In the process of designing a drive, walkway, or patio, landscaping companies in the Pepper Pike, OH, area will pose a tough question if you’ve told them you love the look of brick. Could concrete pavers be a more appropriate choice for your landscape project? You may be swayed by the benefits of concrete pavers that will provide the same exact look you’re hoping to achieve but are much more durable in the face of the weather conditions that your new hardscape feature will endure as the years go on. Or you may be determined to have the authentic look of real brick pavers. Your final choice should be based on an understanding of both materials, your budget and project timeline, and the desired aesthetic.
Related: Choose These Unilock Pavers for Your Next Poolside Patio Project in Hudson, OH
Brick Pavers
A consideration of brick and its characteristics could begin with an understanding of what draws you to the look and feel of kiln-dried clay. These pavers do provide a distinct aesthetic. Projects made of these materials tend to appear rustic and charming, and brick pavers are known for not fading or staining. However, brick pavers are also known for cracking more easily, particularly under heavy loads, making them less of an option for driveways. The installation might also cost more and take longer because brick is tougher to cut and more labor is involved for laying them properly.
Concrete Pavers
An alternative to brick pavers but able to achieve the same aesthetic, concrete pavers provide the strength of concrete and are therefore highly durable and long lasting. Those who shop the Unilock catalog will discover a healthy range of fade-resistant, stain-resistant, ultra-strong units designed specifically for these attributes. These pavers resemble natural clay bricks and may offer more color variation than can be found with purely brick pavers. Unilock has innovative processes that provide realistic textures and an overall brick appearance along with enhanced durability. Further, the manufacturing process allows for more flexibility in the final appearance. Concrete pavers allow landscaping companies to mimic flagstone, cobblestone, and, of course, brick. Pretty much any design becomes possible when concrete pavers serve as the material. Color, size, texture, and appearance are all flexible elements when concrete pavers are the material of choice.
Comparing Materials
Knowing the drawbacks and advantages to each material, landscaping companies may recommend one material over another, depending on the homeowners’ preferences and priorities. Driveways, for example, might require the strength of Unilock concrete pavers even if the purely brick aesthetic is what’s desired. Unilock offers several options, such as Town Hall and Copthorne, that offer the appeal of brick with the advantages of concrete pavers. A patio or romantic walkway, however, might work well with genuine brick pavers. Landscaping companies might also consider the difficulty of laying patterns when choosing between concrete and brick. For a faster construction, concrete pavers provide set dimensions, allowing for easier installation while the slight variations found with every brick paver can make those pavers’ construction more complicated, and thus longer in duration. Choosing between brick or concrete pavers should depend on the individual project, the homeowners’ preferences, and any expected weather conditions and risk of wear and tear that the construction will experience.
