| | Appearance | Initial Cost & Installation | Maintenance | Winter Durability |
| Stamped Concrete | Indistinguishable from the real thing. Please view photos and view in person. We invite you to see for yourself... | Moderate – About 33% less than the cost of pavers. | Low – It is recommended that a reseal be performed only once every 3 to 4 years. For a vibrant and richly colored look, a reseal can be performed every 1 to 2 years. | High – Sealed surface is nearly impenetrable and protects against moisture and the elements. |
| Pavers | Typically looks nice when initially installed. A few years later, due to a mere sand and granular base, settling of pavers results in an up & down surface that is no longer level and flat. | High – Each unit must be fitted together by hand. Very labor intensive. | Moderate to High – Due to settling, sometimes needs to be completely releveled within 5 years. Further, ants and weeds in joints need constant maintenance and can be an issue. | Moderate – Pavers can shift over the course of a long winter and may need resetting in the Spring. |
| Cobble Stone | Gives elegant, permanent, yet informal “Old World” feel. | Very High – Each unit must be fitted together by hand. | Low–High quality stone lasts for decades. Wide joints may encourage weeds and ants. Rough surface makes walking and driving difficult. | High–High density stone resists cracking and salts. |
| Clay Brick | Mostly shades of red and red-brown. Limited number of shapes available. | High–Concrete base often required which increases cost. Inconsistent dimensions make units slow to install and difficult to maintain straight pattern lines. | Low–Irregularities in surface make them prone to damage, especially edge chipping. | Moderate–Salts can attack and deteriorate some clay pavers. |
| Ordinary Concrete | Usually white. However, can be colored for a more unique look. | Low – Although a little too difficult for a homeowner to install, professional contractors abound. | Low – Virtually no maintenance when properly installed. | High – Modern concrete is far superior to that of years past. Proper installation is the key. |
| Asphalt | Limited color options. Difficult to get neat looking edges. Cracks will likely develop. Stamped and colored asphalt looks fake. | Low–Goes in quickly over compacted aggregate base. Can’t be installed by homeowner. | High–Wear and weather will break down surface. Black seal coat required every 2-3 years. Ruts or pothole repairs make ugly patches. Subject to erosion from oil drippings. | Low–Cracks from freeze-thaw, settlement and deteriorates from de-icing salts. |
| Crushed Stone Or Gravel | Typically a rustic look. Appearance varies with color and shape of stones. | Low–Dumped and spread over soil (no base required). | High–Scattered stone must be replaced and releveled regularly. Ruts from tires will likely develop. | High–Stones resist freeze-thaw cycles and salts. |
