Patio extension - Pavers or Concrete with Overlay

[John McCabe]

So we are thinking of patio extension and considering the following two options

1. Pavers
2. Concrete with overlay

Pavers seem to look better. But couple of questions about it.

(1) Do pavers become uneven over time?
(2) Do you get weed growth, since there is no underlying concrete.

Just in general, what are the pros and cons of the above two?

Thank you in advance

 

[Greenman]

I don't know what you mean by "overlay" for concrete.
Pavers will shift at the edges unless they have a proper border. A concrete border is best. If they're properly installed you won't get weeds between them as the sand (I don't remember the actual name) hardens like a grout and there is fabric below the gravel base that also inhibits weed growth.

One thing you need to know about concrete: There are actually two kinds of concrete. Concrete that's cracked, and concrete that's going to crack.

 

[bbhaag]

As long as you lay down a good base pavers shouldn't shift to much. Depending on your zone a solid 6" CA6 base with 1" of sand on top of the CA6 should suffice. Then along the edges use concrete like Greenman suggested or plastic paver edging to keep it in place. Polymeric sand is usually used in between the pavers to help with shifting and to help prevent weeds and ants from taking hold. Pro tip! Use a mechanical tamper to not only pack the CA6 but also the polymeric sand in between the pavers. Don't brush it in!

Concrete comes with its own set of drawback to but like Greenman mentioned "Concrete that's cracked, and concrete that's going to crack." is a thing.