It's something of an age-old debate: Which is the superior construction material, concrete or stone? Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, making the decision of which to use on your driveway, patio, or walkway a difficult one. The team at Central Pacific Specialty Contractors in Aiea, HI, wants to help you make the best choice.

Here, the contractors compare concrete and stone. 

• Price Tag: Because there’s a limited supply of stone and it has to be extracted from quarries, it's the more expensive of the two. Concrete is made from natural materials that are combined at manufacturing plants, allowing for a near-infinite supply. And because it’s made from a handful of other, accessible materials, it’s typically not too expensive.  
• Customization: Contractors can offer a wide variety of colors and styles for concrete, including stamped, stained, and even engraved. This flexibility, which isn't possible with stone, enables clients to customize their driveways or patios in all sorts of striking ways. Stamped concrete, for example, is so carefully cut and installed it looks like stone. While some homeowners look to stone for a distinctive appearance, the customization options with concrete often make it just as aesthetically pleasing. 
• Maintenance: Although stone is more expensive initially, it's known to be more durable than concrete. While the cracks and potholes concrete is susceptible to over time require semi-regular maintenance, stone requires minimal attention after it's installed. 

Central Pacific Speciality Contractors has developed a reputation as the finest concrete repair specialists in Hawaii. The contractors deftly handle repairs, coatings, decorative concrete, and concrete flat work, including pouring and forming new concrete. Visit the contractor’s website to see a full list of their extensive services, or call them directly at (808) 262-2527.