Pavers are essential for the vast majority of home hardscaping projects, but there are a lot of choices to be made when it comes to selecting the right pavers for your next project. The confusion between clay pavers and brick pavers is a major source of errors in hardscaping projects, so it is best to understand what these two pavers are before getting started.
Without understanding brick pavers versus clay pavers, your hardscaping project could be ultimately faced with durability issues and unsatisfactory aesthetics. To make things easier for you, we have broken down the terminology to help you make the right decisions regarding your next project. Make informed decisions about brick pavers and clay pavers, and discover their distinct properties and how they can apply to your next outdoor project.
The Foundations of Brick: Composition and Creation
What is the Main Ingredient in a Brick?
The main ingredient in brick is clay. That, of course, means that clay pavers and brick pavers are not entirely different since every brick paver will also be made primarily from clay, just like clay pavers. In addition to clay, however, bricks are also made from the following:
- Sand
- Lime
- Iron Oxide
- Calcium silicate
Is a Brick Made Out of Cement?
A brick is not necessarily made out of cement. Only concrete bricks utilize cement in their creation, along with a combination of aggregate and sand. Clay bricks don’t use any cement; they use clay, shale, and other suitable materials.
What is Red Brick Made From?
The color of a brick is largely dependent on its mineral content. Specifically, the mineral content in the clay used plays a major role in the brick’s overall appearance. Red bricks in particular get their coloring from high iron content. Temperature can also play a role, as cooler temperatures in the manufacturing process contribute to the red coloring. Hotter temperatures, on the other hand, produce brown and grey colors.
A Glimpse Into Brick’s Storied Past
What Was the First Red Brick Structure?
When looking at the history of bricks, the oldest red bricks are located in Chengtou Shan, China. They’re made from red clay and were used for indoor flooring. These bricks were manufactured around 4400 BCE using a sun-drying process. The sun-drying process eventually evolved into oven or brick kiln firing around 3500 BCE in China.
Famous Red Brick Buildings Across the Globe
Red brick buildings have become iconic around the world, but the following are some of the most famous.
- The Red Fort — Delhi, India
- Aston Webb Building — Birmingham, UK
- St. Pancras Station — London, UK
- The Museum of Culture — Bremen, Germany
The Making of a Brick: From Raw Earth to Building Backbone
How Are Bricks Traditionally Manufactured?
Bricks are among the world’s oldest known building materials, and people first used them around 7000 BCE in Jericho, modern-day Turkey. These initial mud bricks hardened in the sun rather than a kiln. In Ancient Egypt, however, they used a combination of clay and straw. Clay is still used today for brick manufacturing. Of course, the fired brick in 3500 BCE revolutionized its manufacturing process, making bricks without sun baking. That means it was adapted by people who live in cooler climates. The Romans contributed greatly to the spread of efficient brickmaking by creating mobile kilns.
What Are the Different Types of Bricks?
Bricks come in a range of different sizes, and Batchelder & Collins has the variety necessary for homeowners and business owners looking for hardscaping solutions. The following are the most common types.
- Standard: 2 ¼” x 3 ⅝” x 7 ⅝”
- Oversized: 2 ¾” x 3 ⅝” x 7 ⅝”
- Utility: 3 ⅝” x 3 ⅝” x 11 ⅝”
- Closure: 3 ⅜” x 3 ⅝” x 7 ⅝”
What Makes Brick a Superior Building Material?
Brick has many benefits, so it could be the ideal option for your next hardscaping project. The following are just some of the most popular benefits of brick.
- Longevity and durability
- Requires little upkeep
- Made with natural materials
- Can withstand high pressure
- Energy efficient method of temperature control
- Timeless aesthetic
What Are the Benefits of Paving with Clay?
Clay pavers specifically have their own unique benefits that you may not want to miss out on. Take a look at some of the most popular benefits.
- Eco-friendly
- Color never fades
- Impressive durability
- DIY-friendly
Why Hampton Roads Trusts Batchelder & Collins for Their Hardscaping Needs
Batchelder & Collins offers brick and clay pavers to the Hampton Roads area for hardscaping projects, whether you are looking for residential or commercial solutions. Our broad selection allows you to customize your design and implement your vision in your next hardscaping project with all the necessary supplies to get it done right. We are members of the Brick Institute of America and the American Institute of Architects. Come to our storefront to browse our products and speak to an expert for guidance on your next project.
Take a look at what some of our previous clients had to say.
Testimonials
“A very welcoming and knowledge-gaining experience for all involved parties. I would 100% recommend.” — Ryan R.
“A good place to go if you need to get quality materials.” — Brett M.
Bring Your Hardscaping Vision to Life With Batchelder & Collins
Outdoor space is an extension of your home. On commercial property, elegant brick masonry can help contribute to the face of the business. Either way, hardscaping is essential in terms of your property’s aesthetics, impressions, functionality, and monetary value. To ensure you have the right materials for the job, look no further than Batchelder & Collins. Contact our team today to take the first step towards creating the outdoor oasis you always dreamed of.
