You are faced with the decision to refresh your floor surfaces and are wondering which option is right for you: zerogreen ® Stone paint or repainting patios, driveways and garden paths? We understand you - it's not an easy choice. But don't worry, we're here to help you! In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at both options, uncover their pros and cons, and at the end, you'll have the information you need to make the best decision for your home.
New surface or surface as new
If you're dreaming of redesigning your outdoor spaces but aren't sure where to start or what options are available to you, it's wise to think through the basics. There are two main ways to give your stone and paving surfaces a new look: using zerogreen ® stone color to enhance existing surfaces, or a completely new installation where you can define materials, size and design from scratch.
First, let’s take a closer look at zerogreen ® stone paint.
Stone colour: Fresh design for existing surfaces
Stone paint is a modern solution for visually enhancing patios, driveways and garden paths without the hassle and expense of a complete redesign. This specially developed coating is applied to concrete or paving surfaces and not only gives them a fresh coat of paint, but also offers protection against the effects of weather and wear.
A big advantage of stone paint is the variety of colors available. You can let your creativity run wild and design your outdoor area according to your own ideas. You have the option of choosing new colors or combining them with each other while preserving your existing surfaces.
Before we delve deeper into the world of stone color, let's take a look at the alternative: a completely new installation.
New facility: A completely new look
Redesigning patios, driveways and garden paths is the traditional way to give your outdoor space a fresh look. This approach allows you to customize everything from the ground up, choosing materials, colors and designs to suit your style.
Before you jump into the redesign with enthusiasm, however, be aware that it will involve far more expense and effort. Building patios, driveways and garden paths requires careful planning, time and possibly even government approvals, depending on the scope of your project.
Advantages and disadvantages of zerogreen® stone paint
Now that we have an overview of the two main options, let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of using zerogreen® stone paint or installing a completely new one.
Advantages of stone color:
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Cost savings: Using stone paint is extremely cost-effective compared to installing new. Instead of buying expensive materials and services, all you need is zerogreen® stone paint and some common tools such as paint rollers and brushes.
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Fast implementation: Applying our stone paint is a comparatively quick process. Depending on the size of the area, you can admire an impressive result within a few hours, which is particularly practical if you want to avoid long construction projects.
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Variety of designs: Stone paint offers a wide range of color options. You can choose from five different colors to give your outdoor area a unique look. The stone color also blends naturally with the surface and does not look like excessive overpainting.
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Protection and durability: The zerogreen® stone paint contains a nano-impregnation that protects your surfaces from penetrating moisture and prevents the re-growth of green deposits and moss.
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Can be reworked at any time: The stone paint is extremely robust and, depending on the surface and the level of wear and tear, can provide beautiful results for many years. If necessary, it can be easily reworked at any time. If the paint needs to be renewed over time, another coat of paint is sufficient.
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Environmentally friendly solution: With zerogreen® stone paint, you have the opportunity to preserve your existing surfaces and still create a new look for your outdoor areas. This saves resources and protects the environment.
Disadvantages of stone color:
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Subsurface and structure: One advantage of stone paint is that it preserves the natural subsurface and does not look like excessive overpainting. However, this can be a disadvantage if the subsurface is already damaged. Stone paint cannot repair this damage. Likewise, it cannot do anything if the substructure has subsidence or irregularities.
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Not suitable for all surfaces: Stone paint is best suited for concrete and paved surfaces and is less suitable for other materials such as wood or special tiles.
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Material properties do not change: While the stone color visually enhances your paving areas, it does not change the original properties of the materials. If, for example, you want to switch from smaller paving stones to large-format patio slabs, this requires re-laying.
Advantages of the new system:
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Creative freedom: When you build a new property, you have unlimited freedom to design your outdoor area according to your individual ideas. You can choose materials, colors and designs as you wish and thus create a unique look.
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Correction of sub-base problems: If the sub-base of your area has subsidence or other defects, re-laying offers the opportunity to completely correct these problems. You start with a fresh and defect-free sub-base.
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Changing the material: If, for example, you want to switch from a paving stone terrace to a wooden terrace or from small stones to large patio slabs, the only option is to build a new one. Here you can design everything from scratch according to your wishes.
Disadvantages of the new system:
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High costs: New installations usually involve significant costs. Material costs, labor costs and possible additional services can put a significant strain on the budget.
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Time required: Planning and implementing a new system requires time and patience. Depending on the size of the project, it can take weeks or even months to complete.
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Possible permits: In some cases, permits or planning applications are required for large-scale new installations. This can mean additional bureaucratic effort and possibly additional costs.
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Disruptive construction site: During the implementation of a new development, a disruptive construction site may occur, which can restrict access to certain areas of your property and cause inconvenience.
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Sustainability aspect: A new development consumes a significant amount of resources that could potentially be saved if you decide to maintain and renovate the existing space. This point should be taken into account in terms of environmental friendliness.
- Unforeseen problems: During a new installation, unforeseen problems can arise that cause additional costs and delays. These can include, for example, unplanned soil problems or unexpected weather conditions.
Price comparison - stone colour vs. new installation
Before you make your decision between stone color and new installation, a price comparison can help you plan your budget. Take a look at the estimated costs for both options so you can make an informed decision.
Cost of stone color:
zerogreen® stone paint offers a cost-effective way to enhance your existing surfaces. The main costs for stone paint include:
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zerogreen® stone paint itself: The costs can vary depending on the frequency of painting or consumption. However, they are usually much lower than the material costs for a new installation. You currently pay EUR 79.99 per 5-liter container of zerogreen® stone paint. You can treat up to 20 square meters with one container. You can calculate your exact consumption here.
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Tools and supplies: You will need tools such as a paint roller, brushes and other small materials to apply the paint. These are usually affordable. We would estimate costs here to be around 50 EUR.
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Working time: zerogreen® stone paint is very easy to use and ideal for do-it-yourself projects. If you apply the stone paint yourself, you save the cost of professional labor.
Total costs: The total costs for the stone paint are around EUR 3.99 per square meter, excluding processing materials and work on your own. If you have the work done by a professional, the costs for the hourly rate or fixed price will of course be added.
Costs of new installation:
Redesigning your outdoor space can be significantly more expensive as it includes materials, labor costs and possibly additional services:
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Material costs: Depending on which materials you choose for your new installation (e.g. paving stones, wooden slabs, tiles), the material costs vary considerably. Simple composite paving stones made of concrete currently cost around EUR 25 per square meter (as of February 2024).
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Labor costs: Hiring professional tradesmen or landscapers can entail high labor costs. This depends on the size and complexity of the project and can vary greatly. On average, we estimate around 100 EUR per square meter, including sub-base and other additional costs.
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Additional Services: Some projects may require additional services, such as removing old surfaces or adding drainage systems. The cost of these will depend on the specific needs of your project.
Total costs: The total cost of the new installation is around EUR 125 per square meter, including materials. However, please note that these costs can vary greatly depending on your individual preferences and needs.
To make an accurate price comparison, we recommend getting quotes from professional service providers for both options. Keep in mind that the price difference can be significant, and choose the option that best suits your budget and project.
All in all, stone paint is always more cost-effective and requires less time. No matter which option you choose, investing in the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space will pay off in the long run.
Conclusion and recommendation
Having discussed the pros and cons of zerogreen® stone paint and new installation in detail, you are now well equipped to make an informed decision. Both options have their own advantages and should be carefully considered depending on your individual needs and budget.
If you are looking for a cost-effective, quick and environmentally friendly way to upgrade your existing surfaces, using zerogreen® stone paint is definitely an attractive option. With a wide range of colors, protection from the elements and easy application, stone paint offers numerous advantages.
On the other hand, if you are planning a complete redesign of your outdoor area and want to repair any possible damage to the paving or substructure, a complete new installation might be the better choice.
We hope this article has helped you make your decision and wish you much success in redesigning your outdoor space, regardless of which option you ultimately choose
