Advantages & Disadvantages of Brick Patios

Durability

• Brick is a very durable building material. Having a brick patio provides you with the peace of mind of knowing that you will have a surface that will last for many years, longer than many other types of patios. However, brick can occasionally chip so it certainly is not indestructible.

Weather Resistance

• Brick is resistant to the wear and tear that common weather causes. You don’t have to worry about brick rotting like the wood does in a deck. Similarly, it holds up against many types of weather, including ice, wind and rain. Brick is also fireproof, which provides a practical flooring for an outdoor kitchen, grill or fire pit.

Space

• One advantage of a brick patio is that it defines the space as a distinct area separate from the rest of the yard. It can be decorated to be the area for adult entertaining, while leaving the grassy area for the children’s play space. However, this definition of space also comes at the expense of removing grassy area and limiting the kid space.

Mildew

• Brick can develop moss, mold and mildew growth, which can be detrimental to your family’s health, if it is not properly cared for. To avoid this problem, give your brick patio occasional attention and maintenance with a power washer. A scrubbing with a bleach and water mixture will help if the growth persists.

Cleaning

• Some other outdoor materials are easier to clean and maintain than brick. Some materials, such as wood and tile, require only a sweeping and mopping. Cleaning brick is not as constant, but it requires more hand scrubbing to retain the original color of the brick.

Safety

• Brick is a very hard surface and can be dangerous if placed in an area where children play. A child can suffer critical injuries if he falls on the brick surface. Safeguard the area by making it an adult-only area or going over guidelines with any guest's children. Brick can also become very slippery in icy weather, so take the precautions to protect your guests.

Surface

• Brick that is laid in a pattern often contains bricks that are of slightly different sizes, and this creates problems when attempting to create a level surface. This problem makes it harder and more expensive for builders to install. Bricks often contain a textured top, making it a flooring style that is not suitable for barefoot outdoor expeditions.