Question
Thinking of re-doing our entryway. Right now its plain concrete. Would like to attach a small patio in front and either have it done with either stamped concrete or tile. Which would you suggest considering durability and price? Thanks.

Answer
Considering ONLY durability I would choose stamped concrete. Tile can break loose and water can get underneath and freeze (depending on your location) and break it.
Also grout between tile can get stained and break out. Also tile is often slippery unless treated with non slip surface.
Stamped concrete is concrete...its great unless it cracks because of pour joint design or slab thickness. Probably the most reliable surface you can get. Also stamped concrete is slippery when wet unless treated with non slip sealant.

Considering Price, I can not say for certain because the price of tile and stamped concrete can vary greatly depending on selected finishes, and pre-existing conditions at the site, etc. In general though tile will usually be more expensive because it requires three or more days of labor (1 set tile, 2 grout, 3 clean and seal) and concrete only requires one or two (1 pour concrete, 2 cut, clean and seal)

I think you have to decide basing it most importantly on the look and the relationship with your architectural style and your own personal taste and landscape desires.
If you have a Spanish mission style house, terra-cotta tile would make more sense, if you have a mountain cabin then real stone tile or concrete stamped to look like stone would be good.

So there is a lot to consider.

Best of Luck


Sean J Murphy, LA,ISA, LEED AP
Please check out my blogs and articles on landscape topics like this on my websites.
http://www.seanjmurphy.com
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