Thinking about pavers, stamped concrete, cool-deck or epoxy paint? Scroll down to see—in plain numbers and real-world facts—how our pebble-stone overlay stacks up on comfort, safety, cost and longevity.
How Stone Carpet Compares to Other Concrete Solutions
Quick-Look Scorecard
Short on time? This at-a-glance grid shows where each surface wins or falls short on the five factors homeowners ask about most.
|
Surface |
No-Demo |
Slip-Safe |
Cool/Warm |
1-Day Install |
Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Stone Carpet |
✔︎ |
✔︎ |
✔︎ |
✔︎ |
$$ |
|
Concrete Pavers |
✕ |
◻︎ |
✕ |
✕ |
$$$ |
|
Stamped Concrete / Re-pour |
✕ |
✕ |
✕ |
✕ |
$$$ |
|
Knock-Down Cool-Deck |
◻︎ |
◻︎ |
◻︎ |
◻︎ |
$$ |
|
Epoxy/Polyaspartic Paint |
✔︎ |
✕ |
✕ |
◻︎ |
$ |
*Relative SoCal pricing.
Detailed Comparison: Feature-by-Feature
Ready for the details? The chart below breaks down demolition needs, install time, surface temperature, slip safety, maintenance and warranty side-by-side so you can make a confident, data-driven choice.
| Feature | Stone Carpet | Concrete Pavers | Stamped Concrete | Epoxy / Polyaspartic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demolition Needed | No – overlays slab | Full excavation | Jack-hammer & re-pour | No |
| Install Time* | 1 day | 4-7 days | 5-7 days | 1-2 days |
| Surface Temp (Sun) | Cooler | Hot | Very hot | Hot |
| Slip Resistance (Wet) | High | Variable | Poor when sealed | Poor unless grit added |
| Crack-Hiding Depth | ½″ bridges cracks | N/A – joints may shift | Cracks can re-appear | Film telegraphs cracks |
| Maintenance | Hose & reglaze 2-3 yrs | Re-sand & seal joints | Pressure-wash & reseal | Re-coat 3-5 yrs |
| Warranty† | 3-yr limited | Varies | 1-2 yrs | 1-2 yrs |
| Total Cost* (SoCal) | $$ mid-range | $$$ high | $$$ high | $ low |
*Typical timeline & cost for 400 sq ft surface. Actual quote depends on slab condition.
†Stone Carpet warranty covers adhesion failure & non-substrate cracking when maintained.
Key Decision Factors
|
Demolition & Install Time |
Stone Carpet installs right over your existing concrete—no jack-hammer, no dumpsters. A typical 400 sq ft surface is walk-ready in one day. Pavers and stamped concrete require tear-out and multi-day curing; epoxy films need multiple coats and extended dry times. |
|
Temperature & Comfort |
Pebble surfaces absorb far less solar heat than dense concrete, staying up to 20 °F cooler under July sun. Indoors, the rounded stones feel noticeably warmer than tile, eliminating that “cold basement floor” shock. |
|
Slip Resistance & Safety |
The natural stone texture, paired with porous drainage, delivers a high wet-traction rating—ideal for pool decks, entry steps and laundry rooms. Smooth epoxy films and sealed concrete can turn slick when wet; pavers rely on joint sand that erodes over time. |
|
Maintenance & Longevity |
Routine care is minimal: sweep or hose as needed and apply a clear reglaze every 2–3 years. No re-grouting, re-sanding or repainting. Most installations deliver 10 + years of service before a cosmetic refresh. |
|
Total Installed Cost |
Stone Carpet sits in the sweet spot: about twice the price of a DIY epoxy kit but far less than a full re-pour or high-end paver patio. Because it overlays existing concrete, you avoid demo fees that can add $4–$6 per sq ft to other options. |
FAQ: Choosing the Right Overlay
|
Is Stone Carpet more expensive than epoxy paint? |
Upfront cost is mid-range—about 2-3 × a DIY epoxy kit but far less than a full paver patio or concrete re-pour. It also lasts longer, so lifetime cost is lower. |
|
Does Stone Carpet really stay cooler than stamped concrete? |
Yes. Tests show pebble overlays can be 10-20 °F cooler because the open matrix stores less heat and the stones reflect sunlight. |
|
What if my concrete keeps cracking—will Stone Carpet crack too? |
The ½″ layer bridges hairline cracks. Significant slab movement can mirror through (like any surface) but localized repairs are fast and colour-matched. |
|
Can I pressure-wash Stone Carpet like pavers? |
Indoors: mop or vacuum. Outdoors: gentle pressure-wash (<1 500 psi) or hose. An optional reglaze every 2-3 years revives gloss. |
|
Why not just use knock-down cool-deck on my pool? |
Cool-deck is thin cement; it chips, stays warm, and can be slippery. Stone Carpet is thicker, cooler, slip-safe, and drains splash water through the surface. |
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