The Benefits of Brick Pavers vs. Concrete Pavers

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!