fbpx Concrete Pavers vs. Clay Bricks: Choosing a Material for Your Outdoor Project
EN
Mattoni Paver Sable Blend 3388 2 MOBILE
Share this

Concrete Pavers vs. Clay Bricks: Choosing a Material for Your Outdoor Project

Whether on a walkway, driveway, or patio, both concrete pavers and clay brick pavers offer a measure of durability and a variety of style options.  

But what are the key differences between the two, and which one should you choose for your project?  

In this article, we’ll provide a full breakdown of concrete pavers vs. bricks, and compare the two in terms of style, maintenance, cost, and other key touchpoints.

Elevate your hardscaping project with Unilock. Explore our concrete pavers!

What’s the Difference Between Bricks and Pavers? 

Clay bricks and concrete paving stones differ in a number of important ways, including the way they look and function, the material they’re made out of, and how they’re formed.

Brick pavers are molded out of a natural clay blend and fired in a kiln, while concrete pavers are composed of a cement and aggregate mixture that is molded, and then air-dried. 

 

The Look and Function of Concrete vs. Brick Pavers 

When choosing between concrete and clay bricks for your hardscaping project, consider the style you are trying to achieve, and the way the paving will need to function in your outdoor space size. 

Here’s a side-by-side comparison chart to help you make your decision:

 

Characteristic  Concrete Pavers  Brick Pavers 
Size  Extensive selection of sizes  Limited selection of sizes
Shape  Wide range of shapes to choose from  Only comes in a rectangle shape
Color  Wide range of colors to choose from  Limited to shades of red, brown, and pink 
Texture  Many variations of texture, from smooth to rough  Rough texture 
Flexibility  Versatility in design can accommodate different patterns and applications, including large format concrete pavers being used on pedestals for roof decks. Limited pattern styles 
Durability  Slip-resistant, durable, and does not require sealing Durability depends on the quality manufacturer 
Maintenance  Concrete pavers with polymeric or joint sand require minimal maintenance Clay bricks that employ polymeric or joint sand require minimal maintenance 
Cost  Average between $5 and $10 per square foot  Average between $4 and $10 per square foot. Larger sizes of concrete pavers help to reduce installation labor

 

Concrete Paver Characteristics 

Considering concrete pavers? Here’s a more detailed breakdown of size, shape, and other key factors. 

 

1. Size

Concrete pavers come in many sizes, from small 4″x8″ and 6″x6″ stones to larger 24” x 36″ slabs, as well as long linear planks. 

The size of the pavers you choose should ideally match the scale and application of your hardscape project. 

For example, if you’re constructing an intimate patio for entertaining guests, opt for small pavers, and if you’re working with a larger outdoor space, like a pool deck surround, opt for large format slabs instead. 

 

2. Shape 

From rectangular and hexagon-shaped pavers to concrete that has interlocking grooves, our concrete pavers come in a wide range of shapes you can choose from. 

 

3. Color

From neutral shades of cream to darker tones with various color blends, concrete pavers are available in an extensive range of colors and shades. 

Using two different colors can add creativity and style to your outdoor space.

Brussels Fullnose Outdoor Kitchen Limestone 7567
Mix and match the colors of your pavers to make your patio stand out

 

4. Texture 

Concrete pavers offer diverse finishes and textures, from rustic designs like Brussels Block® and Mattoni™ to modern textures such as Series™ and Il Campo®, as well as stone textures that evoke a sense of old-world charm, like the polished Courtstone® or the timeless appeal of textured Richcliff®.

The texture you choose can play a key role in the design of your hardscaping project. For example, when designing your in-ground pool deck, you might opt for a slightly textured paver to help mitigate against slips. 

 

5. Flexibility

When it comes to concrete paver patterns and styles, the only limit is your imagination. 

From traditional herringbone patterns to a modular fan layout, or even an asymmetrical zigzag, concrete pavers provide ample opportunity to show off your style and complement your home and landscaping. 

 

6. Durability

Unlike asphalt, poured concrete, or stamped concrete which tends to crack, expand, or contract with seasonal temperature changes, concrete pavers are resistant to wear and tear, freeze/thaw cycles, and UV rays, allowing you to create a surface that can withstand heavy foot and vehicle traffic.

 

7. Maintenance

Concrete pavers require minimal upkeep to keep them looking as good as the day they were installed. Cleaning them with basic soap and water a couple of times a year can help keep these pavers looking their best. 

To keep your pavers in tip-top shape: 

  • Fill a bucket with warm water and add a bit of dish soap until a nice, soapy mixture is achieved
  • Pour the solution on the paver surface and let it sit for 5 minutes 
  • Use a stiff bristled broom to scrub off the cleaning solution 
  • Rinse clean with water using a hose or low-pressure washer 

In addition to cleaning, you may want to consider sealing your pavers to protect the surface and enhance their surface color, or to make the surface a bit easier to clean. 

Note: Unilock pavers with EasyClean™ do not require sealing because the sealing is applied to the paver at the factory level.  

If your pavers are not manufactured with EasyClean, then sealing your pavers will help to: 

  • Prevent stains from taking hold 
  • Enhance the color of your pavers

 

8. Cost 

The cost of concrete pavers varies based on the exact type of pavers you use. 

Without installation fees, concrete pavers may cost on average anywhere between $5 and $10 per square foot.

Shop Unilock pavers. Explore our selection!

 

Clay Brick Paver Characteristics 

From shapes to colors and overall cost, here’s how clay brick pavers fare against concrete pavers. 

 

1. Size

Unlike concrete pavers, clay brick pavers do not have an extensive selection of sizes.

Clay brick pavers are typically a simple rectangular shape approximately 4” x 8”. This size may vary based on the manufacturer.  

 

2. Accuracy

One stark difference between concrete and clay brick pavers is that clay brick pavers tend to be slightly irregular in size, which makes it more difficult for the installer to install them straight, which can increase the cost of installation. 

 

3. Color

Clay brick paver colors depend on the color of the clay used, limiting your choice to shades of red, pink, and brown.

While you can only select from a few variations, brick pavers do retain their color (even decades in!) despite being exposed to excessive sunlight and UV rays. 

Town Hall Driveways Burgundy Red 7517
Brick pavers are limited to shades of red and brown

 

4. Texture 

The texture of clay brick pavers varies based on their manufacturing process, often featuring a rough and porous surface.

Clay brick pavers are commonly used for driveways and walkways, to create a traditional or rustic look and feel. 

 

5. Flexibility

Concrete pavers offer a wide range of design options thanks to the variations in shapes and sizes, while clay brick pavers tend to be limited to stacked, running bond, herringbone, and basket-weave paver laying patterns. 

 

6. Durability

Clay bricks have proven their longevity when used on commercial and residential buildings, but when it comes to paving surfaces, opting for high-quality, albeit pricier, clay bricks is crucial. Inexpensive clay pavers will fail in only a few short years. 

Clay brick pavers, in most cases, are acceptable for pedestrian-use areas, such as commercial streetscapes and residential walkways. 

 

7. Maintenance

Clay brick pavers require minimal maintenance and upkeep. A simple soap and water solution can help clear most spills, and stains that may appear on their surface. 

Because of their rough surface, clearing snow from a clay brick paver surface can be difficult. 

 

8. Cost

Installing clay bricks may be costly when compared to concrete pavers. This difference comes down to the challenges involved in manufacturing clay bricks, which include the extended time required for drying and firing the clay, as well as installation. 

 

Explore the Highest Quality Concrete Pavers at Unilock 

At Unilock, we have dedicated years to building world-class outdoor spaces across Canada and the United States. As a market leader in the retaining wall and paving stones industry, we manufacture the highest class of products along with unrivaled customer service. 

The best part? We offer a Transferable Lifetime Guarantee on our concrete paving stones and retaining wall units for residential use. 

 

Front Entrance Retaining Wall Planters with Lighting

Whether you’re looking to create your driveway or build an intimate patio to enjoy with family and friends, we have pavers for every hardscaping project. 

  

Some of our most popular pavers include: 

  • Beacon Hill™ Smooth – Modern with a smooth finish, Beacon Hill Smooth is the perfect pavers solution for contemporary walkways and patios. 
  • Copthorne® — Inspired by the streets of Europe, Copthorne pavers are ideal for curved walkways and accent borders. 
  • Courtstone® – The timeworn look of Courtstone brings a luxurious, old-world elegance to driveways and walkways.
  • Umbriano® — A favorite for its sleek, modern finishes, Umbriano is manufactured with ColorFusion™ Technology, offering a non-slip surface texture that resembles natural granite. 

When you’re ready to start your outdoor dream project, book with a Unilock Authorized Contractor, who possesses the expertise and knowledge of Unilock paver products, and the know-how to get your hardscape project done right.

Ready to transform your outdoor space? Find a Unilock Authorized Contractor

 

Related
Articles

thumbnail1

We’re Here
To Help

Find a Contractor you can trust

Working with a Unilock Authorized Contractor is working with the best of the best. Our UACs possess the knowledge and expertise to bring your dream project to life, and deliver stunning results that will exceed your expectations.

Contractors

Browse our Design Idea Catalog

Explore endless design possibilities through our Design Idea Catalog. Browse our extensive portfolio of paver and wall products, and get inspired by our outstanding design projects that will fuel your creative expression.

Catalog

Visit an Outdoor Idea Center

Experience the beauty and quality of Unilock paver and wall products in a life-sized setting by visiting a local Outdoor Idea Center. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are on hand to answer any questions and offer free product samples.

Idea Center
Skip to content