patio possibly next spring and have been considering paved, dyed concrete simply to get the best footing possible.

I'd be more positive about stone or pavers, but have "reviewed" work done around here by walking on it and still find concrete out performs. It's boring. It's uglier. It's also more reliably flat and non-slippery. I guess if I could get a truly expert installer I might change my tune. I know the concrete will eventually crack, but the other surfaces also develop hills and dales, so to speak.

Thoughts?

Broom-finished concrete will give you tons of grip, as will concrete with an acrylic texture like XCel Deck. Natural stone or brick set on a concrete slab can create a pretty even surface, but the installer has to be quite good, so you don't have any trip hazards from edges of the stone poking up above the next one.

As for pavers, if they're properly installed you shouldn't see any issues with significant settling or heaving. I just had a walk installed using Techo-Bloc's Elena pavers, and with the poly sand in place it's a beautifully smooth, even surface.

A good installer should be able to take most materials and create a surface as smooth and even as your kitchen floor.

Stamped concrete/cement are going to crack and break up over time. Depending on the contractor, pavers can be placed either over a concrete slab or RCA base with sand swept joints between the pavers. The pavers will not only look a lot nicer asthetically but will also hold up where you will not have to worry about any cracking. The new pavers also have built in armortech color throughout which resists fading unlike their predecessors. Also you can choose from a variety of styles and sizes-some which can ever look more like a natural stone like the new Cambridge Ledgestones for example. Sure-stamped concrete will cost you a lot less but if your budget allows I would recommend investing a bit more towards the pavers and not have to worry about replacing the patio later. Research your different types/styles of pavers and also ask about about the base which the pavers will be placed upon and also what the guarantee is. Ask your contractor to bring you a couple of samples so that you can see the exact color of the paver since they appear differently than in the catalogues. Good luck with your project.

Based on our current experience with stamped concrete we have to say, we are disappointed with the product. There are just too many variables to get the look and colors the concrete installers try to promise.

We just went through a pure nightmare and created a blog to document the fun. It has turned out to be something others may find useful if they are having issues with a stamped concrete project or just want to see what could go wrong. We certainly found out what could go wrong. The link is attached.

I do believe there are likley better installers out there and better results. However, ee are just done with this product at this point. Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Stamped Concrete Issues - Blog

I looked up Techo Bloc -- no dealers or contractors near me. But there are other kinds of manufactured pavers available.

Someone above said colored/stamped concrete looks cheesy. But don't you think that the fake stone pavers also look cheesy? Especially when they are used to build up walls and other features.

"But don't you think that the fake stone pavers also look cheesy? Especially when they are used to build up walls and other features." An important point you make, Violet. It seems a constant trend for manufacturers is coming up with so called "new" products and models. There are bound to be those that have no more appeal than to appease the latest fad. I find I prefer to stick with "old school" materials. There are the occasional exceptions, but I'm saying generally speaking.

by "old school" materials, do you mean natural stone? If not, what are you describing?

If someone gave me a truckload of pavers, I would prefer the basic brick shape in a common color that has been around for decades as opposed to tumbled fake stone in some new color scheme & pattern. I could always make something of red or grey or charcoal. I'm not saying that aren't times and places for something different, but for the most part, give me tried and true. Some natural stone is extremely nice, but some is not as nice as pavers. Well installed pavers are much better than so-so installed stone.

Oh, I see. Thank you.

I have tiles on my patio that cracked and got loose. I can not find the tile any more to replace the damaged once. Any suggestions?

how are people supposed to suggest anything without knowing what kind of pavers, or at least a photo?

You are right. Forgot to attach. Here is the picture. The patio goes around the house.

It looks like common 6" quarry tile. But, you will probably never find an exact match as things age. Shop around and get as close as you can and be happy. The finished product will look more "old world" which is not a bad thing.

should i try to switch to pavers ?

You know, it's interesting how when we travel to Europe or other parts of the world where we can see buildings several hundred years old, we appreciate the patina of age on things -- plaster showing its age, cracked stone paving, irregular color in brick, time-worn marble, and so on. In the US we always want to rip out the old, solid materials because of minor imperfectons, and replace them with something shiny, new, and not necessarily of equal quality.

If there is a real problem with your tiles -- undermined and unstable surface, safety issues, water leaks, or whatever -- sure, replace them. But otherwise the older material has charm that pavers do not have, in particular with your nice brick wall and balusters. You'd want all your architectural elements to be speaking the same language.

I agree. We would not touch it. I like the look. But the problem that tiles crack and come off. After this winter, it got worse. Most of the tiles loose. And we might have problem with water build up under tiles. I think when it was done originally, it was done incorrectly.

I found the same tile but in 4x4 only. That is why we thought of stamped concrete to match the tile look. I will keep looking.

Thanks