9 Reasons You Should Choose Concrete Over Bluestone

When you're looking to up your hardscape game, you've got a lot of options to consider. From the consideration of cost and materials to time and design, it's important to figure out exactly what you want before you commit. You want to choose a material that's going to last for years to come. Concrete and natural stone are two materials that are used most often to create driveways, patios and walkways, but how do you know which material is best for your project? Here are nine reasons that show why concrete is the best choice for your hardscape project.

1. Concrete is cost effective

When you're looking to create an elegant and functional outdoor space, the price is most homeowners biggest concern. Bluestone can be a good choice, but it's hard to find since it's only available in certain areas in North America. Because of this, bluestone can be very expensive. It can cost you nearly twice the price to have bluestone installed than to get a concrete overlay. Luckily, stamped concrete can cost you far less, while providing the same elegant look - all without compromising quality.  In fact, if you want a bluestone look, you can get a stamped concrete design that looks exactly like it for a fraction of the cost.

Additionally, bluestone will cost you more in the long run. Bluestone pavers settle over time and become unstable and broken. You'll need to pay to have new bluestone pavers installed as they deteriorate. Your stamped concrete patio, on the other hand, will look like individual pavers without the expense of replacement.

2. Concrete is low maintenance

Concrete is one of the easiest outdoor materials to care for. Occasional sweeping or hosing it down is all you typically need to do to keep your patio or walkway looking beautiful. There are also concrete cleaners on the market that are specifically designed to remove stains from your stamped or stained concrete surfaces. Bluestone on the other hand will fade and turn grey without proper maintenance, while your concrete will look great for decades with just a little TLC. To truly protect it from the elements and staining, you may want to consider having the surface resealed every few years.

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3. You don't have to worry about weeds

Bluestones and pavers are laid with tiny cracks between them, which gives weeds and grass the opportunity to grow in these spaces. This will cause your elegant look to become an eyesore very quickly and requires a lot of care to maintain. Stamped concrete brings the look of individual stones without the added need for maintenance like weed and grass removal. Since your hardscape is composed of one slab of concrete that provides the illusion of spaces between the stones, you won't have to worry about weeds and grass making your outdoor space look messy.

4. It's energy efficient.

Have you ever walked on warm concrete on a cool summer night? Not only does it feel soothing to your tired feet, but it's also great for the environment. During the daytime, concrete absorbs the sun's heat and releases it at night, warming the surrounding space and creating a comfortable place to relax around your resurfaced seat wall and fire pit system. Because of its ability to absorb and store the sun's heat, concrete is both sustainable and energy-efficient without costing you a penny in the process. 

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5. It is versatile and easy to customize.

One of the greatest perks of choosing concrete over bluestone is its versatility. When it comes to concrete, your options are nearly endless. You can customize your design to perfectly match your home aesthetic.  With bluestone, on the other hand, you're limited to the selection of natural stones available - and unable to make changes to their size, shape or color tone.. Several design options to consider with concrete include:

  • Shapes
  • Sizes
  • Colors
  • Textures
  • Finishes
  • Stains

Be sure to work with a specialist to choose the stamped or stained concrete design that matches your home's character perfectly. Choose designs that look like bluestone or select a color that compliments the color of your siding or shutters. There are so many options to create a perfectly unique outdoor space. With bluestone, you just don't get that kind of freedom.

6. Concrete will last for decades.

With proper care, your concrete hardscape will last over 25 years, can withstand harsh weather conditions and withstand the  wear and tear of daily use. Bluestone pavers, on the other hand, will settle over time requiring them to be reset and replaced, costing you additional money.. To keep your concrete overlay in perfect condition, you'll want to have it resealed every few years.

7. No tripping hazards.

As mentioned above, bluestone pavers are notorious for settling and moving around. This causes them to become unstable and uneven, causing a potential tripping hazard that can be especially dangerous for children. This is likely one of the greatest cons of bluestone. A stained concrete pool deck, on the other hand, is composed of one solid slab that will keep your friends and family safe from falling on the hard surface. 

8. Slip-resistant for added safety.

In addition to being tripping hazards, bluestone, wood and other surfaces can become slippery when wet, making them a dangerous choice for pool decks and patios. Concrete overlays provide a slip-proof coating that protects your loved ones from falling so you can enjoy your space without worrying about safety. 

9. Installation is quick and easy.

When it comes to bluestone installation, a crew will need to individually lay the pavers on for your outdoor space. This can take nearly two weeks for a small driveway. A stamped or stained concrete patio will take far less time to complete, so you can begin enjoying your concrete patio or pool deck much sooner. 

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Overall, the benefits of concrete just can't be matched. Although bluestone is beautiful, why choose something so expensive when you can create something even better for half the price? Here at Concrete Craft, we're committed to creating unique handcrafted concrete overlays that transform any outdoor space. We'd love to work with you to create the perfect hardscape to match your home's design.Contact us today for a free estimate.

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