When it comes to creating patios, walkways and other hardscaping surfaces, pavers are a great material that can be used to create a good-looking, cost-effective solution. Pavers are typically made of either concrete or brick and are formed into units that are a couple of inches thick and are shaped into square, rectangular or other geometrical shapes.
Pavers are also very versatile and durable, providing property owners with many years of use when installed properly by a professional. Choosing between brick and concrete pavers will be determined by the unique needs of the property, including appearance, cost and maintenance requirements.
Brick Pavers
This type of paver is made from a combination of all-natural clay, sand and water. It is usually formed into rectangles or blocks before being baked or fired at a high temperature. This process is used to remove any excess moisture to increase the durability and strength of the finished product.
The use of clay in brick pavers allows for some variation in size, color and appearance, making them a truly unique material to use. The rich colors of the natural clay extends throughout the entire paver, preventing fading over time and providing a consistent color, which aids in the camouflaging of any chips, cracks or damage that occurs throughout the life of the product.
Brick pavers are one of the more popular hardscaping surfaces and will require very little maintenance throughout the lifetime of the finished project. However, for best results, the pavers should be sealed at the time of installation to set the joints and hold all of the bricks in place.
Concrete Pavers
This type of paver is typically made from a combination of Portland cement, aggregate, sand and water. Usually these pavers are cast using metal dyes to create a desired shape or style. They are then dried to remove any excess moisture to increase their strength and durability.
Because they are created using dyes, most concrete pavers are extremely uniform in both appearance and size, making them easy to match and install. Concrete pavers are stronger than other materials, making them suitable for heavy-traffic projects. Their structural make-up makes them less porous than other materials, reducing the amount of damage typically caused during cycles of freezing and thawing in the winter months.
Similar to brick pavers, concrete pavers will require very little maintenance over their lifetime. However, an acrylic sealer should be applied to the finished project to help reduce chipping and fading that can occur over time. In areas that experience extreme weather conditions, such as the New England states, this sealer should be applied annually.
