Is it cheaper to pour concrete or install pavers for a front walkway?

Concrete is typically 30-50% less expensive upfront than pavers for a front walkway in Metro Vancouver. A standard 100 sq ft concrete walkway runs $800-$1,800 installed, while the same area in pavers costs $2,500-$6,000 installed.

Concrete Cost Breakdown
Poured concrete for walkways typically costs $8-$18 per sq ft installed in Metro Vancouver. This includes excavation, gravel base (4-6 inches), reinforcing mesh or rebar, concrete placement, finishing, and basic broom texture for slip resistance. A typical front walkway (4 feet wide by 25 feet long = 100 sq ft) runs $800-$1,800 installed. Decorative concrete with stamped patterns, exposed aggregate, or integral colour adds $3-$8 per sq ft.

Paver Cost Breakdown
Concrete pavers cost $25-$60 per sq ft installed for the same walkway. This includes deeper excavation, thicker gravel base (6-8 inches), geotextile fabric, bedding sand, 60mm pavers, polymeric sand, and edge restraints. The same 100 sq ft walkway runs $2,500-$6,000 installed. The higher cost reflects more labour-intensive installation and premium materials designed for Metro Vancouver's wet climate.

Why the Price Difference Matters Long-Term
While concrete costs less initially, pavers offer significant advantages that justify the premium in Metro Vancouver's marine climate. Concrete walkways are prone to cracking from ground movement, tree root intrusion, and settling — common issues in the region's clay-heavy soils. Repairing cracked concrete requires expensive saw-cutting, removal, and re-pouring that often doesn't match the existing surface colour or texture.

Pavers excel in Metro Vancouver's conditions because individual units can move slightly with ground shifts without cracking, and any damaged pavers can be individually replaced. The deep, well-draining base required for paver installation actually performs better in our wet climate than the thinner base typically used for concrete walkways. Polymeric sand joints resist the weed growth and moss intrusion that plague concrete walkways, especially in shaded areas.

Maintenance and Longevity Considerations
Concrete walkways require sealing every 2-3 years in Metro Vancouver to resist moisture penetration, freeze-thaw damage, and staining. Cracks are inevitable and expensive to repair properly. Pavers require joint sand replenishment every 3-5 years and periodic cleaning, but these are straightforward DIY maintenance tasks. Well-installed pavers can last 25+ years with proper maintenance, while concrete walkways often need major repairs or replacement within 10-15 years.

When Concrete Makes Sense
Choose concrete if budget is the primary concern and you're comfortable with eventual crack repairs. Concrete works well for straight, simple walkways without curves or pattern requirements. Decorative concrete (stamped or coloured) bridges some of the aesthetic gap with pavers while remaining more affordable.

When Pavers Are Worth the Investment
Choose pavers for curved walkways, complex patterns, premium curb appeal, or if you want the flexibility to change colours or expand the walkway later. Pavers are particularly valuable on sloped lots (common in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Burnaby) where ground movement is more likely, and in areas with mature trees where root intrusion threatens concrete.

Professional Installation Recommended
Both concrete and paver walkways require professional installation for proper base preparation, drainage, and longevity. DIY concrete work often results in cracking, scaling, and drainage issues, while DIY paver work typically suffers from inadequate base compaction and poor edge restraint.

Need help finding a walkway contractor? Vancouver Interlock can match you with experienced professionals from the Vancouver Construction Network for free estimates on both concrete and paver options.

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