Are you looking for some patio paver ideas? A beautiful walkway, patio or driveway made with brick pavers or concrete pavers can add tremendous curb appeal to your home.
What’s the difference between brick and concrete pavers? That can be a confusing one. We’ll discuss that as well as many of the other patio paver ideas and options you have to choose from. Once you have decided that you want to use pavers on your driveway, walkway or patio, you’ll soon discover that there are some important things to know and understand about the materials they have to choose from. One of those important things to know is the difference between the materials used to make the pavers. It has an effect on the durability, appearance and cost.
First of all, pavers are thin, flat stones used for surfaces such as walkways, patios, and driveways. A brick paver and a concrete paver can both be installed in the same way, and both have years of durability and usability.
It is largely a matter of personal preference between brick and concrete pavers. To assist you in making a decision, here are some tips:
Brick pavers are made by shaping clay and baking it in a kiln, much like the way pottery is made. When choosing pavers, however, be aware the term “brick” is sometimes used to describe the shape of the stone – as opposed to the material – so you may come across concrete bricks, which is something else altogether as you will discover below.
They retain colors better than concrete, particularly when exposed to UV rays, because they are naturally colored.
Bricks last for generations, even if they chip or crack over the years. Over time, bricks may break due to stress (such as ice, traffic, or moisture), while concrete pavers may erode and fade.
Brick pavers made from clay require less maintenance and cleaning to maintain compared to concrete pavers.
The distinct style of bricks has stood the test of time. While cracked or chipped concrete looks worn out, an aged, worn brick walkway retains its charm.
Bricks are more eco-friendly since they are not only made from all natural materials, but they are often salvaged, cleaned, and repurposed as well, which makes them a more sustainable choice.
Brick is generally more expensive than concrete by up to 15% to 20%.
Bricks come in fewer colors since they’re made with natural clays. Their shape and size are largely rectangular, and they are available in just a few sizes.
A slight variation in brick size results from the firing process in the kiln, making installation more challenging.
It may cost more to install bricks because bricks are difficult to cut.
All pavers are durable, but bricks are more prone to cracking, especially in heavy traffic. The solid coloring conceals small blemishes less easily than concrete pavers, but they are more likely to chip or shear.
The concrete pavers are made by pouring cement and aggregate into forms, compressing them, and allowing them to dry in the air. There are many ways to shape and size concrete, as well as many ways to color it.
Due to the lower cost of raw materials, concrete pavers are less expensive than brick.
Concrete offers a wide range of colors and designs. Almost anything is possible with concrete pavers.
Innovations are being made all the time regarding concrete pavers, so you might even find options which help to correct concrete’s known drawbacks.
Concrete pavers are easier to install because their uniformity and cutting ease make them a popular choice for DIYers.
In sunny areas, concrete pavers may fade over time because they’re dyed with pigments instead of natural clay.
Concrete pavers may need sealing: In addition to prolonging the color, sealants can also add to maintenance.
As bricks wear, they chip or crack, but concrete erodes more gradually, exposing more aggregate underneath. A concrete paver’s surface might wear over time, while the brick stay’s surface remains durable.
It is sometimes difficult to determine the quality of concrete you are getting because of its widely varying strength and durability depending on the recipe used. Over the years we have seen beautiful pavers that looked like natural stone, but we have also worked with cheap ones that crumbled and cracked easily. Be sure to purchase pavers made by well established brands that have a reputation for quality and durability.
The life span of concrete patio pavers is less than that of brick. While initially more durable, concrete pavers tend to deteriorate over time (a few decades as opposed to generations).
There are many shapes and sizes of bluestone. It is possible to crush them into gravel, leave them in massive slabs or cut them into distinct patterns of tiles, so that they offer a wide variety of looks.
The bluestone is very durable and can be formed into a variety of shapes.
The color is magnificent. When the color starts as royal blue, and is consistently exposed to sunlight, the color fades to a light grey.
Integrating it with various types of paving materials is possible.
Cons
There are counterfeit bluestones being sold as genuine.
An authentic bluestone can be expensive, since they are rare.
There is a wide range of prices for bluestone pavers due to the varying thickness and type of pavers available. Pavers made of irregular shapes are less expensive while those made of thermal materials are more expensive.
There are a variety of Flagstone colors but gray and reds are the most commonly used.
The non-slip nature of Flagstone flooring makes it an excellent choice for floors.
Its durability makes it a superior option to concrete pavers.
Various colors, sizes, and shapes make it versatile for landscaping purposes.
By varying their shapes, flagstones can be arranged in nearly any pattern homeowners desire.
Depending on your needs, it can be combined with other stones.
Being naturally formed, it has a beautiful and unique finish.
Cons
The natural nature of flagstones makes it difficult to exactly achieve the same plan.
Due to their mining and transportation, flagstones cost much more than any other paver.
Whether it’s for a patio, driveway, walkway, or even a grass-yard lane, marble pavers have been used for a variety of residential and commercial purposes. Beautiful outdoor landscapes can be created with these pavers that exhibit a graceful and elegant aura.
In comparison to other pavers made of stones or granite, marble pavers have a regal and smooth finish, making them appear more sophisticated.
You can use it as a driveway, pool deck, flooring, etc. because of its natural tones and patterns.
Pavers such as these have high durability and are long-lasting.
You will add value to your home with these pavers if you ever decide to sell it.
Cons
The area is particularly hot in the afternoons because it conducts heat well.
Due to its relative softness, it is easily scratched.
You can get staining and discolorations from using acidic chemicals, like sauces, beverages, and cleaning products.
It is possible to find Travertine pavers almost anywhere around the world, so its availability is never an issue.
A house can gain value from the use of travertine pavers since they are very durable.
Environmentally friendly and very natural.
Compared to marbles, this is much cheaper.
There are several colors and tones to choose from.
Colors do not fade or discolor.
Insulates heat so it doesn’t heat up in the summer.
Cons
Because it is highly sensitive to acids, cleaning it with vinegar or another acidic formula might leave a stain.
The pavers are heavier than others.
With modern technology, manufacturers are now able to create thicker porcelain pavers that closely resemble natural materials such as wood and stones.
Pavers made of porcelain are less expensive than those made of natural raw materials such as slate, granite, marble, etc.
Its elegant and subtle beauty is pleasing to the eye.
Unlike regular glass, the acrylic is extremely easy to clean, not prone to breaking and having fault lines, and requires fewer maintenance resources.
Mold and bacteria are prevented from building up because it absorbs less moisture.
It is available in different colors and patterns.
Cons
Porcelain pavers may not hold up well in the long term if you live in an area that often experiences harsh frosts
With cobblestone pavers, you get the best of both worlds: long-lasting durability and a beautiful aesthetic.
The only maintenance they require is a good wash once or twice per year.
When installed properly, can remain stable for decades when durable and long-lasting.
A wide variety of colors and styles are available.
Cons
The cost of cobblestone pavers is two to three times as much as other pavers.
There may be more labor involved with installation. While time-consuming, it does not require any special skills or equipment.
There are many things to consider when choosing the ideal pavers. Now you have some valuable knowledge that you can use to make a wise decision for your paving project. The look you want to achieve, the durability and the cost and are going to be the main factors in your decision process. Once you know those 3 things, you can eliminate some of these choices and narrow it down until you have your winning choice.
Where can you shop for Patio Pavers?
Enjoy the process!
Be sure to check out: Envision Your Ultimate Backyard Patio Design in 3 steps
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