Patios and paths not only define an outdoor space but also provide the kind of contrast that makes a flower bed or lush lawn pop. Pavers are an affordable and durable option to make your property more attractive. These are thin flat stones designed for use in paving projects such as walkways, patios, and driveways.

The most popular types of pavers are concrete and brick. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Concrete pavers give you the most options to create a look that is uniquely yours and complements your home.

Choose What’s Best for Your Property and Taste

When planning a paver project, it’s important to know the differences in materials and the benefits each one offers. The decision between brick and concrete pavers largely depends on your taste and the look you desire for your property. Brick is the more traditional alternative to concrete.

Brick pavers are made from clay that’s formed into shape and cured by baking in a kiln, similar to making pottery. Concrete pavers are made from sand, gravel, Portland cement, and water. There are two types of concrete pavers that include interlocking and architectural slab.

Interlocking pavers are made with a stiff and strong concrete mixture. They can be used for many outdoor features because of their thickness. Concrete blocks sometimes lack the natural look; the frozen-oatmeal texture and plain shapes strike many as unrefined. Architectural slab pavers provide a more aesthetic alternative. They can mimic the look of brick or natural stone.

Here are some features of both concrete and brick pavers to help you make an informed decision. 

1. Size

Concrete pavers come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from small to 24” slabs. You can get them as irregular and plank shapes to create a unique patio. Brick pavers typically only come in small sizes. There is no variation in size or shape if you choose brick pavers.

Concrete pavers are made in a highly controlled environment, allowing for more uniform and consistent shapes and sizes within a particular style. This allows for more efficient installation. Brick pavers can often be warped as part of the firing process, which can make installation more challenging.

2. Finishes & Styles

While brick pavers all have a similar face, concrete pavers are available in an endless array of finishes. These include smooth finishes, natural stone textures, cobbled looks, antique tumbled looks, and more. 

3. Colors

Brick pavers are available in a limited number of shades or colors. They are naturally colored by mixing in different types of clays. When exposed to UV rays, brick pavers can retain color better than concrete.

On the other hand, concrete pavers are available in a variety of hues. There are blends of warm colors, cool colors, deep shades, and other color blends.  Concrete pavers give you design flexibility and the options to create coordinated outdoor looks to make your property stand out.

4. Durability

Brick pavers can be prone to cracking in extreme weather conditions.  They will chip and crack over time. If used in a driveway, brick is more likely to crack under heavy traffic. Concrete pavers, however, offer better traction in driveways. They are resilient in freezing conditions and are less likely to split. 

5. Installation & Costs

Bricks are harder to cut and cost more for labor to install. To get a new design from brick pavers, the process is more complex and takes longer.  Brick can be 15% to 20% more expensive than concrete.

Concrete pavers are more affordable. Their flat bottoms and tight-fitting shapes make them go down more quickly than most natural stone. They are easy to repair because pavers move independently. The affected concrete paver is simply pulled up to repair and replace.

6. Maintenance

Brick pavers resist staining. They require less maintenance and cleaning. Concrete absorbs stains, especially oil. A sealer can help stave off staining, but it must be reapplied every couple of years. Another maintenance issue no matter the material is sprouting weeds. Because pavers are independent when installed, weeds can appear anywhere on the patio or walkway.

Transform Your Property with Pavers

At RT Construction, we can use concrete to make your outdoor space whatever you want it to be. Our team of workers can create concrete decks, patios, walkways, and other features. If you want the concrete stamped, we can do that too.  We have decades of experience to build, renovate, and transform your home.

Contact us today for a free consultation.