Brick Paver Patio Vs. Concrete Patio

Brick

• Brick patios are a good choice for both aesthetic and longevity benefits. If you want your landscape and home's exterior to have a more classic and traditional look, brick works very well. Brick blends well with the design aesthetic of homes that have timeless design, such as colonial, Spanish, Craftsman or farmhouse style homes. Brick is also long lasting. The color never fades, and you can repair it easily by simply replacing bricks singularly versus having to repair an entire area or demolish the entire patio.

Concrete

• While concrete can be poured and laid for a patio for any style of home, concrete is an especially fine choice for homes that have a contemporary design. Its minimalist look creates a simplistic outdoor "flooring" that coordinates well with the absence or ornamentation that characterizes many contemporary homes. Concrete also provides the homeowner with a "canvass" for creativity. The concrete can be colored or stained to add color instead of just creating gray slabs. You can incorporate texture and patterns by stamping the concrete or creating a design that mimics the look of slate or flagstone.

Brick Patio Considerations

• Laying a brick patio will take longer than laying a concrete patio. For example, according to nationally syndicated home improvement columnist, Tim Carter, of Askthebuilder.com, a brick patio will take 100 to 150 hours for a person to complete alone as a DIY project. Another thing to consider is that a brick patio is not a "set it and forget it" proposition. Brick patios require ongoing maintenance. You have to watch for weeds, ants and moles and deploy herbicides and pesticides to eradicate invasions -- and more frequently than with a concrete patio. From an aesthetic standpoint, another disadvantage is that the surface of a brick patio will not be as level and smooth as a concrete patio. The unevenness might pose safety concerns for those who have elderly family members or children.

Concrete Patio Disadvantages

• Concrete patios have their own set of concerns. The major concern is cracks. Over time, a tiny spider crack can evolve and turn into additional cracks. The patio will have to be repaired and patched, and getting a perfect match in color is next to impossible. The problem of cracks is especially exacerbated when the patio has been stained or painted. Repairs will require a complete repainting or restaining of the entire patio so the colors will seamlessly match. Even if the patio is all gray, the new gray patch will be visible. Worst of all, if repairs are not taken care of quickly, the cracks will grow, requiring demolition of the patio and pouring new concrete for a new patio. While concrete may take less time to lay and is cheaper upfront, you may assume higher costs in terms of repairs.