There isn’t much disagreement around the idea that a paver walkway can add curb appeal to your home. The real question is whether you want to use brick pavers or concrete pavers. In this post, we are going to go over the benefits of brick pavers vs. concrete pavers.
Before we jump in, we should first define the term “paver,” so we are all on the same page. A paver is just a flat, thin stone created specifically for paving projects, including driveways, patios, walkways, etc. Yes, brick pavers and concrete pavers are installed in the same manner and they can both be attractive and provide years of practical use. There are some notable differences between the two, however. So, let’s learn a little more about brick pavers and what makes them a better option. 6 Reasons Why Brick Pavers are Better Than Concrete Pavers First, brick pavers are crafted from clay that has been shaped into the paver shape we need, then fired in a kiln; it’s a similar process to crafting pottery. You want to be careful when you are shopping for pavers. Sometimes the term “brick” is used for describing the shape of the paver, rather than the material. As a result, you can sometimes come across concrete “bricks,” which really aren’t bricks in the truest sense of the term. Other considerations include the following. Color Retention: Clay bricks get their color from combining a variety if different clay. For this reason, they do a much better job at keeping their color over time, especially with regards to UV exposure. Concrete pavers, on the other hand, get their color from dyes or pigments added to the concrete. As a result, they fade much fast, particularly in locations that see a lot of sunshine. Durability: With clay brick pavers, you may get cracks or chips over the years. Clay bricks have a tendency to break when put under stress by prolonged traffic, moisture, and ice. That said, they are durable enough to last for generations and still look good. Concrete pavers do a better job with traffic-related stress, but the surface of concrete pavers will fade and erode in time. With proper installation, clay brick pavers will last generations, while concrete pavers will last, on average, a couple of decades. Less Maintenance: In addition to retaining their color longer, clay bricks are also much more resistant to staining. They require less cleaning and, in general, less maintenance than concrete pavers. In fact, because of the staining issue alone, concrete pavers will often require the application of sealants to extend the life of the color, which adds to overall maintenance. Classic Style: Clay brick pavers have a timeless appeal with regards to appearance and style. As a brick paver walkway or driveway ages, it’s cracks and chips look charming. Because concrete erodes rather than chips as it ages, the underlying aggregate starts to surface, while clay bricks retain their original surface appearance. As a result, with aging, concrete tends to look, well… worn out. Environmentally Friendly: First, clay bricks are crafted from completely natural materials. They are very often salvaged, cleaned up, and reused. The classic look creates an appeal that is just more sustainable over time and lends to this reuse. Quality: Concrete requires a combination of materials for its creation. Varying amounts of certain ingredients can have a range of effects on the concrete’s eventual strength and durability. This can make it difficult to really discern the quality and/or consistency you’ll be getting from concrete pavers. As a result, you can come across some really beautiful concrete pavers that look just like natural stone, but you can also come across some that crack and crumble very easily. Nobody want’s that level of inconsistency in their walkway, patio, or driveway. In Conclusion When choosing pavers for your next landscaping projects, there are a variety of factors to take into consideration. When it gets down to the brass tacks, brick pavers have some definite advantages versus concrete pavers. If you have some landscaping ideas (include brick pavers and beyond), contact E.P.M. today or give us a call at (517) 990-0110!
20 Comments
10/15/2019 11:01:23 am
I never knew that bricks could retain color longer! My husband and I are wanting to get a path for our home. We'll have to look into hiring a brick paver for our path!
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1/7/2020 11:16:54 am
It's great to know that brick pavers are durable and can be can resist stress by continued traffic and weather changes. My neighbor has been thinking of getting his potato paved because h wants to remove the old deck. I will recommend him using brick pavers because they will withstand the use he will be giving his patio.
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7/9/2020 07:03:22 am
Your blog is amazing it gives so much help on the benefits of brick pavers.
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7/27/2020 10:18:35 pm
Great analysis, I love how you really went in-depth with everything it really projects what one needs to know about the benefits of brick pavers vs. concrete pavers. You have done an excellent job with this content I must say.
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12/14/2020 08:52:22 am
It's cool that you highlight the durability of brick pavers as a material for patios and driveways. I want my yard to have a patio that will last for many years, so I'm thinking about having a brick paver one installed this month. I'm going to search for a good business in the area that can install a brick paver patio for me.
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1/12/2021 09:14:32 am
It's awesome that you mention that brick pavers are very durable. I want my home to have a patio that will last for many years, so I'm thinking about hiring someone to build one with brick pavers for me. I'm going to search for a good business in the area that offers brick paver installation services.
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1/25/2021 02:06:56 pm
My sister has been thinking about building his home with a brick pattern in order to look a lot nicer. Making sure that she can get some help from a professional to make them look nicer could be really useful. It was interesting to learn about how different clay can cause different colors, and can be changed with the sunshine.
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2/1/2021 09:12:04 am
It's awesome that you point out that brick pavers can be used to create a patio. My wife and I would like to have a patio in our backyard, so I'm thinking about hiring someone to make one for us with brick pavers. I'm going to search for a good business in the area that offers brick paver installation services.
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2/3/2021 05:29:04 am
It was mentioned that brick pavers hold their color for a longer period of time than the concrete options. My sister is wanting to make a pathway through a garden oasis that she created in her backyard. I will have to ask her if she has thought about brick pavers.
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5/3/2021 01:57:15 pm
Compared to brick, concrete offers far more design and color options to choose from. And on the other hand bricks may chip or crack over time, but they last for generations.
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6/14/2021 07:48:46 am
I want to get some nice paths installed in my back yard, but I'm not sure what method would be best for me. It makes sense that I would want to get some nice brick pavers for this. It's nice that they can look good for so long.
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10/18/2021 03:25:14 am
What was mentioned here about brick paving was beneficial and can cause many advantages for this group. One should read this blog thoroughly to find out how they can get these benefits. I am sure that it will be helpful too.
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11/29/2021 12:31:00 pm
Paving stone hardscapes are more alluring, stronger, longer lasting, and offer more ways to be personalized than brick
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11/30/2021 02:13:19 pm
The benefits of pavers include unrivaled beauty, easy upkeep, and long-term cost efficiency of properly executed paving stone installations are becoming more and more apparent and utilized by cost-efficient homeowners.
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12/21/2021 11:37:38 am
There are some notable differences between the two, however. Thank you for the beautiful post!
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1/5/2022 01:32:02 pm
There are some notable differences between the two brick pavers vs. concrete pavers.
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1/23/2022 08:06:29 pm
Thanks for explaining how a brick paving service can give your home a natural and durable garden aesthetic. My uncle wants to convert his yard's space into an outdoor kitchen for cooking show-offs. Perhaps we should find a paving service to link his main kitchen to his outdoors once the project is finished.
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3/21/2022 12:25:54 pm
I liked how you said that clay bricks are more resistant to staining than other materials. We've been thinking about adding some brick pavers to a walkway in our backyard. It seems like it could be good because it won't show wear as quickly as other materials we are considering.
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4/17/2022 08:15:35 pm
I thought I could never understand how this works but your explanation is so plain that I understood the concept as clear as day! Good work!
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5/8/2022 08:14:41 am
Concrete pavers, on the other hand, get their color from dyes or pigments added to the concrete. Thank you, amazing post!
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