How to Pick Out Bricks for a Patio

Brick is a durable material that lends itself to a wide variety of patio designs. However, there are several considerations homeowners should take into account when choosing the color, laying pattern and layout of their new brick patio.

Avoid matching your brick patio to the home’s siding; doing so can quickly overwhelm the outdoor space with too much “noise.” Aim for a more neutral palette, or use accent colors and laying patterns to add visual interest.

Color and Style

Brick patios can complement a variety of design styles and add value to the property. They can be built out of clay or concrete and come in a wide range of colors and sizes. They can be laid in different patterns to create distinct areas within a larger outdoor space or use specific paver colors to match a landscape design theme.

Before choosing a color or pattern, consider the intended function of the patio. Is it a lounge area with an outdoor fireplace, a dining space for al fresco meals or a multifunctional entertainment space? The answers to these questions will suggest a patio floor design that combines aesthetics with functionality.

Also consider other structural features like retaining walls, fences or pergolas that may be adjacent to the patio. Ideally, the color of these structures will blend with the patio’s brick paver color scheme.

A reputable contractor should be able to provide you with samples of brick and paver colors to help you visualize them in your patio layout. He should also explain the process for laying pavers, such as the need to install a base of 3-4 inches of packed crushed gravel and an inch of sand. This will prevent shifting of the bricks and will keep weeds from growing between them. He should also lay a layer of landscape fabric over the gravel to suppress weeds and protect the base from moisture.

Budget

Brick patios require a lot of careful planning and aren’t as cheap as they may seem. The key to calculating costs is ensuring you account for everything involved with the project, not just the cost of materials. This includes any extras you’re including in your design such as outdoor lighting, seating walls or fire pits. It also accounts for any site preparation needed such as removing existing materials or adding base layers.

Brick pavers are usually made of either clay or concrete. Both are durable, but clay bricks have the advantage of being less water-absorbent than concrete and will last longer in areas that experience freeze-thaw cycles. You can lay your patio with pre-cut pavers or use uncut bricks to create a custom look. Pre-cut pavers are small and modular so they fit together easily, and are available in a variety of colors.

Uncut bricks are larger and more irregular, but they can add a rustic feel to your patio and can be used in many different patterns. If you’re going to use these in your patio, a pro is the best choice since they will have access to specialty tools and have extensive knowledge of masonry. They’ll know the right soil conditions to achieve a long-lasting patio and how to prepare the area for proper drainage and leveling.

Maintenance

Brick paved patios add a great deal to the usable space in your home and create an inviting vibe. They are long-lasting and easy to maintain with proper care and maintenance.

Regularly sweep your pavers with a hard-bristled broom to remove dust and debris. This should be done 1-2 times each week to keep the pavement clean and prevent sand from being washed away by rainwater. It is also best to do this before it rains to avoid dirt and debris stains on your bricks.

Keeping on top of weeds growing in between the brick pavers is another important maintenance step. Weeds not only look unattractive, but they can weaken the mortar and damage the integrity of your patio. If necessary, use a pre-emergent herbicide to kill any emerging weeds.

Once a year, refill the spaces between your bricks with polymeric sand. This is a mixture of well-graded fine sand and a binder substance created by Techniseal specifically to fill in the gaps between stones, pavers, and other hardscape materials for patios and walkways.

The most important factor in choosing the right brick for your patio is picking a color and size that complements the style of your home. A red brick patio wouldn’t be the right choice for a modern house with gray siding, while a natural brown color would fit perfectly with a rustic wood-sided home. It’s also a good idea to mix up the sizes of your brick pavers so they look more organic, instead of trying to match them all the way around.

Durability

Brick patios add value and function to your home’s outdoor space. They also provide a comfortable surface for entertaining and relaxing. However, you need to know that not all brick pavers are created equal. The quality of a paver depends on several factors, such as its ability to hold up to weather and traffic. To ensure your bricks will last, you should lay a solid foundation for the project, which includes a layer of paver base panels and a light coating of sand.

If your paving is going to be subject to heavy foot traffic, you should choose durable materials like concrete or clay pavers. These are typically rated for more durability than soft bricks, which can be easily damaged by high-traffic areas. The paver’s unconfined compressive strength (UCS) is an important factor to consider when comparing products. To determine the UCS, the brick is placed in a compression testing machine and pressed until it shatters. This test measures the brick’s ability to withstand the pressure of human weight and equipment such as a car.

You should also look for a brick with good freeze-thaw resistance in the Aurora area. This will prevent your patio from cracking or deteriorating over time. Additionally, you should opt for a brick that is easy to maintain. For example, some bricks may require a sealant to protect them from staining, while others don’t need any special maintenance.