Concrete versus Stone: Which is the Best Choice For Your Home?

Prior to recent advances in concrete construction for homes, its standard use was to construct the foundation of driveways and slabs and also for sidewalks. Typically, an even surface was the primary consideration. Concrete was never considered an aesthetic element; however, it was only a practical element of a house. The choices of design for homes were typically made of stone.

In the past few years, the flexibility and possibilities of concrete have become the main focus, particularly with stains, stamping, polishing, etching, and other additions to concrete. Concrete, unlike stones, can be made in many forms, both horizontal and vertical, and still maintain the security of a smooth surface when required. Concrete can now be made into a wood-look plank that is molded to look like stone, stained with many colors that suit your tastes regardless of whether you are inside or outside, or even acid-etched polished to look like the appearance of marble floors. The possibilities are only limited to your imagination.

What are the limits of stone?

It is not difficult to see beauty and appeal in the stone used for outdoor surfaces. However, the majority of that attraction and beauty is in the randomness in the form of stones. The same irregularity can turn into an issue with time, which can result in slips and slides. Contrary to cement, which can be textured to stop slips, stones are more slippery when they are wet.

Stones are also more difficult to put in, especially when you consider how their irregular shapes look like a huge jigsaw puzzle. Cost overruns may occur when the work required to put the stone in the correct position takes more time than anticipated. The designs for concrete stone, on the contrary, can be made as interlocking parts which can be put together at the site of installation.

Another drawback is the inability to match the in-place stone to the stone that is already on the structure or with older walkways. Other concerns include the drawback of stone that has to be used to construct a wall for retaining. It is important to keep it shorter because gaps between stones could cause problems in drainage. Concrete's ability to lock is much superior for walls for retaining.

Are stones more costly than concrete?

When you begin this process, you'll notice that stone is generally more costly than concrete. Being a natural material, which must be quarried, the stone is more expensive in part because you have to transport stones from the mine to your property. Concrete is more easily available, and while both require experienced teams of professionals to put in, concrete's less expensive structure makes the final product less expensive.

Is concrete maintenance-free?

The maintenance for concrete walkways or any other concrete installation outside is very minimal. Concrete does need to be sealed every few years to preserve its texture and color. In contrast to stone, there are no gaps between concrete slabs, so there are no plants growing on the walkway and no requirement for weed control to keep the look and texture.

Where can concrete be used?

Concrete's versatility allows it to be used in practically every area of your house, both outside and inside. It can be used both internally or externally in your home, maintenance is easy, and its applications are diverse. More importantly, concrete can be utilized throughout the course of the home's existence, starting from the construction of a new home to renovating your current home.