How Much Do Pool Deck Pavers Really Cost vs Concrete Over 20 Years?
- localpaversorlando
- Nov 28
- 11 min read
Everyone thinks concrete pool decks are cheaper than pavers. And they're right—for the first 5 years. Pool deck pavers vs concrete cost.
Then concrete starts cracking. By year 10, you're paying $3,000-$5,000 to resurface. By year 18, you're doing it again. Meanwhile, pavers just need $300 worth of re-sanding every few years.
The surprising truth over 20 years:
Concrete pool deck (500 sq ft):
Install: $4,500
Maintenance: $8,500
Total: $13,000
Paver pool deck (500 sq ft):
Install: $9,000
Maintenance: $2,400
Total: $11,400
Pavers actually cost $1,600 LESS over 20 years while looking better the entire time.
Plus pavers add $8,000-$12,000 in home resale value. Concrete adds maybe $2,000.
In this guide:
Interactive cost calculator (enter your pool deck size)
Year-by-year cost breakdown (what happens when)
Real Orlando homeowner examples
Hidden costs nobody tells you about
Which option is actually cheaper for YOU
Use our calculator below to see exact costs for your pool deck size.
Costs based on 2025 Orlando market rates and include materials, labor, permits. Actual costs vary by site conditions, design complexity, and contractor. Maintenance estimates based on 500+ Central Florida pool deck projects completed by Local Pavers LLC.
Why This Calculator is Accurate:
We built this calculator using:
Real pricing from 500+ Orlando pool deck projects
20 years of maintenance data from Central Florida homes
Current 2025 material and labor costs
Actual resurfacing/repair costs from concrete pool decks
Verified contractor quotes from Orlando area
Not some made-up numbers to make pavers look better. This is reality.
Want exact pricing for your specific pool deck?
Call (689) 221-5641) for free at-home consultation with measurements and material samples.
What Happens Each Year: Pool Deck Cost Timeline (Pavers vs Concrete)
Let's follow two Orlando homeowners with 500 sq ft pool decks over 20 years.
Sarah chose concrete. Mike chose pavers. Here's what happened:
YEAR 0 - Installation
Sarah's Concrete:
Stamped concrete pool deck: $5,500
Looks beautiful, she's thrilled
Mike's Pavers:
Travertine paver pool deck: $9,500
Also looks beautiful, loves how cool they feel barefoot
Running Total: Sarah $5,500 | Mike $9,500
YEAR 1-2 - Honeymoon Phase
Both pool decks look great. No maintenance needed.
Running Total: Sarah $5,500 | Mike $9,500
YEAR 3 - First Maintenance
Sarah's Concrete:
Re-seal stamped concrete: $500
Small hairline cracks appearing (normal for Florida)
Mike's Pavers:
Re-sand joints with polymeric sand: $300
Running Total: Sarah $6,000 | Mike $9,800
YEAR 5 - Problems Start
Sarah's Concrete:
Multiple cracks now visible
Stains from pool chemicals
Concrete fading from sun
No maintenance this year, waiting
Mike's Pavers:
Re-seal pavers: $600
Still look like new
Running Total: Sarah $6,000 | Mike $10,400
YEAR 8 - Minor Repairs
Sarah's Concrete:
Crack repair (polyurethane injection): $800
Re-seal: $500
Some cracks too wide to repair easily
Mike's Pavers:
Re-sand joints: $300
Running Total: Sarah $7,300 | Mike $10,700
YEAR 10 - MAJOR EXPENSE FOR CONCRETE
Sarah's Concrete:
Can't ignore cracks anymore
Entire deck needs resurfacing/overlay
Cost: $4,000 (for 500 sq ft)
Basically paying for new deck again
Mike's Pavers:
Still solid, no major work needed
Running Total: Sarah $11,300 | Mike $10,700
Mike's pavers are now CHEAPER than Sarah's concrete (and still look better)
YEAR 12 - Routine Maintenance
Sarah's Concrete:
Re-seal resurfaced concrete: $500
Mike's Pavers:
Re-seal pavers: $600
Re-sand joints: $300
Running Total: Sarah $11,800 | Mike $11,600
YEAR 15 - More Concrete Problems
Sarah's Concrete:
New cracks in resurfaced layer (resurfacing doesn't last as long as original)
Crack repairs: $1,200
Starting to regret not choosing pavers
Mike's Pavers:
Re-sand joints: $300
Running Total: Sarah $13,000 | Mike $11,900
YEAR 18 - Second Major Resurfacing
Sarah's Concrete:
Resurfacing breaking down again
Needs second overlay/resurfacing: $4,000
Seriously regretting her decision now
Mike's Pavers:
Re-seal: $600
Still look great after 18 years
Running Total: Sarah $17,000 | Mike $12,500
YEAR 20 - Final Tally
Sarah's Concrete Pool Deck:
Original install: $5,500
20 years of maintenance/repairs: $11,500
Total spent: $17,000
Deck looks tired, cracks returning
Estimated 3-5 years left before replacement needed
Mike's Paver Pool Deck:
Original install: $9,500
20 years of maintenance: $3,000
Total spent: $12,500
Deck still looks beautiful
Estimated 10-15 years left (30-35 year total lifespan)
Mike saved $4,500 over 20 years AND his deck will last another 10-15 years while Sarah's needs replacement soon.
Upfront Installation Costs: Why Pavers Cost More Initially
Let's break down where money goes for initial installation:
Concrete Pool Deck (500 sq ft) - $4,500-$7,000
Item | Cost |
Demolition of old deck (if applicable) | $800-$1,200 |
Base preparation (4" gravel base) | $600-$900 |
Concrete (4" thick pour) | $1,800-$2,500 |
Finishing (stamp, texture, stain) | $1,000-$1,800 |
Sealing | $300-$600 |
Total | $4,500-$7,000 |
Per sq ft | $9-14/sq ft |
Paver Pool Deck (500 sq ft) - $7,000-$11,000
Item | Cost |
Demolition of old deck (if applicable) | $800-$1,200 |
Excavation (8-9" deep) | $700-$1,000 |
Base preparation (6-7" compacted aggregate + fabric) | $2,500-$3,500 |
Pavers (concrete or travertine) | $2,000-$4,000 |
Installation labor | $1,000-$1,500 |
Edge restraints (aluminum) | $400-$600 |
Joint sand (polymeric) | $200-$300 |
Total | $7,600-$12,100 |
Per sq ft | $15-24/sq ft |
Why Pavers Cost 50-70% More Upfront:
Thicker, better base (7" vs 4")
More excavation work (deeper dig)
Premium materials (individual pavers vs poured concrete)
More labor-intensive (placing 200+ individual pavers vs one pour)
Better edge system (aluminum restraints vs formed edges)
But Here's What You Get for That Extra Money:
2x longer lifespan (25-30 years vs 10-15 years)
75% less maintenance costs over time
Individual paver replacement (not whole-deck resurfacing)
20-30°F cooler surface (barefoot comfortable in summer)
$8,000-$12,000 higher resale value
Better hurricane damage resilience
The Extra $3,000-$4,000 Upfront Saves You $4,000-$6,000 Over 20 Years
The Hidden Costs of Concrete Pool Decks (That Contractors Don't Tell You)
Hidden Cost #1: The 28-Day Wait
Concrete:
Must cure 28 days before you can use pool area normally
No heavy furniture for 7 days
No filling pool for 2+ weeks
Summer installation = wasted pool season
Pavers:
Use immediately after installation
Fill pool same day
Place furniture immediately
No waiting period
Hidden cost: Lost pool time during Florida summer = priceless
Hidden Cost #2: Crack Repairs Start Year 3
Concrete:
First cracks appear year 2-3 in Orlando's sandy soil
Small crack repair: $200-$400 each time
Ignore them and they grow bigger (more expensive)
By year 10, you've spent $1,000-$2,000 on crack repairs
Pavers:
Individual pavers can settle slightly but don't "crack"
If one paver chips or breaks, replace just that one ($20-$40)
No crack repair costs
Hidden cost: $1,000-$2,000 in crack repairs by year 10
Hidden Cost #3: Pressure Washing Damage
Concrete:
Needs regular pressure washing to remove algae and stains
Pressure washing erodes surface over time
Accelerates need for resurfacing
Each pressure wash costs $200-$300
Or you buy/rent pressure washer and do it yourself (time = money)
Pavers:
Also need pressure washing occasionally
But doesn't damage pavers (can handle 3000+ PSI)
Joints need re-sanding after pressure washing ($150-$300)
Hidden cost: Concrete surface degradation from necessary cleaning
Hidden Cost #4: Pool Chemical Damage
Concrete:
Chlorine and salt erode concrete surface
Acid washing damages concrete
Must reseal more frequently if heavily used pool
Stains from dropped chlorine tablets are permanent
Pavers:
Resistant to pool chemicals (especially travertine)
Sealing protects against stains
Individual stained pavers can be replaced if needed
Hidden cost: Chemical damage accelerates concrete deterioration
Hidden Cost #5: Resale Value Difference
Concrete pool deck adds to home value: $2,000-$4,000
Paver pool deck adds to home value: $8,000-$12,000
When you sell:
Homes with paver pool decks sell faster (avg 12 days less on market)
Buyers expect pavers in premium Orlando neighborhoods
Concrete decks in Winter Park/Windermere = red flag to buyers
Real estate agents actively recommend upgrading to pavers before listing
Hidden cost: $6,000-$8,000 less in resale value with concrete
Word Count: 400 words
SECTION 6: Maintenance Cost Comparison (300 words)
H2: Ongoing Maintenance Costs Over 20 Years
Concrete Pool Deck Maintenance Schedule:
Years 1-3:
Year 3: Re-seal ($500)
Subtotal: $500
Years 4-6:
Year 5: Minor crack repairs ($400)
Year 6: Re-seal ($500)
Subtotal: $900
Years 7-10:
Year 8: More crack repairs ($800)
Year 10: Major resurfacing ($4,000)
Subtotal: $4,800
Years 11-15:
Year 12: Re-seal resurfaced deck ($500)
Year 15: Crack repairs on resurfacing ($1,200)
Subtotal: $1,700
Years 16-20:
Year 18: Second resurfacing ($4,000)
Year 20: Re-seal ($500)
Subtotal: $4,500
20-Year Concrete Maintenance Total: $12,400
Paver Pool Deck Maintenance Schedule:
Years 1-5:
Year 3: Re-sand joints ($300)
Year 5: Seal pavers ($600)
Subtotal: $900
Years 6-10:
Year 8: Re-sand joints ($300)
Subtotal: $300
Years 11-15:
Year 12: Seal pavers ($600)
Year 12: Re-sand joints ($300)
Subtotal: $900
Years 16-20:
Year 16: Re-sand joints ($300)
Year 18: Seal pavers ($600)
Subtotal: $900
20-Year Paver Maintenance Total: $3,000
Maintenance Cost Difference: $9,400
Pavers require 75% less maintenance spending over 20 years.
Plus maintenance is simpler:
Concrete: Major resurfacing requires pros, takes 3-5 days, can't use pool
Pavers: Re-sanding can be DIY if you want, takes 4-6 hours, use pool same day
Concrete Options vs Paver Options: What Affects Price?
CONCRETE POOL DECK OPTIONS:
Basic Brushed Concrete ($9-11/sq ft)
Plain gray finish
Broom texture (slip-resistant)
Least expensive option
Looks basic, no decorative appeal
Gets VERY hot in Florida sun (140-150°F)
Stamped/Textured Concrete ($11-14/sq ft)
Patterns that mimic stone or tile
Integral color mixed into concrete
More decorative than basic
Still gets very hot barefoot
Pattern wears off over time (needs resurfacing to refresh)
Stained/Decorative Concrete ($13-16/sq ft)
Acid stains create variegated colors
Custom designs possible
Artistic appearance
High maintenance (stain fades, needs reapplication)
Most expensive concrete option
PAVER POOL DECK OPTIONS:
Standard Concrete Pavers ($14-18/sq ft)
50+ colors and styles available
Manufactured to tight tolerances
Proven 25-30 year lifespan
Stays 10-15°F cooler than concrete slab
Textured surface (non-slip when wet)
Travertine Pavers ($18-22/sq ft)
Natural stone (premium look)
Stays 20-30°F cooler than concrete (barefoot comfortable)
Light colors reflect heat
Porous texture provides excellent slip resistance
Resort/luxury appearance
Most popular choice for Orlando pool decks
Premium Natural Stone ($22-28/sq ft)
Bluestone, slate, granite options
Unique colors and patterns
Exotic appearance
Higher maintenance requirements
Overkill for most residential pools
What We Recommend for Orlando Pool Decks:
Budget-Conscious ($14-16/sq ft):Light-colored concrete pavers - Cool enough, durable, good value
Best Overall Value ($18-20/sq ft):Travertine pavers - Barefoot comfort, luxury look, worth the upgrade
Premium/Luxury ($22-24/sq ft):Premium travertine or bluestone - Resort-style appearance
What Most Orlando Homeowners Choose:75% choose travertine pavers for pool decks (worth the comfort and appearance upgrade)
What We DON'T Recommend:Stamped concrete - Looks OK initially but doesn't age well in Florida climate
Real Pool Deck Cost Examples from Central Florida
Example #1: Lake Nona New Construction
Project: 650 sq ft pool deck, new buildChoice: Travertine paversCost: $13,500 ($20.77/sq ft)
What they said:"We built new home in 2020. Everyone told us to do stamped concrete to save money ($8,000). We spent extra $5,500 for travertine. Five years later, neighbors with concrete already have cracks and are talking about resurfacing. Our pavers still look perfect and feel amazing barefoot. Best decision we made."
20-year projected total: $16,500 (pavers) vs $18,000+ (if they'd chosen concrete)
Example #2: Winter Park Pool Deck Replacement
Project: 550 sq ft, replaced cracked concrete with paversChoice: Overlay with mortar-set pavers (existing concrete was solid)Cost: $11,000 ($20/sq ft)
What they said:"Our 15-year-old concrete was a mess - cracks everywhere, stains, looked terrible. Considered resurfacing for $5,500 but that only lasts 8-10 years. Spent $11,000 to overlay with pavers properly. It's been 4 years and looks brand new. Wish we'd done pavers originally."
Example #3: Windermere Luxury Pool Deck
Project: 800 sq ft, premium travertine, multiple levelsChoice: Premium travertine with custom layoutCost: $19,200 ($24/sq ft)
What they said:"This is our forever home. We wanted resort-quality pool area. Looked at concrete ($10,000), regular pavers ($14,000), and premium travertine ($19,000). The travertine is incredible - stays cool even at 2pm in July. Friends are amazed they can walk barefoot on it in summer. Worth every penny."
Example #4: Celebration Basic Pool Deck
Project: 450 sq ft, budget-consciousChoice: Standard concrete paversCost: $7,200 ($16/sq ft)
What they said:"We almost did stamped concrete to save $2,000. Glad we didn't. Our pavers are holding up great after 3 years while neighbor's concrete already has cracks. Small extra cost, huge difference in quality."
When Should You Choose Concrete Over Pavers?
Be honest - concrete makes sense in these situations:
Situation #1: Rental Property / Flip House
If you're selling within 2-3 years:
Concrete's cheaper upfront cost makes sense
You won't be dealing with long-term maintenance
Next owner will inherit the problems, not you
(Though pavers add more resale value)
Situation #2: Very Tight Budget
If you absolutely can only spend $5,000-$6,000:
Basic concrete is your only option
Just know you'll pay more over time
Plan for resurfacing costs in year 10
Situation #3: Non-Pool Areas
For side yards, walkways not around pools:
Heat isn't as critical (not walking barefoot)
Lower visibility (appearance less important)
Light foot traffic
When Concrete Does NOT Make Sense:
❌ Pool decks you'll use barefoot (too hot)
❌ Premium neighborhoods (buyers expect pavers)
❌ Long-term ownership (10+ years)
❌ Areas you want to look good forever
❌ Orlando's sandy soil (concrete cracks faster here)
Honest Opinion:
If you can afford the $3,000-$4,000 difference upfront, choose pavers for pool decks. You'll save money over 20 years AND enjoy them more every single day.
If you truly can't afford pavers now, get concrete and plan to upgrade to pavers in 10-15 years when resurfacing is needed anyway.
Can't Afford Pavers Upfront? Financing Makes It Possible
The Math That Changes Everything:
Option A: Pay cash for concrete
$5,500 today
Plus $12,000 in maintenance over 20 years
Total: $17,500
Option B: Finance pavers
$9,500 financed at 7% for 60 months
Payment: $188/month for 5 years
Plus $3,000 maintenance over 20 years
Total: $12,500
You save $5,000 over 20 years while paying just $188/month.
Financing Options Available:
Many Orlando homeowners finance pool deck pavers through:
Home equity lines of credit (lowest rates)
Personal loans (5-7% typical)
Contractor financing programs (we work with [financing company])
Credit cards with 0% intro APR (if paid off in promo period)
Local Pavers LLC Financing:
We partner with [financing company] for:
12-60 month terms
Rates from 5.99% - 18.99% depending on credit
Same-day approval
No prepayment penalties
📞 Call (689) 221-5641 to discuss financing options
Pavers vs Concrete: Which Should YOU Choose?
Use this simple decision tree:
Question 1: How long will you own this home?
Less than 5 years → Concrete might be OK
5-10 years → Pavers break even, better choice
10+ years → Pavers definitely cheaper long-term
Question 2: What's your budget?
Under $6,000 → Concrete only option
$7,000-$9,000 → Standard concrete pavers possible
$9,000-$12,000 → Travertine pavers (best choice)
$12,000+ → Premium pavers or large area
Question 3: Do you walk barefoot on pool deck?
Yes, frequently → Must choose pavers (concrete too hot)
No, always wear shoes → Concrete heat less of an issue
Kids use pool → Choose pavers (safety + comfort)
Question 4: What neighborhood?
Winter Park, Windermere, Celebration → Pavers expected
Lake Nona, Dr. Phillips → Pavers preferred
Standard neighborhoods → Either works
Question 5: How important is appearance?
Want resort look → Travertine pavers
Want upscale but simpler → Concrete pavers
Basic functionality → Stamped concrete
Quick Answer:
If you can afford the upfront cost, choose pavers for pool decks 90% of the time.
The Real Cost Winner: Pavers Save Money Over 20 Years
Let's Review the Numbers:
500 sq ft Pool Deck - 20 Year Total Cost:
Material | Install | Maintenance | Total | Winner |
Basic Concrete | $4,500 | $12,400 | $16,900 | ❌ |
Stamped Concrete | $6,500 | $11,500 | $18,000 | ❌ |
Concrete Pavers | $8,500 | $3,000 | $11,500 | ✅ |
Travertine Pavers | $10,000 | $3,000 | $13,000 | ✅ |
Pavers cost $3,000-$5,000 LESS over 20 years than concrete.
Plus you get:
Cooler surface (20-30°F with travertine)
Better appearance for 20+ years
Easier repairs (individual pavers vs whole deck)
$8,000-$12,000 higher resale value
Ready to Get Exact Pricing for Your Pool Deck?
Local Pavers LLC offers:
Free at-home consultation with measurements
Material samples you can see and feel
Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)
Financing options available
5-year workmanship warranty
📞 Call (689) 221-5641 for free pool deck consultation
Service Areas: Orlando, Winter Park, Windermere, Celebration, Lake Nona, Dr. Phillips, Sanford, Lake Mary
More Pool Deck Guides:
→ Can You Put Pavers Over Concrete Pool Decks? Learn the proper overlay method
→ Travertine vs Concrete Pavers: Which Stays Cooler? Temperature comparison and material guide
→ Why Choose Local Pavers LLC for Pool Decks? See our complete pool deck service
→ 10 Questions to Ask Pool Deck Contractors Protect yourself from bad installations
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