Creating an inviting outdoor living space can feel overwhelming, especially when you want it to look beautiful and increase your home’s value. You might be wondering which materials will last, match your style, and fit your budget while you explore patio ideas without turning it into a long, stressful project.
Choosing the right patio surface is more than just picking between concrete and brick. It’s about designing a space where you’ll relax with family, entertain friends, and add real value to your property. The wrong choice can lead to frequent maintenance, mismatched aesthetics, and disappointing results.
At Batchelder & Collins, we make it easy for homeowners in Norfolk and Williamsburg, Virginia, to find the perfect materials for their patios. Our experienced team will guide you through options, answer your questions, and help you design an outdoor space that reflects your style and stands the test of time. Visit our showroom or contact us today to start planning your backyard transformation.
Brick Pavers
Brick pavers are a popular choice for patios, driveways, walkways, and landscaping projects. Made from natural clay that is shaped into rectangles (typically 4″ x 8″) and kiln-fired, these pavers provide a classic, traditional look that works well in both residential and commercial settings.
Advantages of Brick Pavers
Brick pavers offer impressive strength and long-lasting durability. The natural clay brick material and firing process produce consistent coloring that resists fading over time. Their classic appearance adds timeless curb appeal and complements many architectural styles. Brick is also more environmentally friendly since it is made from natural materials. When damage occurs, individual units can be replaced without redoing the entire surface.
Disadvantages of Brick Pavers
Brick pavers are generally more expensive, typically costing $10–$20 per square foot installed, which makes them pricier than many concrete alternatives. Design options can be somewhat limited, with bricks available in a narrower range of colors and shapes. Over time, pavers may settle unevenly, and without regular maintenance, moss or weeds can grow between the joints.
Brick Paver Characteristics
The performance and appearance of brick pavers depend on several key factors that homeowners should consider before making a purchase decision.
Size
Brick pavers generally come in standard rectangular shapes (approximately 4″ x 8″), which allows for uniform installation but can limit pattern flexibility compared to custom-shaped options.
Shape
The classic rectangular shape works well with traditional patterns such as herringbone and basket weave, creating a timeless look for your outdoor space.
Color
Brick pavers feature natural, earthy tones such as reds, browns, and tans that come directly from the clay. These colors hold up well to sun exposure but provide less variety than manufactured concrete pavers.
Texture
Brick allows for several classic patterns but offers less design flexibility than concrete when it comes to color and shape options.
Flexibility
While you can create several classic patterns with brick, they offer less design flexibility than concrete in terms of color and shape options.
Durability
Both brick and concrete patios are highly durable and can withstand various weather conditions. However, over time, both materials may chip, crack, or fade. Weeds often grow between pavers, but this can be managed with common weed control products available at hardware stores.
Maintenance
Over time, brick patios can become uneven, accumulate dirt, and develop weeds, similar to concrete pavers. Uneven bricks may require addressing drainage issues, removing and resetting the affected area, and checking the sand or base layer. Regular cleaning and sealing every two to three years help maintain the patio’s appearance and durability.
Variety
Brick offers a wide range of options beyond the standard red color, providing opportunities to explore various designs and layouts. Colors can range from burgundy to black, and patterns include classic basketweave or more complex herringbone arrangements, allowing you to create a truly unique outdoor space.
Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers provide excellent versatility, affordability, and a wide range of customization options for outdoor projects. They are made by mixing cement, aggregate, and coloring agents before being molded and air-dried, making them suitable for nearly any landscape design need or paving application.
Advantages of Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers generally cost less than brick, making them a budget-friendly choice at $8 to $15 per square foot installed. They are available in many colors, shapes, and sizes, offering significant design flexibility. Installation for concrete pavers is often easier because concrete pavers have precise dimensions that allow for tight fits and simpler cutting. Their high compressive strength provides durability for a wide range of applications, from patios to driveways.
Disadvantages of Concrete Pavers
The colors in concrete pavers can fade over time due to sunlight and weather exposure, as manufactured dyes are less stable than natural brick tones. Surface wear and minor cracking can also occur, especially under heavy loads or without proper maintenance. These pavers may require more frequent upkeep to maintain their appearance and prevent staining compared to brick.
Concrete Pavers Characteristics
Concrete pavers provide design potential through several key attributes that influence their performance, appearance, and installation process.
Size
Concrete pavers are available in many sizes, from small mosaics to large concrete slabs, offering many options for creating custom designs and unique patterns in your outdoor space.
Shape
Concrete pavers come in standard rectangles, hexagons, squares, and specialty shapes, supporting both traditional and modern pattern layouts and allowing for greater creative freedom in hardscaping projects.
Color
Concrete pavers can be dyed or stained in nearly any color, though some hues may gradually fade when exposed to the elements over time.
Texture
Surface options range from smooth and polished to rough and tumbled, offering visual interest and practical benefits such as improved slip resistance for pool areas or sloped pathways.
Flexibility
The adaptable nature of concrete allows homeowners to match virtually any design vision, from contemporary geometric patterns to rustic, old-world looks.
Durability
Concrete can be more challenging to repair, especially if using colored or stamped pavers, since finding an exact match may be difficult without purchasing extra in advance. For both brick and concrete patios, it is wise to buy additional material during the initial installation to simplify future repairs.
Maintenance
To help a concrete patio stay low maintenance and last a long time, applying a coat of sealer every few years is recommended, particularly in regions with heavy rain or snowfall. Promptly repairing any cracks or chips will prevent further damage and maintain the patio’s appearance.
Variety
Concrete patios offer options such as stamped and colored finishes.
Colored concrete provides a wide range of color choices but typically adds 10 to 30% to the cost and usually requires professional installation.
Stamped concrete involves pressing a design into the surface while it is still wet, creating a decorative pattern once it dries.
Aesthetic Appeal and Design Options
Concrete and brick patios both provide excellent opportunities to enhance outdoor living spaces, but they differ in design flexibility, customization potential, and the overall ambiance they create. Below are some of the key aspects of their aesthetic appeal.
Pattern and Layout Possibilities
Both concrete and brick patios offer a wide range of patterns and layout options, helping homeowners achieve distinct looks.
Concrete
Modern concrete patios can be stamped, stained, or textured to mimic natural stone, brick, or tile. Stamped concrete features patterns such as cobblestone, slate, and ashlar, while staining provides various color effects, from earthy marbling to bold hues. These techniques allow concrete to suit styles ranging from rustic to sleek, modern designs.
Brick
Brick patios work well with classic patterns like herringbone, running bond, basket weave, and stack bond. More intricate layouts, including circular designs or custom inlays such as stars, diamonds, or mosaics, add artistic flair. Pattern selection strongly influences the patio’s character—herringbone for timeless elegance, basket weave for charm, or mosaics for a unique, European-inspired appearance.
Customization and Personalization Opportunities
Personalization is central to patio design, allowing homeowners to reflect their style and complement their home’s architecture. For example, concrete provides exceptional flexibility, with an extensive selection of colors, textures, and finishes. Stamped and stained concrete can be designed to replicate high-end materials or create detailed, custom looks. This makes concrete well-suited for matching any architectural style or creating a truly unique outdoor environment.
However, bricks come in a variety of colors and can be arranged in creative patterns, though customization is generally limited by available shapes and hues. Using reclaimed bricks or mixing colors can add character and a sense of history, giving each patio a distinctive appearance. While concrete offers greater design flexibility, brick’s classic charm and pattern options still provide plenty of opportunities for personalization.
Visual Styles and Ambiance Created
When selecting materials for outdoor spaces, concrete and brick are two popular choices, each offering distinct visual styles and ambiance. Concrete is known for its modern, sleek, and industrial appearance. It is highly versatile and can be molded into various shapes and textures to mimic natural stone or tile, making it well-suited for contemporary or minimalist outdoor designs. This flexibility supports creative, clean-lined aesthetics and contributes to a structured, modern ambiance.
In contrast, brick offers a classic, timeless, and rustic feel, often evoking European or traditional styles. Its warm tones and textured surface add charm and character to patios, walkways, and outdoor living areas. Brick is often chosen for its inviting, grounded ambiance, creating outdoor spaces that feel cozy and enduring.
Borders, Accents, and Mixed-Material Designs
Adding borders, accents, or combining materials can make a patio more attractive.
- Borders: Use contrasting edges, like a darker brick border or a colored concrete band, to define the space.
- Accents: Highlight areas such as seating zones or fire pits with accent bricks or concrete tiles.
- Mixed materials: Combine brick and concrete, for example, a concrete patio with a brick border to create unique and appealing designs.
Why Our Customers Choose Batchelder & Collins
Since 1868, Batchelder & Collins has served Hampton Roads, Virginia, with quality masonry materials for generations of homeowners and contractors. Our wide selection of sizes, finishes, and color blends offers nearly endless design options for your patio project, whether you want the classic appeal of brick or the flexibility of concrete pavers.
Our experienced team guides customers from initial concept through project completion, providing practical advice built on decades of industry knowledge. Whether you have detailed plans or just a rough idea, we help you choose the right materials for your outdoor space.
Our commitment to quality is reflected in our long-standing affiliations with the Brick Institute of America and the American Institute of Architects. These relationships keep us current with masonry trends and best practices that benefit our customers.
For five generations, our family-owned business has maintained the same values of dedicated service and product knowledge that Captain William Collins established over 150 years ago.
Testimonials
“What an amazing place. I brought in a brick that was from my 10yr old house… they matched it pretty well. They have 2 yards full of brick and stone.” — Jacqueline K.
“Very helpful staff. Helped me in deciding how many and of which bricks to get. Very quick in and out process they have set up.” — Victor P.
“Staff are very friendly and provided excellent service. We worked with Karli and she was very knowledgeable about the the various product lines they carried and made our selections process quick and simple.” — Matthew N.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Differences in How Each Material Handles Weather and Temperature Changes?
Concrete pavers can be prone to cracking during freeze-thaw cycles or with ground movement, but these issues can be minimized with proper installation and quality materials. Brick pavers may also chip or crack over time, but their smaller size makes repairs easier. Damaged bricks can be replaced individually rather than redoing large sections, which is a practical advantage for long-term maintenance.
Which Is Better for DIY Installation: Concrete or Brick?
For DIY projects, experience level is important. Poured concrete patios require technical expertise in mixing, forming, and finishing that many homeowners do not have. Both concrete and brick pavers can be installed by experienced DIYers, though brick installation is often more physically demanding. Brick’s uniform rectangular shape simplifies layout, but the weight increases the labor involved. Concrete pavers usually have precise dimensions that allow for tight fits and easier cutting.
How Will a Brick or Concrete Patio Improve My Home’s Value and Curb Appeal?
Both materials can add value to your property. Concrete pavers work well with contemporary home designs, providing clean lines and a modern appearance. Brick patios offer classic, timeless charm that complements traditional architecture and adds character. Choosing a material that matches your home’s existing style can help maximize curb appeal and support potential return on investment when selling.
Start Your Backyard Transformation With Batchelder & Collins
If you’re thinking about adding a brick or concrete patio to your property, both materials offer excellent options to match your style and needs. Batchelder & Collins has provided quality masonry products to Hampton Roads homeowners and contractors since 1868. Our team is committed to masonry knowledge and personalized service built over five generations.
Whether you prefer the classic appeal of brick pavers or the versatile design options of concrete, we can help you choose the right materials for your project. Our extensive inventory includes a wide selection of colors, shapes, and textures to complement your home’s architectural style.
Visit one of our locations to explore design ideas, discuss your project with our experienced staff, and get practical installation advice. As a local business serving Virginia for more than 150 years, we understand the specific needs of properties in our region.
Contact us today at 757-625-2506 or visit our website to fill out our contact form. Let’s create an outdoor space you’ll enjoy for years to come.
