Brick vs. Concrete Patios: What to Consider

A high-quality patio makes for a great outdoor spot to sit and relax during the summer months. The materials you use when constructing your patio will primarily be based on your personal preference—most people will choose either brick pavers or concrete. In making your selection, you should consider both practical and aesthetic factors.

Here are a few examples of some of the brick and concrete patio pros and cons to consider when making your selection in Racine, WI.

Durability

If you’re going to be putting a fairly sizable financial investment into your patio, it only makes sense that you consider how long that investment is likely to last you. Concrete patios will offer you reliable durability regardless of location, whether it’s an area with long, cold winters, with lots of rainfall or with scorching heat. You’ll be able to add sealant to concrete to prevent moisture from getting inside. However, concrete will chip or crack as it ages. Repairs can be easy enough to make, but not if you choose stained or stamped concrete.

Brick patios, like brick walls, are quite durable and capable of lasting decades, so long as they are well maintained. They’re capable of standing up to the elements, but can fade or chip after long periods of time. Repairing brick is easier than concrete, because you can simply purchase extra bricks and swap them in and out as needed.

Cost

The cost for both brick and concrete will primarily depend on patio size. Average concrete prices will range anywhere from $6 per square foot to $15 per square foot, depending on where you live and the specific kind of concrete. Brick will generally be much more expensive, because it is more labor intensive and considered a “luxury” option—expect to pay $10 to $50 per square foot. The cost difference, combined with the ease of installation, generally makes concrete the more popular option.

Maintenance

Consider also the maintenance requirements for brick as opposed to patio. Both will need occasional weed spraying and cleaning, but otherwise will generally need little in the way of maintenance. With concrete, it’s recommended to add a coat of sealer every several years to preserve its longevity, especially if you get a lot of precipitation. It’s also important to repair chips and cracks as you notice them.

Brick patios can become uneven over time, so you may need to pull up the brick and check the base, adding layers as needed. You should also make sure to fix any drainage issues in the area as they arise. Brick should be sealed every several years and cleaned with a masonry detergent.

Versatility

There are a few specific options for concrete patios, including stamped concrete (with designs imprinted into it) or colored concrete (dyed to a certain color). Either option will add an expense to the project and make it a bit more difficult to make repairs, but can also add a lot of visual appeal.

Bricks offer many different colors and designs to choose from, and make it easier for you to use multiple colors or designs in a single patio.

For more information about some concrete and brick patio pros and cons to help you in your decision making, contact a masonry contractor in Racine, WI at Langenfeld Masonry & Concrete today.

Categorised in: Bricks, Concrete Contractor