When it comes to building a paver patio, you have three options in terms of materials. You can use brick, stone, or concrete. There are benefits to all of these options, of course, but there are also downsides. Let’s take a look at what each brings and why you may want to use them.
Bricks
When you think of bricks, you probably think of the typical red rectangles. Bricks are a good material because they’re all very similar in size and shape. You don’t have square bricks, for example, or very large bricks. They’re lightweight, and they’re very easy to find and are quite affordable. On the downside, they’re not as durable as other options, and they are also not as watertight. For design options, all you can really do is run some bricks vertically and some horizontally. You can’t really let your creativity run wild.
Stone
Stone pavers, on the other hand, can come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and even colors. They are typically heavier than bricks because they’re more solid. They are not as porous, so they are more watertight. Because of their differences in shape, size, and color, though, the exact stones you want may not necessarily be easily available in your area. This can mean you may not be able to replace damaged stone pavers later on. However, they are quite affordable, and since they are not all uniform, you can mix and match stone pavers to create very unique patterns.
Concrete
Concrete pavers are fairly durable, though they do tend to be heavy if they’re on the larger side. Like stone, they can come in a variety of sizes and shapes, though they are often the same grey color. Concrete pavers can actually be customized since the concrete can be poured in a mold of any shape or size. They can also have interesting patterns on them because concrete can be stamped before it dries.
Which option is right for you? It depends on the size and shape of the patio you want to create. It also depends on which materials are easily available and what your budget is. If you want to learn more about how to use each type of material, contact Island Bock & Masonry today.
