Tag: paver types

What Are They?

If you’re thinking about adding pavers around your home, whether in the backyard, front or side, it’s important to understand the differences in pavers that are available to select from. Pavers are mainly broken down into two categories – concrete pavers and brick pavers. Both offer great solutions to add to the beauty and functionality of your outside space, but there are some major differences between them that you should be aware of.

Concrete pavers are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, including smaller 4” x 8” and 6” x 6” sizes, and up to 24” slabs. These pavers are available in irregular and plank shapes. Brick pavers, made of clay, typically only come in a 4” x 8” size. Brick pavers also have very similar faces, while concrete pavers are available in a vast selection of finishes, including smooth finishes, cobbled styles, natural stone textures, antique tumbled finishes and more. Concrete pavers also can have stylish faces created using special aggregates and tools.

Brick Color Selection

Color is also a consideration when trying to decide between concrete pavers and brick pavers. Clay brick pavers are usually available in a somewhat limited number of color blends and shades. On the other hand, concrete pavers have a larger footprint within color tones, shades and what are known as variegated color blends. This offers much more flexibility within the design area, and allows to create more coordinated designs and patterns. Most concrete pavers are resistant to fading.

Brick or Concrete Pavers?

Most pavers are very resilient in general, although brick pavers are more prone to cracking in climates where freezing and thawing occurs. Concrete pavers are better suited to handle all weather conditions. Because of the many differences in pavers, it’s best to contact a professional when it comes time to consider adding them to your home.

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Advantages of Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are made from cement that is poured into forms, compressed, and air cured. As a result concrete can be formed into all sorts of shapes and sizes and made in a wide range of colors which can give you a wider selection.

Concrete Bricks Are Less Expensive:

Concrete pavers are less expensive than clay brick, due to the lower cost of raw materials.

Concrete Bricks Offer More Choices:

Concrete bricks offers far more design options and colors than clay bricks. If you can imagine it, you can make it happen with concrete pavers.

Brick Design Innovation:

New and better concrete pavers are being designed all the time, so you might even find choices that correct the known downsides of concrete brick.

Advantages of Brick Pavers

The advantages of using Brick Pavers are that they are made from clay that is shaped and cured by baking in a kiln (like pottery).

Longer Color Retention:

Bricks are naturally colored by mixing in various types of clays, so they retain color better than concrete bricks, particularly when exposed to the harmful rays of the sun and weather.

Brick Pavers Tend To Last Longer:

Bricks may chip or crack over time, but they last for generations. Brick pavers tend to break in response to stress (such as ice, traffic or moisture) while the surface on concrete pavers can erode and fade over a period time.

Brick Pavers Require Less Maintenance:

Clay brick pavers resist staining and require less maintenance and cleaning than concrete pavers.

Clay Bricks Have A Timeless Style:

Clay Bricks have a distinct edge in looks and style compared to concrete bricks. An aged, worn brick walkway retains its charm while cracked or chipped concrete merely looks worn out and in need of repair.

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