The pros and cons of brick pavers

A DISTINCT LOOK

Brick pavers make a great sidewalk because they are so distinctive. The color, texture and sheen of the brick are unlike concrete. Natural stone can create a unique look, but it's often the most expensive paving option.

CLAY OR CONCRETE

There are two primary types of brick pavers: clay brick and concrete brick. Decades ago, the rage was to install colored concrete brick pavers that required no mortar. They interlock with one another and can withstand all that Mother Nature can dish out if they are made correctly. This paving product is maturing, and the designs, colors and shapes of concrete brick continue to expand. One advantage of this material is that you can have a new sidewalk installed and completed in hours, not days.

MIXING COLOR

The color of concrete paving brick will change and fade over time. The color is achieved by adding pigments to the concrete mix. These pigments become part of the cement paste that coats the sand and gravel in the brick. Over time, this ultrathin cement paste on the top surface of the brick wears off, exposing the true color of the sand and gravel. You may not like that faded color in five or 10 years.

CLIMATE FACTORS

Climate is a big factor with brick sidewalks. Brick pavers in South Florida and other warm areas that never see freezing temperatures will survive longer than they will in a cold, freezing climate. If you use concrete brick, consider applying a brick paver sealer every few years to minimize water penetration.

COLOR THAT LASTS

The color in brick pavers made from real clay is solid through the entire brick. Purchase those that have been made for cold climates, and they may last as long as a century. The hotter the kiln and the longer the bricks are left in the kiln, the harder they get. In many cities, you can still see paving brick in roads that are well over 100 years old.

BY DESIGN

Brick paver designs are plentiful. A clever craftsman can install a serpentine sidewalk for you. Curves are no issue. If you prefer a more geometric design like herringbone or crosshatching you might see in a cane chair, that's also possible. Many brick manufacturers have great photography of how their brick can be used to create more patterns and designs than you can imagine.

ENGRAVED PAVERS

If you want to go all out to make your sidewalk distinctive, consider some engraved brick pavers. Companies use lasers to cut into a brick's surface and etch words, names or designs that you might want. You could engrave several bricks with a welcome message or even some poem that sets the mood for guests as they walk to your front door.

CHOOSE WISELY

Use caution when looking at wholesale brick pavers or discount pavers. Pay attention to where they were made. Brick made in China or another foreign nation may not be up to U.S. standards. Unscrupulous marketers may not care if your sidewalk crumbles. Buy brick pavers from an established business. Ask about the weathering index for the brick. Not all bricks are the same.

CLEANING UP

Cleaning brick pavers is easy. You can use an oxygen-bleach solution to remove algae, dirt and mold. Avoid chlorine bleach, as it is highly toxic to grass, landscaping and trees. Pressure washing will erode the cement paste off concrete brick, so use those machines with great care.