Some people confuse Lowes paver bricks and concrete pavers. The term paver simply means thin and flat stones that are usually designed for use in various paving projects such as patios, walkways, and driveways. Both concrete and brick pavers are installed the same way. Both of them offer years of durability and use. Choosing between concrete and brick pavers depends on your taste. However, there are some useful tips to help you make the right decision.
Brick pavers
Bricks are typically made from clay that is formed into shape and then cured by baking in a kiln. However, it is important to be very careful when shopping for the right pavers, since the term brick is sometimes used to describe the stone shape, rather than the material. This means you might come across the term concrete bricks that are not bricks at all. Here are some benefits of clay brick pavers that you need to know.
Colour retention
The first important thing you need to know about bricks is that they are coloured by mixing in various forms and types of clays so that they retain their colour better than concrete, especially when exposed to sun rays.
Lasts longer
Bricks may crack or chip over time but they last for decades. Bricks tend to break down in response to stress such as traffic, moisture or ice while the surface of concrete pavers can easily fade over time.
Cheap to maintain
Clay bricks are resistant to staining and require less cleaning and maintenance than concrete pavers and that is why a brick specialist may choose them.
Timeless style
Since bricks have a unique edge in style and look, they are timeless. A worn-out and aged brick walkway retains its charm whilst cracked or chipped concrete will merely look worn out.
They are ecofriendly
In addition to being made from eco-friendly natural materials, bricks are cleaned and reused and this makes them a more suitable choice for most projects.
Disadvantages of brick pavers
Brick pavers have some disadvantages that you need to know when making your choice. Here are some of them.
Higher cost
It is expensive to buy brick pavers as they can be up to 20% more expensive than their concrete counterparts.
Limited choices
Since they are coloured with natural clays, they have more limited choices when it comes to colors. They are rectangular in shape and only come in a few sizes.
Increased labor
It is harder to cut bricks and it may cost more for installation cost.
Size variance
Due to the variables of firing, bricks vary in their dimensions and this makes it a little trickier to install brick pavers.
More breakable
Whilst all pavers are durable, brick pavers are more likely to crack especially under heavy vehicle traffic. They are also more likely to shear or chip but the solid colouring of brick pavers makes small blemishes less likely to be noticed than on concrete pavers.
Make sure you compare and contrast Lowes paver bricks and concrete pavers before making your decision.
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