Planning a new patio for spring? The three most common choices in DMV backyards are a plain broom-finished concrete slab, stamped concrete, and interlocking pavers. They look different, cost different amounts and age very differently.
COST COMPARISON
| Patio Type | Typical DMV Cost (installed) |
|---|---|
| Broom-finish concrete | $10 – $16 / sq ft |
| Stamped or colored concrete | $16 – $28 / sq ft |
| Concrete pavers | $20 – $35 / sq ft |
| Natural stone (flagstone, bluestone) | $28 – $50+ / sq ft |
For a 300 sq ft patio, that's roughly $3,000 to $4,800 for plain concrete versus $6,000 to $10,500 for pavers.
HOW THEY HANDLE FREEZE-THAW
- Concrete slabs will crack at some point; control joints guide where. Cracks can't be hidden, only sealed.
- Stamped concrete cracks like plain concrete and needs resealing every 2 to 3 years to keep its color.
- Pavers flex with ground movement instead of cracking. Individual pavers can shift or settle but can be lifted and reset.
REPAIRS
| Problem | Concrete | Pavers |
|---|---|---|
| Crack or broken section | Patch (visible) or cut out and repour | Replace the individual pavers |
| Settling | Mudjacking or foam leveling | Lift, re-base, reset |
| Utility access underneath | Saw-cut and repour | Lift and relay |
MAINTENANCE
- Concrete: occasional cleaning and sealing.
- Stamped: reseal every 2 to 3 years.
- Pavers: refresh polymeric sand joints every few years, pull occasional weeds, seal optional.
WHICH TO CHOOSE
- Tight budget, simple shape: broom-finish concrete.
- Decorative look on a mid budget: stamped concrete.
- Long-term value and easy repairs: pavers.
The base matters more than the surface. Whatever you choose, the excavation and compacted gravel base are what keep a patio flat through DMV winters.
RELATED READING
STAMPED CONCRETE PATIOS: COST & PATTERNS IN THE DMV
Cost per square foot vs. pavers, the most popular patterns, sealing schedules, and honest talk about concrete cracking.
CONCRETE WORK COST GUIDE: DC, MD & VA (2026)
Driveways, patios, walkways, steps — what concrete work costs in the DMV and what drives the final number up or down.
OUTDOOR KITCHEN COST GUIDE FOR THE DMV (2026)
Stone islands, granite counters, gas and electric runs — what outdoor kitchens cost and the materials that survive DMV winters.
Planning a project? See our Concrete Work service page for scope, process and recent work.
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