Pavers vs Concrete: What’s Better for Driveways & Patios in 2025?

Pavers vs Concrete: Which Is Better for Your Home in 2025?

One of the biggest questions homeowners search is “Are pavers better than concrete?” If you’re planning to upgrade a driveway, patio, or pool deck, selecting the right surface is the foundation of a long-lasting, attractive outdoor space.

At American Paving Design, we’ve installed thousands of hardscape projects across the Lowcountry — and we’ve seen firsthand how each material performs over time.

Here’s a clear, homeowner-friendly breakdown.

Pavers Are the Better Choice

For homeowners in Charleston, Hilton Head, Bluffton, Savannah, and Beaufort, pavers offer:

  • Better durability

  • Better aesthetics

  • Better long-term performance

Thinking about upgrading? APD designs and installs luxury, high-quality paver spaces that add beauty and value to your home.

Durability: Pavers Win

Concrete cracks — guaranteed.
Between shifting soil, tree roots, heavy vehicles, and humidity, cracks are unavoidable.

Pavers, however, are flexible, meaning:

  • They move with ground conditions

  • They resist cracking

  • They can be individually replaced if damaged

This makes pavers the long-term winner for durability.

Maintenance: Which Is Easier?

Concrete requires:

  • Crack repairs

  • Patching

  • Painting or resurfacing

Pavers require:

  • Occasional sand refilling

  • Optional sealing

Overall, pavers remain lower-maintenance and more cost-effective.

Aesthetics & Design Options

Concrete offers limited design. Pavers offer:

  • Dozens of colors

  • Multiple textures

  • Patterns like herringbone, running bond, etc.

  • Borders and inlays

  • Custom layouts

This makes pavers ideal for homes seeking luxury, character, and curb appeal.

Safety Around Pools

Pavers provide:

  • Better traction

  • Cooler surface options (like travertine)

  • Safer movement for kids and guests

Concrete can be slippery, hot, and uncomfortable underfoot.

Resale Value & ROI

Buyers prefer pavers because they look premium, last longer, and boost outdoor living value. A paver driveway or patio can offer one of the strongest returns on investment in home improvement.