by Brent Price - Posted 2 months ago
If you are planning a new patio in St. Louis County, one of the biggest decisions you will face is choosing between a paver patio and a concrete patio. Both options can create usable outdoor living space, but Missouri weather and clay soil conditions play a major role in long-term performance.
In areas like Ballwin, Kirkwood, Manchester, Ellisville, and Town and Country, freeze-thaw cycles, heavy spring rains, and shifting clay soil can impact how your patio holds up over time.
At Sandy Creek Landscaping, we design and install patios built specifically for West County conditions. Below, we break down the pros, cons, cost considerations, and long-term durability of paver vs concrete patios so you can make the right choice for your property.
Missouri weather creates unique challenges for outdoor hardscaping.
These factors can cause cracking, shifting, and settling if patios are not installed correctly. That is why choosing the right material and proper base preparation is critical.
A paver patio is built using individual concrete or natural stone pavers laid over a compacted aggregate base. The pavers interlock and are secured with edge restraints and joint sand.
Because pavers are installed in sections, they offer flexibility and repair advantages compared to poured concrete.
When installed correctly with proper base depth, paver patios perform extremely well in St. Louis County soil conditions.
A concrete patio is a poured slab of concrete that hardens into a single continuous surface. It can be broom-finished, stamped, or stained for decorative appeal.
In West County, soil movement and moisture changes can cause concrete slabs to crack over time, especially if drainage and base prep are not handled properly.
The material matters, but installation quality matters more.
Both paver and concrete patios require:
If your yard has pooling water or slope challenges, it may be wise to combine patio installation with professional drainage installation to prevent future problems.
Drainage failures are one of the top reasons patios fail in St. Louis County.
Paver Patio Durability
Concrete Patio Durability
In clay-heavy regions like Kirkwood and Manchester, pavers typically outperform concrete long term due to their flexibility.
Average cost ranges can vary depending on design, access, and drainage needs, but generally:
However, when factoring in repair and longevity, pavers often provide stronger long-term value in Missouri weather conditions.
For homeowners already considering slope management or structural features, combining a patio with retaining wall construction can create a more cohesive outdoor living design.
Pavers offer greater design flexibility for:
Concrete can also be stamped or stained, but design changes later are more difficult.
If your goal is a premium outdoor living space in Ballwin or Town and Country, pavers typically offer more creative options.
The best patio choice depends on:
For homeowners in St. Louis County who want long-term durability and design flexibility, pavers are often the preferred option. For simple, budget-conscious projects, concrete may still be a viable choice when installed correctly.
We install patios throughout Ballwin, Kirkwood, Manchester, Ellisville, Oakville, and surrounding communities. Every property has unique grading and soil conditions, and those factors should guide material choice.
If you are exploring broader upgrades, visit our hardscaping services page to see how patios integrate with complete outdoor living layouts.
1. Do paver patios crack like concrete?
Pavers rarely crack as a system because individual units can shift slightly. If one paver cracks, it can be replaced without affecting the entire patio.
2. Is concrete cheaper than pavers?
Concrete usually has a lower upfront cost, but long-term repair and cracking can increase lifetime expense.
3. Which patio lasts longer in Missouri weather?
When properly installed, paver patios often perform better long term due to flexibility in freeze-thaw conditions.
4. Does a patio increase property value?
Yes, especially when integrated into a well-designed outdoor living space.
5. Can drainage problems ruin a patio?
Yes. Poor drainage is one of the leading causes of patio settling and cracking in St. Louis County.
If you are deciding between a paver patio and concrete patio, a professional evaluation of your yard conditions can help you make the right choice.
Call Sandy Creek Landscaping at (314) 698-1228 or visit saintlouislandscaping.com to schedule your patio consultation.
Build a patio that looks great, drains properly, and holds up to Missouri weather for years to come.
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