Having trouble deciding between brick or concrete pavers for your patio? Both are strong and popular choices, and can create an attractive and long-lasting patio area. So, which one should you choose? Each one has their pros and cons, so here’s a quick comparison of the two that should make the choice easier.
Brick pavers – the pros
- Brick pavers offer a classic and timeless look, that is natural, rustic and earthy.
- Brick pavers will maintain their colour longer, as the colour is the same throughout each individual paver. The colour will not fade when exposed to UV rays.
- It’s easier to find matching replacement brick pavers to substitute for damaged ones, due to the limited range of colour and size options that brick pavers come in.
- Brick pavers don’t require sealing (although you’ll need to carry out weed removal and cleaning on the paved area).
Brick pavers – the cons
- Brick pavers are more expensive, as the cost of the raw materials to construct the pavers (clay and shale) is more expensive than that required for other types of paver.
- Brick pavers cannot withstand heavy traffic as well as concrete pavers.
- Brick pavers are more likely to suffer from cracking, chipping or breaking than concrete pavers.
- Brick pavers can be harmed by the freeze and thaw cycle in colder climates, causing them to break down quicker.
- Not only are they initially more expensive, but you are likely to pay more maintenance and replacement costs on brick pavers in the future.
- Brick pavers are more difficult to cut, making it more likely you’ll need to get them installed by a professional; thus, adding to the cost.
- Brick pavers usually only come in one shape and size – a 4” by 8” rectangle.
- Only traditional colours (such as red, brown and orange) are available for your brick pavers.
- Design options are more limited with brick, with brick pavers restricted to only a few possible paver-laying patterns.
Concrete pavers – the pros
- Concrete pavers are less expensive than brick, as the cost of the raw materials to construct the paver is lower. You’re likely to pay 20% less for concrete pavers than for brick pavers. You can get the same quality paver as brick for a lot less.
- Concrete pavers will give you a better ROI than brick pavers.
- Concrete pavers can withstand large amounts of heavy traffic better than brick pavers.
- Concrete pavers offer a virtually unlimited range of colour options, finishes, and designs.
- Textures can also be integrated into the concrete paver, either during the production process or by using sealant.
- They come in a far wider variety of sizes and shapes than brick pavers, giving you endless paver-laying options. Concrete pavers lock together for installation, and can facilitate any design that accommodates this joint. This allows for an almost endless array of layout patterns that you can create.
- Sealing the pavers (a necessary step) makes them far easier to maintain.
- They look more modern than brick pavers.
Concrete pavers – the cons
- Concrete pavers will need an application of sealant every four years or so to make their colour last as long as brick pavers. However, this sealant prevents moisture from creeping in through the joints, thus protecting the pavers.
When you really consider the pros and cons, it’s clear to see that concrete pavers have more pros and fewer cons that brick pavers. Concrete pavers are highly likely to be the best choice for your patio area, as they offer greater versatility, durability and a unique look at a far lower cost. They are the way of the future, and offer so many benefits for your patio that it’s almost impossible to go past them.
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