Deciding between brick and concrete pavers for your walkway, patio, or driveway project involves weighing several factors. Both natural clay brick and concrete pavers create a beautiful, durable surface. However, they vary in their material properties, cost, styles, and environmental impact. Understanding the pros and cons of each material will help you select the best option for your goals and needs. With the right choice and proper installation, you’ll enjoy your new paver surface for decades to come.
The term “paver” refers to thin, flat stones designed for use in paving projects such as walkways, patios, and driveways. Brick and concrete pavers are installed the same way, and both offer years of use and durability.
The choice between brick and concrete pavers largely depends on your personal taste and budget. However, below are some factors to consider to help you make your decision.
Material Makeup
Bricks are made from clay that’s formed into shape and cured by baking in a kiln. Be careful when shopping for pavers since the word “brick” is sometimes used to describe the shape of the stone rather than the material. You might see “concrete bricks” that aren’t technically bricks at all.
Concrete pavers are made from cement, aggregates like gravel or crushed stone, and color pigments. The materials are poured into molds, compressed, and air-cured. Concrete can be formed into various shapes and sizes. The concrete curing process is important for proper strength development.
Appearance
Bricks have an inherently classic, timeless look fitting traditional home styles. The colors penetrate the clay material, maintaining vibrancy over time. Bricks are limited to earth tones like reds, browns, and tans.
Concrete offers more variety in shapes, textures, and colors. Adding pigments to the concrete mix before pouring provides endless color choices. You can also stamp or texture concrete to mimic stone, wood, or brick.
Durability
Properly installed bricks and concrete pavers both offer decades of service, but they wear differently over time.
Concrete gradually erodes rather than chips or cracks, exposing more aggregate over time. Sealing and resealing prolong vibrant coloring, but extensive erosion eventually requires replacing concrete pavers.
Texture
The clay in bricks stays relatively smooth over time. Concrete is more prone to minor pits, pockmarks, and roughness as the surface erodes.
Sealing both materials helps protect the texture and prevents staining. Sealing also prevents degradation of the surface texture over time from weathering elements. Brick is naturally more stain-resistant than concrete.
Installation
When installing brick or concrete pavers, there are some key differences to consider.
Concrete pavers offer easier DIY installation than bricks due to uniform sizing and easier cutting. Bricks vary slightly in size, requiring more skill to properly space and cut during installation.
Cost
Concrete pavers cost $3 to $6 per square foot — providing a typical savings of 15% to 20% over the cost of bricks, which come in at $3.50 to $7 per square foot.
Savings continue after installation since concrete has easier DIY repairs. Brick costs more due to the expenses of clay extraction, kiln firing, and manufacturing.
Environmental Impact
The manufacturing and lifecycle of paving materials have an environmental impact. Brick pavers have a smaller carbon footprint since they don’t require cement manufacturing. Used bricks are often reclaimed for reuse.
Concrete pavers use substantial amounts of sand and gravel from quarries, and cement manufacturing is carbon-intensive. New concrete options use recycled aggregates and low-carbon cement to reduce impacts.
So, Which is Better — Brick or Concrete Pavers?
There’s no definitive answer regarding brick vs. concrete pavers. Each offers different aesthetics, textures, installation considerations, and lifespans.
For a traditional look with classic charm, clay bricks are best. Their natural colors and durability create a timeless patio or walkway. Just prepare to pay more for materials and professional installation.
If customization and variety matter most to you, concrete pavers enable endless concrete patio ideas with their shapes and colors. Their precise sizing also simplifies DIY installation.
Ultimately, choose the material that fits your project goals, budget, and style.
FAQs About Brick and Concrete Pavers
How long do brick and concrete pavers last?
Both typically last 20 to 30 years or more with proper installation and care. Bricks may outlast concrete by 10 to 20 years. But degradation eventually necessitates replacing both.
Can I install brick or concrete pavers myself?
Yes, you can install both brick and concrete pavers yourself. However, concrete is easier for DIY due to its uniform sizing and easier cutting. Bricks require more skill to properly space and cut.
Do brick or concrete pavers crack easily?
Bricks are more prone to cracking, chipping, or fracturing when stressed. Concrete tends to erode rather than crack. Sealing both minimizes damage.
Are brick or concrete pavers better for driveways?
Concrete pavers are better for driveways or high-traffic areas. Their durability withstands vehicle loads. Brick can crack under heavy loads.
Are permeable pavers made from brick or concrete?
Permeable systems allowing drainage can use brick or concrete. Open-celled paving grids filled with gravel offer permeability.
Further Information
- How to Lay a Paver Patio (video/article)
- How to Build a Brick Paver Patio in Your Yard (video)
- Filling Joints in Paver Patios (video)
- How to Lay Brick Pavers on a Concrete Slab Porch (video)