Interlocking vs Concrete: Which is Better?

Should you choose Interlocking or Concrete for your Driveway, Walkway & Patio?

Gone are the days when you had to choose between beauty & durability when selecting your material. Today’s materials offer both. That’s why, at Markstone Landscaping, we specialize and install both poured concrete and interlocking stone.

We invite you to read this article to help you decide which landscaping material to choose for your driveway, walkway, front entrances and backyard patios. Or, feel free to contact us and we can help you choose whether interlocking or concrete is best for your project.

Interlocking Paver vs Concrete Summary

Why Choose Interlocking Pavers

Interlocking pavers are the first choice of many homeowners because they’re beautiful, versatile and impactful, and can be used in many places around house. In addition, with its non-slip property, it is also a popular choice for pool decks.

They come in a wide variety of colours, shapes and textures, and can be easily customized to create a unique look that suits each owner’s property, whether it be commercial or residential. For design ideas for your interlock front entrance and walkway, click here.

Today’s interlocking pavers or patio stones are designed to carry heavy loads. The technology behind laying interlocking stone has changed too. At Markstone, we install a layer of gravel which helps with drainage. This in turn keeps the stones from shifting due to settling or water erosion.

Benefits of Interlocking Pavers

Made from concrete, pavers are a durable material that can withstand both heavy loads, foot traffic and weather.

Gaps in stone are usually filled with polymeric sand or even stone (depending on the size of the gap). This minimizes weeds and creates a seal that keeps the gravel foundation dry and prevents shifting. Water also drains away more quickly than with non-porous asphalt or concrete.

One of the biggest benefits of interlocking stone is impact. With so many ways to customize, interlocking stones can provide an old world look for one property and a sleek and contemporary look for another. Learn everything about interlock pavers from durability to warranty in our new article. For a comprehensive review of the pros & cons of interlocking pavers, click here.

How to Maintain Interlocking Stones

Interlocking stone is also more flexible than other materials like large pavers or even poured concrete. This means you avoid cracked driveways and walkways that are common in concrete that was poured 20 years ago. For example, although interlocking stone creates the illusion of a single surface, each paver can shift slightly as the land adjusts to frost and thaws.

Individual stones can be removed and replaced if needed and, on rare occasions, certain areas can be re-levelled without having to disrupt the entire driveway.

Interlocking stone can withstand the extreme climate conditions so common in Mississauga and the GTA, and, when installed properly, will withstand heavy vehicular traffic too.

Finally, most interlocking pavers will benefit from a power wash to remove grime and brighten the colour every few years. Individual stones can also be scrubbed to remove heavier stains.

How Much Does Interlocking Stone Cost ?

Although interlocking stone costs more than basic poured concrete, it’s popular for a reason. Nothing will add curb appeal to your home or commercial property faster than a beautiful interlocking brick driveway.

When you’re thinking about landscaping to build your property value, interlocking stone is a great choice.

Click here to find out more on the cost of installing interlocking stone.
Click here to learn more about interlock pavers.

Why Choose Concrete

Pathways, driveways, patios and sidewalks have traditionally used poured concrete because it is dense and durable. Concrete will withstand heavy loads and extreme weather.

Provided it’s properly mixed and poured, concrete is easy to maintain and retain its ‘just finished’ look for years – even when the temperature rises and dips and the ground shifts.

The beauty of concrete is its versatility. At Markstone, we can shape concrete to exactly how you want it and create curved walkways, sleek modern porches or elegant backyard patios and pool decks. You also have the ability to choose the colour of your concrete, as well as the type of concrete finish, such as exposed aggregate concrete and stamped concrete.

Something to consider with concrete is that it’s harder to remove than other materials. When you choose concrete, you’re choosing it for the long term.

Benefits of Poured Concrete

Poured concrete offers many benefits. It’s strong, extremely durable, and it provides a uniform finish. Many homeowners and commercial establishments will opt for the standard gray brushed concrete finish, but today there are many other styles and finishes available, including stamped concrete and limestone-finished concrete.

It’s these latter options that have transformed concrete from the go-to material for commercial properties alone, to a versatile material for home landscaping that can be made to suit the architecture of your home and coordinate the surrounding property.

How to Maintain Concrete

One of the biggest advantages of poured concrete is its low maintenance.

It’s easy to clear snow in winter and durable enough for prolonged use of de-icing products. If staining occurs, poured concrete driveways can be cleaned with mild detergent. Tougher stains (think: oil and grease) usually need a tougher cleaning product. But having said that, concrete can be scrubbed and power washed without damage.

How Much Does Poured Concrete Cost?

Concrete driveways are an affordable option for most home and commercial owners – especially when compared to high quality paving stones or natural stone.

Prices increase when opting for exposed aggregate or stamped concrete as these styles require more labour and specialty products to create that unique look. To learn more about the average price of concrete driveways, walkways and backyard patios, click here. Click here for a comparison between concrete versus asphalt driveways or interlock pavers versus asphalt driveways.

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