The type of flooring you choose for your patio can determine the usability and durability of the space. Concrete is one of the best flooring materials for landscaping structures. It is affordable, easy to maintain and durable. Furthermore, you can choose between solid or poured concrete and concrete pavers. These two options have significant differences that you should explore when shopping for patio flooring. Here are three factors to help you choose between solid concrete and concrete pavers for your residential patio.

Patio design options

Solid or poured concrete has a smooth finish. It does not have any patterns; thus, it's ideal for users looking for simple, minimalist patio flooring. If you want a sophisticated look, opt for concrete pavers. Pavers are available in various shapes, patterns, colours and sizes. The numerous options allow you to choose a flooring design that will complement your home's exterior. You can also mix and match different colours and patterns to achieve unique and appealing designs. 

Strength and durability 

Concrete is a sturdy and durable material. However, poured concrete and concrete pavers vary in strength and durability. Solid concrete is a concrete mix poured on a base to form a slab. A standard concrete mix can only withstand around 3,000 pounds per inch (psi) of pressure. Thus, poured concrete patios cannot handle heavy vehicular traffic without cracking. 

Concrete pavers are pre-engineered and delivered to the site for installation. During the manufacture of pavers, cement, gravel, sand and pigments are mixed, poured into moulds, compressed and cured. As a result, concrete pavers are strong and can withstand higher pressure than concrete slabs. Therefore, you can drive machinery on your new patio without worrying about damaging it. 

Comfort and usability 

Detached patios require the right flooring to be usable during the hot weather. When it gets hot, concrete slabs absorb and retain heat. Therefore, if you don't have a patio covering, the floor can be too hot to walk on. Conversely, concrete pavers don't get too hot in the sun. The spaces between individual pavers allow the floor to shed heat and remain comfortable to walk on. Therefore, you can use your patio on hot summer days without burning your feet. 

Ease of repairs 

Solid concrete and concrete pavers can crack over time due to thermal expansion and moisture infiltration. When this happens, you must repair the flooring to prevent further damage. Solid concrete is fixed by patching up the cracks or holes. However, if the damage is severe, you may have to replace the entire slab. With concrete pavers, you only need to replace the damaged pieces. 

Whether you opt for concrete pavers or a poured concrete patio, you must install the flooring correctly to achieve excellent performance. Therefore, contact a concrete landscaping contractor for professional installation services.  

Reach out to a company like Maitland Ready Mixed Concrete Pty Ltd to find out more.