Choosing between a brick or concrete paver driveway is an important decision that can greatly impact the look and feel of your home. Both materials have their pros and cons when it comes to appearance, durability, and cost. This comprehensive guide examines the key differences between brick and concrete pavers to help you make the right choice for your driveway.
Appearance
One of the biggest factors in choosing brick or concrete is appearance. Here’s how the two stack up aesthetically:
Brick Pavers
Brick pavers have an inherently classic, elegant look. The raw, earthy tones and varied shapes of bricks create a timeless Old World charm. Bricks come in a wide range of colors, sizes, textures, and patterns allowing for tons of customization options. You can lay bricks in unique designs like herringbone or basketweave patterns. The organic imperfections and weathering of bricks over time adds to their vintage appeal.
Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers have a more modern, uniform look. They are precast into specific shapes like squares, rectangles, and interlocking patterns. The color and finish is consistent across concrete pavers for a seamless appearance. Concrete offers diverse color choices from neutral tones of grey and taupe to bolder hues of red or blue. Concrete doesn’t change much over time, maintaining its clean lines and crisp edges.
Durability
How well the materials withstand wear and tear is another deciding factor:
Brick Pavers
Clay brick is one of the most durable paving materials. Fired at extremely high temperatures, bricks are very hardened and resistant to cracks or chips. Bricks won’t deform from vehicle loads or shifting ground. With proper installation on a gravel base, bricks stand up well to freezing temperatures without cracking or crumbling. Quality clay bricks can retain their structural integrity for decades.
Concrete Pavers
Modern concrete pavers are also highly durable in the elements. They hold up well to heavy loads and last for many years. Concrete resists damage from deicing salts better than other materials. However, concrete can be prone to some surface erosion, chipping at the edges, and efflorescence (white mineral deposits). Sealing and proper installation can help minimize these issues.
Cost
Affordability often plays a key role in choosing paver materials:
Brick Pavers
Clay brick pavers are one of the more expensive upfront investments for driveways. The material itself is costly, especially for custom or imported bricks. In addition, significant excavation and a layered base are required to allow for drainage and prevent shifting. Professional installation is recommended and also ups the initial cost.
Concrete Pavers
Pre-cast concrete pavers are generally more budget-friendly. The material itself is inexpensive and you often need less depth for the base layers. DIY installation can save on labor costs, especially for interlocking concrete pavers that connect together easily. Concrete pavers still require an investment, but overall they tend to be about 15-30% cheaper than clay brick.
Maintenance and Repairs
Proper care and maintenance are crucial for getting the most out of your paver driveway:
Brick Pavers
Brick driveways require periodic sweeping or blowing debris from the crevices. Weed control in the joints is also important. Dealing with any chips or dips in the bricks as they occur helps prevent bigger issues. Having the base inspected for sinking spots minimizes tripping hazards. An expert can make needed repairs by removing and replacing individual bricks.
Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers also need sweeping and weed removal from the joints. Check for erosion, cracks or spalling that requires patching. A fog spray of water helps remove dirty buildup from concrete. Re-sealing every few years protects the surface. Heaving concrete slabs can be re-leveled by taking up and re-bedding the affected areas.
Climate Considerations
Local climate impacts the optimal paver choice:
Brick Pavers
Bricks hold up incredibly well to heavy rainfall and freeze/thaw cycles in colder climates. Their durability makes them ideal for wetter regions or areas with extreme temperature swings throughout the year. Brick also stays relatively cool in hot environments.
Concrete Pavers
In extremely cold climates, concrete can be prone to cracking and damage from freeze-thaw cycles. Concrete also absorbs heat, making it hot for bare feet in sunny, hot regions. However, concrete resists issues from rain and humidity quite well. Concrete overall works best in milder climates without temperature extremes.
Brick Driveway: What’s Better, Brick or Concrete Pavers?
When it comes to your driveway, there are great benefits to both brick and concrete pavers. Keep these key considerations in mind:
- Brick offers timeless elegance and diverse patterns, while concrete provides uniform modern style.
- Brick is highly durable for decades, while concrete maintains its precision and lasts for years.
- Brick is a quality investment, while concrete is generally more budget-friendly.
- Both require routine maintenance like sweeping and weed control.
- Brick excels in wet, freezing climates while concrete fares better in mild environments.
For many homeowners, the main decision falls to the distinctive look of brick versus the cost efficiency of concrete. Think about your priorities, from aesthetic appeal, longevity, and style to affordability. Consider your climate as well. With a good foundation and proper installation, both brick and concrete can create an attractive, long-lasting driveway to enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common questions about choosing between brick and concrete paver driveways:
Which material is more eco-friendly?
Clay brick is often considered the greener choice, as the raw material can be reused and reclaimed. Modern concrete also uses recycled content and is quite durable over time. Look for locally produced materials to reduce transportation impacts.
Which requires less maintenance?
Concrete pavers tend to involve less ongoing maintenance, as they don’t shift as readily and resist growth between joints. However, brick driveways also have very minimal maintenance needs beyond periodic sweeping and weed control.
Which material is easier to install?
Interlocking concrete pavers that connect together are the easiest for DIY installation. Laying individual clay bricks takes more skill and precision best left to seasoned professionals.
Which gets hottest in sunny weather?
Concrete absorbs heat and can get quite hot, especially brick-shaped pavers with flat tops. Clay bricks stay cooler underfoot, making them more comfortable to walk on barefoot.
Which option is best for resale value?
Brick driveways are regarded as premium features that boost curb appeal and home values. Well-kept brickwork can significantly lift resale value. Concrete is more budget-friendly but is not as valued for boosting property prices.
How long does each option last?
With proper installation and care, high-quality clay brick driveways can last 50+ years. Concrete pavers typically have a lifespan around 25-30 years before needing full replacement. Proper maintenance extends the longevity of both.
Conclusion
The choice between brick and concrete pavers comes down to priorities in appearance, cost, longevity, climate suitability, and maintenance needs. Brick offers an elegant, distinctive look steeped in charm and personality. Durable clay brick driveways appeal to home buyers but come at a higher upfront price. Concrete provides an affordable, low-maintenance option with modern uniformity. While concrete may not enhance value, it can still deliver an attractive driveway solution. Consider all the factors unique to your home in selecting the best paver material. With either quality brick or concrete, you can achieve a driveway with lasting curb appeal.