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If you’re planning a new patio for your South Florida home, one of the first and most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right material. There are a variety of materials that can work for patios in the Palm Beach area, but concrete and pavers are two of the leading options.
Neither option is ideal for all scenarios, so you need to consider a variety of things, including your goals, budget, and long-term plans, to make the best choice. We’ll break down some of the pros and cons of each approach below to help you determine which one would work better for your property.
South Florida’s Climate Challenges for Patios
Before we discuss the difference between concrete and paver patios, it’s important to understand the specific climate challenges our local climate poses to hardscapes. A few of the most important challenges our climate presents include:
- Intense UV exposure that causes surfaces to heat up and fade over time
- Heavy summer rainstorms present drainage and runoff management issues
- High humidity levels can encourage mold growth and surface staining
- Sandy, shifting soils that may lead to settling or cracking
- Salt air exposure can accelerate material wear
The Pros & Cons of Concrete Patios in Florida
Concrete often works well for patio projects, because it presents a number of important benefits:
- Concrete patios generally cost less than paver patios initially
- Your hardscape contractor will likely be able to install the concrete patio quickly
- Concrete can be stamped or textured to provide a stone- or brick-like aesthetic
However, concrete is certainly not perfect (no hardscape material is), and it presents a few drawbacks:
- Concrete expands and contracts with changing temperatures, often leading to significant cracks
- If not poured correctly, concrete can allow water to pool on the surface
- It is often more difficult to repair concrete, leading to higher costs
- Concrete tends to absorb more heat than pavers, making it warmer to the touch
The Pros & Cons of Paver Patios in Florida
One of the other common choices for South Florida patios, pavers present a number of benefits, including:
- Because they are individual stones that can shift a bit, pavers don’t often crack like concrete does
- Pavers tend to stay cooler than concrete, as heat can radiate from the sides of the stones
- Drainage problems aren’t as common with pavers, as rain can seep between the stones
- Repairing damaged pavers is very easy; individual pavers can simply be replaced
- Pavers are available in a variety of sizes, colors, and textures, which may increase curb appeal
Pavers clearly provide a number of benefits, but they also present a few drawbacks:
- Pavers are typically more expensive than concrete at the outset
- The installation of paver patios can be more complex and time-consuming
- Pavers may need ongoing maintenance to keep the joints free of weeds
Pavers vs Concrete: Important Considerations
Neither pavers nor concrete is inherently the best material for all patios. They both excel in different ways, which we’ll discuss below.
Initial Cost
Pavers almost always cost more than comparable projects featuring concrete. So, if you want a new patio but feel constrained by a tight budget, you’ll likely want to opt for concrete.
Installation Timeframe
If you need a patio installed by an upcoming deadline, you will likely find concrete to be the better option. Because pavers often require significant grading work and force the installers to place each stone individually, paver patios take longer to construct.
Durability
Because pavers can move slightly, they aren’t likely to crack when exposed to temperature fluctuations the way concrete often does. In fact, this is one of the leading reasons homeowners choose pavers over concrete in South Florida.
Aesthetic Options
While modern concrete installations can feature various colors and textures (or even be designed to mimic bricks, stone, or pavers), pavers simply offer much more flexibility. By mixing different paver models and colors, you can create a seemingly endless array of patterns and aesthetic designs.
Maintenance Requirements
Despite the many benefits pavers provide, they require the investment of a considerable amount of maintenance. Otherwise, grass, weeds, and other vegetation are almost guaranteed to grow between the pavers. So, if ongoing maintenance is not something you’re willing to provide, concrete may be the better option.
Long-Term Value
Pavers generally last longer than concrete does, and they’re less likely to suffer cracks or other damage. This means that even though pavers may be more expensive at the outset, they’ll often provide better long-term value.
Concrete vs Pavers for South Florida Patios: FAQ
Still have questions about choosing between concrete and pavers? We’ve rounded up a few of the most common questions our clients have and answered them below.
What lasts longer, a concrete patio or a paver patio?
While every patio is unique and affected by a different combination of factors, paver patios will almost always outlast those made from concrete.
How long do pavers last in Florida?
When properly installed and maintained, high-quality pavers will often last for 30 years or more — even when exposed to the heat and humidity South Florida delivers.
How much does a 20×20 concrete paver patio cost?
Concrete patios generally cost between $10 and $30 per square foot, so a 20-foot-by-20-foot patio would likely cost between $4,000 and $12,000, depending on the project specifics.
What are the disadvantages of pavers?
The primary disadvantage of pavers (including paver patios) is their higher upfront costs. They also require more maintenance and take longer to install than concrete patios. However, they tend to last longer, provide better durability, and offer superior long-term value.
Do pavers require a permit in Florida?
In many cases, paver installations do require a permit in Florida, but this is determined on a city-by-city or county-by-county basis. You can check with your local permitting office or simply contact the pros at Pup Pavers & Turf to learn more.
Do pavers increase property value?
In most cases, properly designed and installed pavers will increase your home’s value, as well as the amount of curb appeal the property enjoys, making them a great long-term investment.
How much does a 700 sq ft paver patio cost?
Paver patios generally cost between $12 and $32 per square foot, meaning that the total project cost would likely fall between $8,400 and $22,400.
Trust Pup Pavers & Turf for Your South Florida Paver Project
If you’re interested in having a new patio installed, be sure to select a contractor who can achieve the kind of results you deserve. Whether you’re leaning towards concrete or pavers, the professionals at Pup Pavers & Turf would be happy to design and install your new patio.
We’ve been providing hardscape and artificial turf solutions for South Florida homeowners for more than 20 years. During that time, we’ve made a name for ourselves as a dependable patio contractor team that you can trust. Contact us today to schedule an on-site consultation and begin enjoying the kind of patio you’ve always dreamed of!
Sources & References
- Angi – “Pavers vs. Concrete: Which Patio Material Is Better?”
Compares the benefits, drawbacks, costs, and performance characteristics of paver and concrete patio materials to help homeowners choose the best option for their outdoor spaces.
https://www.angi.com/articles/pavers-vs-concrete-patio.htm - Masonry and Hardscapes – “PAV-TEC-002-22 Technical Guide: Paver Systems”
Provides a detailed technical resource on paver materials, installation methods, performance standards, and design considerations for hardscape applications.
https://www.masonryandhardscapes.org/?create-tek-pdf=1&filename=PAV-TEC-002-22&post_id=562476 - Florida Climate Center – “Climate Data and Services”
Offers authoritative climate and weather data, including historical temperature, precipitation, and other environmental metrics useful for planning outdoor hardscape and landscape projects.
https://climatecenter.fsu.edu/products-services/data
