Myth: concrete never cracks
Concrete shrinks and moves, and joints guide where cracks may occur. Good bases and reinforcement reduce them but do not remove the possibility.
Ask how a contractor plans joints.
Look at older concrete in your neighborhood to see how joints and cracks have aged. It shows what to expect.
Myth: pavers are always better
Pavers flex and can be reset, and they need a deep base and joint sand upkeep. Concrete can be better for some sites and styles.
The right choice depends on your project.
Talk to neighbors with pavers and with concrete. Their experience is a useful reality check.
Myth: sealing is optional
Sealing is not required for every surface, though it can protect color and ease cleaning. Some surfaces benefit more than others.
Ask what a sealer will do for yours.
Ask for a small sealed test area before sealing a whole patio. It shows color and sheen changes.
Myth: the base is the same everywhere
Soil, slope and use change base needs. Clay soil and driveways need deeper, better-built bases than sandy soil and walkways.
Ask for the base depth in writing.
Ask your contractor to show you photos of base work from other projects. It shows how seriously they take it.
Myth: outdoor spaces are only for summer
Heaters, fire features, roofs and lighting extend use well into fall and winter. Many owners use their patios most of the year.
Plan for comfort in every season.
Plan lighting, heating and shade at the same time as the patio, and the space will be used much more.
Ask why, not just what, and let the site decide the material.
