Most people start by asking which material is best. The better question is what each part of your yard needs to do. A driveway, a dining patio, a dog run and a side path have different jobs, and the right material for one is often the wrong one for another.
This short guide walks through the three materials we install most, then goes space by space so you can match each area of your yard to the material that suits it.
Start with how you use each space
Before you think about finishes, walk your yard and answer a few questions for each area:
- Does anything drive or park on it?
- Do people walk on it barefoot, or does it sit in full afternoon sun?
- Will children or dogs use it every day?
- Are there pipes, sewer lines or irrigation underneath that may need repairs someday?
- Where does rain go now, and where will it go once the area is paved?
- How much upkeep are you honestly willing to do?
Your answers usually point to the right material before you look at a single sample.
The three materials at a glance
A quick comparison. Prices are typical installed ranges in Orange County.
| Compare | Concrete | Pavers | Artificial turf |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Driveways, large patios, simple modern looks | Driveways, patios and paths you want to last and repair easily | Play areas, dog runs, shady spots and small lawns |
| Typical cost per sq ft | $14–$22 (stamped $20–$30) | $22–$35 (stone and porcelain more) | $14–$22 |
| Repairs | Cracks are permanent and patches show | Lift, re-level and reset the same pavers | Seams and small sections can be patched |
| Heat in full sun | Light colors stay fairly cool | Light pavers and travertine stay cooler | Gets much hotter than grass |
| Upkeep | Low; reseal stamped concrete every few years | Low; top up joint sand now and then | Brush, rinse and top up infill |
| Water | Sheds all rain; needs slope and drainage | Permeable options let rain soak in | Drains through, if the base is built for it |
For the full cost breakdown, see our hardscape cost guide.
Space by space
Driveway
Both concrete and pavers work well when the base is built for vehicle loads. Concrete costs less up front. Pavers cost more but can be lifted and reset if the ground settles or a pipe underneath needs work, and you can drive on them the day they are finished instead of waiting a week or more. If utilities run under your driveway, or your soil is clay that moves, pavers are usually the better long-term choice. Our concrete vs pavers guide compares the two in detail.
Patio and dining area
This is where looks matter most, and all hard surfaces work. Pavers and travertine suit Spanish, Mediterranean and traditional homes; large-format concrete suits modern and mid-century homes. Size it to your furniture, not the ground: a table for four with chairs pulled out needs roughly 10 by 10 feet or more.
Walkways and side yards
Paths need grip, drainage and a width that works with bins and wheelbarrows. Concrete and pavers are both good choices. Stepping stones set in decomposed granite or gravel are a lower-cost option for side yards with light foot traffic.
Kids' play areas and dog runs
This is where artificial turf earns its money. It stays green and mud-free under heavy use. For dogs, choose pet-rated turf with a deeper, more open base so urine drains through. Place it where it gets some shade, because turf gets hot in full sun. Our artificial grass buyer's guide covers what to look for.
Pool surrounds
Choose a surface that stays cooler underfoot and has good grip when wet. Light-colored travertine and textured pavers are popular choices. Concrete works with a textured finish and a non-slip additive in any sealer. Turf near a pool is possible, but it gets hot and needs rinsing.
Slopes and level changes
Where the yard steps up or down, low retaining walls and steps come first, and the surfaces fit around them. Walls over certain heights need permits and engineering, so read our permits guide before planning a terraced yard.
Low-use corners
Not every square foot needs paving. Planting, mulch or decomposed granite in areas nobody walks keeps costs down, lets rain soak in, and softens a yard that would otherwise be all hard surface.
Mixing materials usually works best
Most of the yards we build use two or three materials: a paver or concrete patio for dining, turf for the play area, and planting or decomposed granite around the edges. Mixing lets you spend where it matters and save where it doesn't. The key is to plan the transitions, so edges line up, levels match and water drains from one surface to the next instead of pooling between them.
Whatever you choose, the base matters most
Concrete, pavers and turf all fail the same way when the ground underneath is not properly prepared. The base depth, compaction and drainage decide how a surface ages far more than the finish you pick.
Before your assessment
You will get more out of a free on-site assessment if you bring:
- A rough idea of how you want to use each area
- Photos or links of finishes and yards you like
- Your narrowest gate width, since it affects how equipment gets in
- Any HOA guidelines, if you have an association
- A budget range, even a loose one
Our outdoor project planning checklist goes into more detail.