Pavers vs. Natural Stone vs. Concrete: Which is Best for Your Patio?

Written by Chase Coates | October 19, 2021

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make about your landscape is which hardscape material to choose for your patio and outdoor areas.

Unlike plantings and furniture, patio materials aren’t easy to change once installed — so it’s a big commitment. Many of our clients ask, “What is the best patio material for my Idaho Falls home?”

The answer? It depends on your style, budget, and how you’ll use the space. Let’s compare pavers vs. natural stone vs. concrete patios so you can decide what fits best with your landscape vision.

What Style of Patio Are You Looking For?

Before you compare outdoor patio materials, think about what kind of style you’re going for.

Do you want a symmetrical or more natural look? Do you want colors that blend with or contrast the colors of your home?

Hardscaping materials come in a variety of colors and textures. Some materials are more suited for traditional and historical homes while others are perfect for modern and contemporary designs.

For patio installations in Idaho Falls and the surrounding areas, you'll need to be sure the materials you pick hold up in various weather conditions and with installation.

And is some cases, you may want to blend pavers, natural stone, or concrete to create accents, patterns, borders or even combine a mixture of sizes and contrasting shapes.

Now that you’ve determined the style of your patio, here are the hardscaping materials you need to consider.

Concrete Pavers For Your Patio

Concrete pavers are one of the most popular choices for residential patio installations in Idaho, offering lots of style flexibility — from classic brick looks to sleek, modern cuts.

Why choose concrete pavers:

They come in a wide range of shapes and colors (grays, browns, reds, even white-wash tones).
They can be laid in creative patterns like herringbone, basket weave, or even circular designs.
They’re perfect for Idaho’s freeze-thaw cycles — pavers “flex” with the weather instead of cracking.
If damage occurs, you can replace individual pavers instead of redoing the whole patio.

Concrete pavers cost: Up to $24.00 per square foot to install, depending on access, slope, size, and design complexity.

Concrete Paver Patio: Cons to Consider

Concrete pavers are often more costly than other pavers because it requires a lot of grading, backfilling and labor to install and is prone to shifting and breakage — though with skilled installation and regular maintenance, your landscape installer can curb the adverse affects of weather and age.

Natural Stone Patio Pros and Cons

Natural stone patios are stunning and timeless, offering a textured, earthy look that works well in both formal and informal landscape designs.

Common materials include flagstone, slate, limestone, and travertine, each with natural variation in color and texture. Stones quarried in Idaho often have rich orange and black tones due to high iron content.

Why homeowners choose natural stone:

It creates a unique, high-end look — no two stones are alike.
You can choose between rough, irregular flagstone or clean, dimensional cuts.
Works beautifully in both rustic landscapes and more structured layouts.

Natural stone cost: Between $25 and $50 per square foot to install, depending on project variables.

Natural Stone Patios: What to Watch Out For

It’s more expensive, due to the cost of quarrying and the extra labor for leveling.
Some stone types may discolor in sun or get damaged by snow/ice removal.
Over time, shifting or settling can lead to gaps or weed growth, especially if it’s not installed on a proper base.
Stones set in concrete may crack and be harder to repair.

Still, when installed right, natural stone patios can last for decades and dramatically increase curb appeal.

Poured Concrete Patio vs. Pavers or Natural Stone

Traditional poured concrete is the most budget-friendly and versatile patio material for Idaho homes.

Why poured concrete might be right for you:

It can be poured into any shape — great for irregular layouts or custom designs.
You can stamp, score, or color it to look like natural stone or pavers.
It’s an eco-conscious choice (made from abundant, locally available limestone).
It’s easy to maintain — just reseal every few years.

Poured concrete cost:

Basic gray concrete: ~$4.00 per square foot
Stamped, scored, or colored concrete: ~$12.00 per square foot

Drawbacks of Poured Concrete Patios

It can crack over time due to freeze-thaw cycles in Idaho.
It’s slippery when wet — consider texture if you’re using it around a pool or spa.
Repairs are often visible, especially with stamped or colored concrete.
Matching color during crack repair can be tricky — sometimes full re-pouring is needed.

Comparing Patio Materials: Which One Is Best?

When choosing between natural stone vs. concrete vs. paver patios, consider:

Cost: Concrete is most budget-friendly; pavers and stone are higher-end options.
Design options: Pavers offer endless styles; stone is rich and organic; concrete is customizable.
Durability: Pavers perform best with Idaho’s freeze/thaw; stone is sturdy but may shift; concrete is durable but prone to cracking.
Maintenance: Pavers and stone require joint upkeep; concrete needs sealing; weeds may sneak through over time.

If your patio is part of a larger project — like an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, walkway, or driveway — you may want a material that blends with the rest of your landscape design.

Patio Material Comparison Chart

Feature/Factor	Concrete Pavers	Natural Stone	Poured Concrete
Appearance	Wide variety of shapes, colors, and patterns	Natural, textured, unique color variations	Smooth or stamped finishes; customizable with color and texture
Cost (per sq. ft.)	Up to $24.00	$25.00 to $50.00	$4.00 (basic); ~$12.00 (decorative)
Durability	Excellent for freeze-thaw climates; easy to repair	Very durable when installed properly; may shift over time	Prone to cracking over time; harder to repair cleanly
Maintenance	Easy to repair by section; occasional joint refilling	Moderate — watch for weeds between stones	Low; resealing every few years recommended
Installation Complexity	High (requires proper base, grading, pattern layout)	High (labor-intensive due to uneven surfaces)	Moderate (requires proper pouring and joint planning)
Best For	Flexible, stylish patios with design options	Natural, rustic look with unique character	Budget-friendly, simple layouts or decorative custom shapes
Climate Suitability	Excellent for Idaho’s freeze-thaw cycles	Good — depends on type of stone and install	Fair — can crack with extreme temps or poor prep

Let Outback Landscape Help You Choose the Right Patio Material

Still trying to decide between pavers, natural stone, or poured concrete for your patio? We’ve helped homeowners across Idaho Falls, Rexburg, and Pocatello create patios that fit their lifestyle and home design — and hold up beautifully through all four seasons.

As a certified Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) installer, we’re experts in paver patio installation in Idaho. We also work with natural stone and concrete to create custom patios that reflect your vision and stand the test of time.

Call Outback Landscape at (208) 607-3776 or fill out our contact form to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

Let’s build the patio of your dreams — made to last and ready to enjoy.

View full post