Decatur, GA on Sep 10, 2011

I'm planning a backyard renovation in Atlanta, GA that will include a screened porch and large patio.

We're having a hard time deciding on the best material to use for porch and patio flooring and are considering concrete pavers, a contiguous stamped concrete floor or stone pavers. The area to cover is quite large and we're trying to keep costs down. I like the look of stamped concrete but am concerned about cracking over time and difficulty with repair. Is this a real concern in our climate? Anxious to hear your thoughts.

18 Comments

Dan's of Central Florida,... Clermont, FL

Hi Susan,
This is a general list of materials and prices for patios and can vary widely based on the materials used, price of local labor, local pricing, etc. Here are some rough prices for various materials
(per square foot of coverage), note these costs can vary plus or minus either way:
- Cement - $4 - $8 ...»

- Stamped Concrete - $8 - $10
- Concrete Pavers - $12 - $15
- Brick Pavers - $12 - $15
- Travertine Pavers - $20 - $25
- Natural Stone - $50 - $100+
Hope this helps with your decision. As for buckling and effect the weather in GA has on the floors, I couldn't really tell you, but I can't imagine it would be too drastic as the weather doesn't get extremely cold for long and you probably don't get piles of snow. I hope;)

on Sep 10, 2011 · Like 1
Hudson Designs Loganville, GA

Hello Susan,
I recommend the at least 4 inches, a will prepared and compacted sub surface is the key to all good concrete. Also the control joints should not exceed 15 x 15 square area. If these steps are done right then their will be no cracks

on Sep 10, 2011 · Like 0
Designing Home INc. Marietta, GA

Hi Susan,
Call Mr. Doug Odell at 678-643-8230 tell Kaveh from Designing Home Give you the number to have best advise and price. He is professional hard and land escaper and I saw many of his finished project and happy customers.

on Sep 10, 2011 · Like 0
Sandy Orlando, FL

I would go with stamped concrete only because there will be cracks later and the stamped art will cover it and will not be noticeable. It will blend in.

on Sep 11, 2011 · Like 0
Ken H Orlando, FL

I would go with concrete - you may eventually want to enclose the porch, so be sure to get a permit and pre-treat the area as if you are going to build an enclosed space.

on Sep 11, 2011 · Like 0
Susan R Decatur, GA

Our contractor suggested pouring one concrete floor (will probably stamp) for patio and porch first and then build screened porch structure. We are planning to get a permit. Do you think it's a good idea to have one contiguous surface or are we better off doing in 2 pieces in case of cracking later on?

on Sep 11, 2011 · Like 0
Ken H Orlando, FL

I strongly suggest one pour - if they put steel rebar into the slab as well as build up a 'footing' along the perimeter you should not see cracking. Have them add a plastic expansion joint in the center - similar to what pool deck pavers do. That will control any cracking as well.

on Sep 12, 2011 · Like 0
Joe Washington Marietta, GA

I like the paver idea, especially when the foundation is well prepared. It just looks classy and you don't have to worry about cracks. If you're not looking for a diy project I can give a thumbs up to Doug Odell at Metro North Landscapes. He did my pool deck/retaining wall renovation. He'll tell you he spends your money like it's his own and he does!

on Sep 12, 2011 · Like 0
H E Service Solutions Peachtree City, GA

Stamped concrete vs. pavers is a tough decision. I always sway toward pavers because they can be repaired cheaper, changed to match any decor changes and still provide the same durability as conc. On the other hand there are a larger range of concrete stains and finishes and concrete will last longer if put down properly. Your decision depends on how long you plan to stay in that particular house. Also stamped and stained concrete can be more expensive than pavers. All concrete will ...»
crack that is why there are cut lines in concrete to "encourage" it to crack there. Also called control joints. Its a tough decision but look at all your colors and stains before making the right choice for you. Pavers can be installed for $8-$10 in your area also. Hope this helps. Contact me if you need exact pricing for both. Thanks.

on Sep 12, 2011 · Like 0
Amazing Improvements and ... Marietta, GA

We have been in this business for years and the answer is simply not that easy. Much of the time its dependent on budget as overlays are half to a third of pavers. When you add up large driveways in terms of square feet these numbers add up fast. Here in Atlanta, I have yet to find outdoor stamped concrete overlays which have not been affected by the weather over time. Most delaminate to some degree. Stamping for outdoor applications should be done in the intial pour and not as an ...»
overlay IMHO. There are companies in Atlanta who would argue this all day long, but our company cant afford to spend our days fixing old overlay installations. Pavers are pricey across a large area, but you will never see cracks. Since pavers "float" over the concrete pad, when the underlying concrete cracks, its not telegraphed into a solid top coating like a contiguous overlay. If cracks are not structural in nature, proper patching may keep them at bay for years, but no coating or overlay will stop concrete from moving. If you are interested in discussing some local options, there is no charge for Hometalk members to chat.

on Sep 15, 2011 · Like 0
Mike Marietta, GA

Have you ever thought about having the concrete engraved into a design of your choice.The concrete can be stained and engraved at any time and would eliminate the pressure of you choosing a design when the concrete is poured.

on Sep 16, 2011 · Like 0
Bob H Apopka, FL

We just built a 1500sf patio in the Orlando area. We poured a 22 x 60 slab to adjoin to our existing 8 x 22 covered lanai. We then went with thin pavers over the entire area. Total cost > 10K. Works out to $.66 per sf. You could also just pour a footer and install thick pavers for even less money.

on Sep 17, 2011 · Like 0
Miriam I New York, NY

Susan, I'm curious to know if you've completed your renovation?

on Apr 03, 2012 · Like 0
Steve Orlando, FL

Heay Bob... just came across your post (Sept 2011) and wondered if the $.66 / sq.ft. cost for concrete+pavers included labor or is this just materials??? I'm looking to enlarge my patio and connect it with adjacent sidewalks (all stamped concrete or pavers) here in Orlando... the arced semi-circle patio extension and adjacent side-walks all togeather total about 350 sq.ft. What might be the cost today to have someone complete this project and who might you recommend??? Thanks...Steve (in East Orlando) :)

on May 30, 2012 · Like 0
Cindy S Orlando, FL

Hey Bob, where did you purchase your pavers in the Orlando area?

on Jul 27, 2012 · Like 0
Bob H Apopka, FL

Hi Cindy. C&D Thin Paver in Maitland. very happy with them.

on Jul 28, 2012 · Like 0
Bob H Apopka, FL

Hi Steve. Not sure where you saw $.66 sf. My paver were $3.00 sf installed over my concrete slab

on Jul 28, 2012 · Like 0
Rachel L

I too would like to know where to find pavers for $.66. BTW, my daughter goes to college in Decatur, we both love that city..

on Aug 04, 2012 · Like 0