How To Choose Between Brick and Concrete Pavers

If you’re looking to pave pavers for an outdoor patio, walkway or driveway, you’ll have two options for materials that include natural clay bricks and concrete. They work in exactly the same way and both produce stunning and long-lasting surfaces. But, you’ll need to think about cost, design as well as other elements prior to choosing the natural clay brick over concrete, or in reverse.
Let’s explore the differences between these two types of materials to determine which is more suitable for you.

What Are Pavers?

Pavers, also known as paving stones, are made from concrete, brick or natural stones which are used to construct a floor for driveways, roads and walkways, patios and courtyards. Pavers made of clay are a manufactured product that is made from clay formed into shapes, which are then cured by heating, typically with the shape of an oval. Concrete pavers are a type of brick composed from Portland mortar and aggregate. Cobblestones are quarried, natural stones that are cut into paver shapes.

Clay Brick Pavers vs. Concrete Pavers

Clay brick is considered to be among the most attractive pavements and adds value to your house. It has served as a common building material for many years, and is used for the construction of walls and for paver surfaces for pathways, roads and courtyards. It gives an old-fashioned appearance to your landscaping.

However, concrete pavers that are of high quality can enhance the value of your house. Pavers made of concrete and bricks offer gorgeous classic paving designs which can work with virtually every style of home.

Concrete pavers are created of aggregate and cement, poured into forms, compressed and air-cured. Concrete can be molded in a variety of shapes and sizes and is colored in various shades. Concrete pavers typically are less durable than bricks.

Material Makeup

Brick pavers originate from clay that is naturally formed. Manufacturers mould the clay into different shapes, then heat it up in an oven that is hot. The result is a unique robust material that has a distinct color throughout its entire body. Certain products that are advertised by the name of “brick” are concrete formed into brick-like shapes. be sure to check the product you shop.

Concrete pavers are made up of gravel, cement and crushed stone aggregates as well as color-enhancing pigments. Workers pour the mix into molds, and then compress to cure it to increase toughness and long-lasting. The process of making molds is flexible, and you’ll be able to see pavers in a variety of dimensions and shapes.

Appearance

Clay brick pavers give an elegant, timeless appearance which is perfect for traditional homes. Each paver will not have the same texture due to the nature of the material’s irregularities. their earthy tones will blend perfectly when paired with nature-inspired landscapes. The color choices tend to be earth-tone variations, such as reds, browns and Tans. Concrete pavers will have a wider range of colors to pick from. Some homeowners opt for the stamped or textured concrete which is akin to the natural appearance of wood, stone, or brick.

Durability

Concrete pavers and bricks are durable when properly maintained. The difference lies in the way they wear out over time. The natural colors of brick pavers are resistant to fading and staining. While clay can be fairly smooth, pieces are susceptible to cracking or chipping when under stress. Concrete pavers tend to degrade slowly, rather than chip or crack. Consequently, there may be a few minor pits, pockmarks and rough areas. They occur because the erosion exposes aggregates in the concrete. You might need to seal the pavers in order to combat wear and maintain their lively appearance.

Concrete Paver Characteristics

Size

Concrete pavers are available in various sizes in a variety of sizes, from tiny 6”x6” and 4”x8′ stones, up in larger, 24″ 36” pieces as well as lengthy linear planks. The dimensions that you select should be ideally in accordance with the dimensions and use of your hardscape design. For instance, if you’re building a small outdoor patio for hosting guests, go with smaller pavers. If you’re building a bigger outdoor area, such as the deck of a pool consider larger format slabs instead.

Shape

From hexagonal and rectangular pavers to concrete with interlocking grooves Concrete pavers come in a variety of shapes that you can pick from.

Color

From light cream shades to darker tones that have various colors, the concrete pavers can be accessible in a broad variety of shades and colors. Utilizing two different colors can bring design and creativity to the outdoor area you are in.

Texture

Concrete pavers are available in various designs and textures, ranging including rustic designs such as Brussels Block(r) and Mattoni(tm) to contemporary textures like Series(tm) and Campo(r) in addition to stone textures that give a feeling of a bygone era, such as polishing Courtstone (r) and the timeless charm of the textured Richcliff(r). The type of texture you select can have a important impact on the overall design of your hardscaping venture. For instance, when you design your deck for your in-ground pool you could choose the appearance of a slightly textured paver. aid in preventing slips.

Flexibility

In the case of concrete paver patterns and styles the only limit is your imagination. From classic herringbone patterns to the modular fan layout or an asymmetrical zigzag concrete pavers offer lot of opportunities to showcase your style and compliment your landscaping and home.

Durability

In contrast to the asphalt-based concrete, pouring or stamped concrete, which tends to expand, crack or contract as the seasons change. temperatures Concrete pavers remain durable to wear as well as freeze/thaw cycles and UV rays. This allows you to design an environment that is able to withstand high traffic levels and heavy footfalls.

Maintenance

Concrete pavers require a minimum of maintenance to ensure they look like they did their day of being first installed. Cleaning them with water and soap a few times per year will keep them looking great.

 Cost

The price of concrete pavers differs based on the type of pavers that you are using. With no installation costs Concrete pavers can cost anywhere between $5 to $10 per square foot.

To keep your pavers in top form

Fill a bucket full of warm water, and then add some dishwash soap, until you have a lovely soapy, soapy mix.
Pour the solution onto the paver surface. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Use a broom with a stiff bristle to clean off the cleaner solution
Cleanse the area by using water with the hose or a low-pressure washer
In addition to cleaning it, you might be interested in sealing your pavers in order to protect their surfaces and to enhance their color or make them easier to wash.
NOTE: Unlock pavers with Easy Clean(tm) don’t require sealing since the sealing applies to pavers at factory level. When your pavers were not manufactured using Easy Clean, thensealing your pavers can assist in: To prevent stains from forming Make your pavers

Ease of Installation

Installation ease affects the timeline of your project and how much it will cost.

Brick pavers require a lot of skill and perseverance to put in and often require an experienced professional to complete the task properly. Each paver is unique and has slight differences in the size based on the process of manufacturing, which means the installers require an eye for adjusting each piece to ensure an even distance and position. Cutting the pavers can be difficult and require special tools. Concrete pavers are less difficult than bricks to set up at your home. They come in uniform dimensions and precise edges. They’re also simpler to cut around obstacles and creating curves.

Brick Paver Installation Steps

Concrete pavers and brick pavers are laid in the same manner. This is the step-by-step guideline to lay brick pavers.

Decide on the Base

Like any other driveway material The key to the best brick paver surfaces is having a properly prepared base, especially when it comes to paving driveways which has to support a large amount of weight. It is possible to use paver sand for the base or mortar.

Outline the Area

Sketch out the area you plan to pave by using string layout.

Excavate

Get rid of your soil (or the pavement) to an average depth of 12 inches.

Add Gravel

Layer 8-12 inches of gravel over the excavated space, and compact the gravel on a regular basis when you layer layers.

Compact Again

It is important to compact the gravel following each 2-to 4 inches addition of a layer.

Add Sand

Cover the area with about 1 1/2″ of sand on top and make sure it is level.

Lay Down Brick Pavers

Set the bricks in a pattern you like after the base is prepared.

Tip

The bricks may be cut in sections however it is easier to trim the edges in one go using a hand-held circular saw or a rented wet saw with diamond blade.

Set the Pavers

” or flatten periodically using a mallet while the bricks for the field are placed. If you wish, you can place the perimeter bricks into concrete to create an edging solid enough to ensure that the field brick is held in the desired position.

Level With a Roller

Level and flatten the brick’s surface with the roller.

Fill the Cracks Between the Brick

Fill in the cracks with mortar or sand that is loose.

Environmental Impact

The manufacturing process for concrete is a resource-intensive process, which requires the removal of sand and crushed gravel out of quarries. Concrete also has a larger carbon footprint, but the manufacturers have started adjusting their production processes by employing recycled aggregates as well as alternative materials that are low in carbon.

Bricks are also made by extracting clay, they tend to leave less carbon footprint because they don’t need cement manufacturing. Manufacturers are often able to reuse and reuse old bricks to minimize production waste and also the requirement for new materials. As the bricks age their natural makeup, they will break down with no negative environmental consequences.

Maintenance

Concrete pavers and brick pavers will weather gradually with time under the effects of moisture and ultraviolet rays of the sun. Concrete and clay brick driveways require periodic weeding and dirt removal between the pavers. A well-maintained driveway can extend the lifespan of your driveway by 25 years or longer.

Clay bricks are resistant to staining and require less care and maintenance as concrete pavers. They require cleaning using a pressure washer at least at least once or twice per year. For comparison driveways made of concrete requires cleaning using a cleaner every couple of months. Sealants will also increase the life of your concrete or clay brick paver driveway.

Sealants

Sealants for concrete and clay bricks pavers can slow the erosion process as well as color fade, stains and weed growth, mold paver sinking and shifting. To ensure long-lasting durability clay bricks and concrete pavers need to be sealed at least every three or five years. If sealed in the wrong way, clay bricks can flake and peel as time passes. If you are resealing clay bricks choose a sealer that says it’s made specifically for clay bricks for example, siloxane-based sealing agent which protects from fading the appearance that the brick has. Avoid sealers with a gloss finish, as they frequently cause splotchy surfaces. There is “wet look” sealers that appear shiny, but without an appearance of gloss. A lot of the same sealant products are suitable for concrete and clay brick pavers. Make sure to read the specifications thoroughly. The sealers are applied using an effective pump sprayer, or brushed or rolled over the brick’s surface. The joints of sand are sealed and the entire surface of the brick. this helps to strengthen the sand, and stop growing moss and weeds within the joints.

Repairs

Clay and concrete bricks can crack due to erosion, however they can be repaired if a few pavers are damaged. Bricks can flake or fall apart due to wear, weather and shifting. Brick pavers and concrete are simple to fix by contacting a professional that can handle repairs to hardscapes, or by fixing them yourself.

When the pavement is beginning to come loose, clean the driveway, allow it to dry for a couple of days and then pack the joints with sand that has been freshly refilled. If the pavers have been mortared, fill in any cracks using fresh mortar and allow it to dry completely. Repair compounds could include mortar putty, concrete repair stick epoxy sealers, polymeric sand for resetting the concrete pavers or bricks when they begin to crack or become loose. You may also take them off and replace damaged or broken pavers If you have spares, or call the original provider.

Brick or Concrete-Which is Better?

There’s no definitive answer for this query. Concrete pavers and bricks differ in their style, the texture, appearance, installation method and life span.

Clay bricks are ideal for those who want an elegant and classic appearance. The natural color and longevity create an elegant walkway, patio or driveway. Be prepared to pay higher for materials and expert installation.

Concrete is a good option to go if your goal is greater flexibility, lower cost or both. Concrete pavers come in many forms and colors. The exact sizing allows the concrete patio to be simple to design and create DIY-style.

design options

The clay bricks used in building walls are different from paver bricks in that they are a smooth, solid clay with no gaps or holes. Clay bricks are a more attractive paving material than concrete poured, however the design options for clay bricks are less flexible than concrete pavers.

Beacon Hill(tm) Smooth

Modern with a smooth surface, Beacon Hill Smooth is the ideal pavers option for modern walkways and patios.

Copthorne(r) 

Inspired from the walkways of Europe, Copthorne pavers are ideal for paths with curves or border accents.

Court stone(r) 

The timeless appearance of Court stone provides an elegant, traditional look to walkways and driveways.

Umbrian(r)

A popular choice due to the modern and sleek style, Umbriano is produced using ColorFusion(tm) Technology. It offers an un-slip texture on the surface that is similar to natural granite.

If you’re ready to begin your outdoor project of dreams make an appointment with an Unlock Authorized Contractor who has the expertise and understanding regarding Unlock paver products and the knowledge to ensure your hardscape project is completed correctly.

Are clay-colored reds or browns and rectangular. Concrete pavers on the other hand, are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, giving you a wider selection of options.

Concrete pavers come with several textures to choose from

What kind of textures are there if you choose to go with traditional concrete pavers? They don’t have to be boring gray concrete If that’s not what you would like! Pavers made of rust If you are looking for a worn and worn appearance, we offer this choice. These styles look great in mountain-style landscapes as well as other kinds of rugged terrain.

Pavers with smooth surfaces

Concrete can be basic and boring. Or, it could be stylish and contemporary. One option of texture for normal concrete pavers includes smooth and shaped stones. They work well with modern landscaping or in new developments with an updated design.

Cobble pavers

A vintage feel in regular concrete? It’s possible! Cobblestone pavers that are rounded can add an old-fashioned look to any outdoor area.

Textured Paver

Paver stones with a texture provide swirls and patterns which give a rugged look however, in a beautiful Northwest way. Textured pavers are an excellent alternative to Northwest landscaping. Concrete pavers are available in many colors to choose from Pavers are colored with natural stone and dye. It might surprise you the number of paver colors offered!

Dark gray pavers

The dark grey concrete pavers can provide a sleek and modern look for your outside space. Gray with a light shade Paving stones with a light gray hue can also appear modern and modern, however it’s also a color that is versatile and can be used with any landscaping, no matter what type of texture you select.

Red Pavers

A timeless and striking choice Concrete pavers in red will make a stunning addition to your garden any time you decide to use them.

Brown Pavers

Are you searching for paver colors that are less glam and sombre? The classic earthy brown pavers work perfectly with almost any style of landscaping.

Clay Brick

The second kind of brick paver that is available for sale are brick paver made of clay. They are constructed from clay and shale material which are which are then heated in the kiln, at higher temperatures than those used to make chimney or firewall bricks.

Brick made of clay is durable and solid

The bricks made of clay are strong and stain resistant, therefore they’ve been used as building and paver materials for many thousands of years. The extreme heat utilized to make clay brick pavers also alters the texture of the pavers in the process known as vitrification. The result is that the pavers are non-porous, which means they won’t absorb water.

Clay brick comes with only a few styles

Clay brick pavers are available in a limited range of sizes, shapes and colors. They can be found in square and rectangular shapes. The colors of clay brick pavers occur naturally as a result of mixing different types of clay. This means that the colors are limited to earthy tones.

Natural Stone

The final type of paver is made of natural stones.

Fieldstone and Flagstone

Pavers that are made of natural stones are usually constructed from fieldstone and flagstone. They are wavy and variegated and are often used to create fun pathways in gardens.

Limestone

Limestone is another stone which is commonly used to make pavers. Pavers made of limestone are sturdy and light-colored. They are also frequently employed to make the edging of.

Travertine

Did you know that you can make your patio more inviting with one of the most sought-after Roman construction materials? The Travertine stone is smooth, and usually white, which makes it an amazing building material. Travertine pavers maintain their natural colors and can endure the elements. They don’t require cleaning as often.

Granite

Granite that is shiny and sleek is another stone commonly employed for pavers. They provide a sturdy stone that is stunning, and at the same time, on the top end of price.

Basalt

The dark volcanic rock can be used to create elegant paver stones. It’s durable and sturdy and adds a stylish addition to any outdoor space. Slate Chalkboard . as paver? Yes it can be used as paving stones! It is able to be turned into smooth and flat pavers, and is often found alongside water features, pools and other areas.

Cobblestone

While they’re not the traditional flat paver, cobblestones are an alternative to hardscaping. They are smooth and worn by the elements and water they will give a rustic appearance to the space in which you choose to use them in.

Which paver type is most suitable for your needs?

There are a myriad of kinds of pavers available. How do you determine which one is right for you?

Concrete pavers

If you are looking for a broad range of colors and appearance, cement pavers are the best choice. They give you flexibility. They are the least affordable option, and are always sturdy.

Bricks of clay

Are you looking for a classic look? Clay brick pavers could be your best choice. They have a classic look and old-fashioned look, they can withstand abuse.

Stones of natural origin

If the cost of natural stone does not bother you, then it’s an ideal choice for your landscaping. The natural stone pavers will always give an elegant appearance to your backyard and offer the benefits of natural permeability.