When you say stamped concrete, I assume you are also going to color it? Either with stain or solid color integrated into the concrete? This is usually what is done. Some thoughts:

Acid stain - looks really cool. But has to be clear coated. Any clear coat outdoor will not last more than a few years - up to 5. As it begins to fail, it can flake up and look really bad. It can be slick, so the clear coat companies have additives like shark bite that add texture to it.

Color integrated concrete - not as stunning as acid stain, but does not need to be reapplied. It will have more of a matt finish, looking dry.

Pavers - when installed properly are hard to mess up! But I am a fan of acid stain concrete - just prepare yourself for the ongoing maintenance. And acid stain is not the same stuff they sell at big box - those "solid color concrete stains" resemble paint. Not the same look at all. Good luck! Robert

Thank you. yes, we will have color and stain. Since I have not much knowledge about stamped concrete, just want to make sure that they are not slippery and they are easy to maintain. The ones we are looking at is similar to this one, I think. Only two colors according to my contractor

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My contractor told me that stamped concretes is better for my drainage issues at the backyard since it has a solid surface. He said that pavers will seat on gravel and sand and there will be a lot of joints and filled with sand

my contractor said that just every 5 years power wash the stamped concrete which costs about $450

I asked him again and he said actually pavers look nicer and can drain better. He can utilize the slope he prepared for the concrete. Maybe he was concerned about the budget. BTW, how much difference will there be if we upgrade to pavers (like antique cobbler, etc)? Some people mentioned that stamped concrete is very expensive too.

Prices depend upon where you live, so it's likely no one will provide you with a price that is correct for your specific area..

Thanks, Gerry. How long have you had stamped concrete? How is the maintenance part? When it rains, does the water stay there due to the texture (if you have them). Is yours Acid staining or integrated color? Thanks.

I have a paver driveway and patio. I LOVE them. No concerns about cracking ever and as Beverly mentioned earlier, if a small area eventually depresses or heaves, it's a simple fix instead of a whole new patio. It will probably be more expensive, but really worth it if you plan to live in the home for a long time.

How about your thoughts on drainage part? Will pavers drain better than concrete as well? We had some drainage and standing water issues in the backyard before.

We have regular sand instead of the polymeric sand between our pavers so water easily seeps through the sand. We like that option a lot with the driveway (snow melts very quickly when the sun comes out) but we plan to replace the regular sand with polymeric on the patio because the deck above drips on the patio and disturbs the sand making me feel like I always need to sweep the patio. The polymeric sand will harden and prevent that issue. I think, in general, pavers are supposed to be very good for drainage. I love pavers and think they provide a very high end look. Several of our neighbors have stamped concrete and they look pretty good, but I much prefer the look of pavers.

The museum where I worked did concrete handicap-accessible walkways about 15 years ago. They are stamped and colored to replicate local basaltic stone. They are beautiful, still in perfect condition and have needed no maintenance whatsoever. They are not slippery and after use by thousands of visitors no accidents were reported. I would strongly advise that stamped concrete be installed by an experienced company.