Bricks are one of the oldest building materials we have available today. For that reason, it is one of the first materials that cross our minds when thinking about hardscape design. But, as beautiful and versatile as they are, can we use regular bricks as pavers?
Well, in fact, there are some types of bricks that indeed can be used as pavers, while others are made for a completely different purpose. So, before we can answer that question, we must first talk about the two main types of bricks.
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Can You Use Regular Bricks as Pavers? – The Two Types of Bricks
There are mainly two different types of bricks: face bricks and clay bricks.
The face bricks are the ones usually used in the construction of houses. They are designed to be stacked vertically. These bricks are the ones that have holes through the center.
Whereas clay bricks are the ones that are solid with no holes and a flat surface. They are much more resistant than face bricks and are the ones that are recommended to be used as pavers.
Clay bricks are more resistant not only in their structure. They can stand up to the potential freeze-thaw cycles that might happen in the harshest conditions.
Some of them are also wire-cut, which means you have a brick with a rough extruded structure, preventing it from getting slippery, something that is essential for a paver.
So now you know that, as long as it is clay bricks, you are free to use them in the design of your paver patio. The face bricks, however, are not recommended.
Let’s now talk about some of the bricks you can use.
Types of Regular Paver Bricks
A quick disclaimer before we continue. When we say bricks we are talking about the real ones, made out of clay. There are a lot of manufacturers who create “bricks” out of concrete and dye them to look like natural bricks.
While concrete bricks are way more resistant and cheap, they are not considered real bricks. Of course, they can still be used as pavers, and are arguably better than actual bricks.
When talking about true bricks, there’s not a lot of options you can choose from. The color variation will greatly vary depending on the region your bricks come from, but they will always have that brownish-red hue.
As for the design, not a lot of mystery there. They are all squared blocks that can vary only on their dimensions. Here is a list of some of the sizes you can most commonly find.
| Brick Size | Approximate Weight | Size (Inches) (Bed Depth X Height X Length) |
| Modular | 4.2 lbs. | 3-5/8″ x 2-1/4″ x 7-5/8″ |
| Standard | 4.5 lbs. | 3-5/8″ x 2-1/4″ x 8″ |
| Queen | 5.6 lbs. | 3-1/8″ x 2-3/4″ x 9-5/8″ |
| Roman | 4.7 lbs. | 3-5/8″ x 1-5/8″ x 11-5/8″ |
| Norman | 6.4 lbs. | 3-5/8″ x 2-1/4″ x 11-5/8″ |
| Utility | 10.2 lbs. | 3-5/8″ x 3-5/8″ x 11-5/8″ |
Maintenance of Brick Pavers
Brick pavers can last for years on end if properly cared for. For starters, it is recommended that you pressure wash them at least twice a year and clean them immediately if a spill occurs. Biodegradable soap can easily remove any stains, as well as any moss that starts growing on it.
Bricks can naturally absorb and release moisture, that’s what they are built for. If you have a proper installation, the drainage will not be a problem and your bricks will be perfectly fine.
However, it is still recommended that you seal your bricks after every pressure wash. And on that aspect, you have to be very careful in choosing the right kind of sealant for bricks.
You have to use a sealant designed specifically for bricks. They protect the brick without compromising the appearance and color. Stay away from the glossy finishers. If you want a shiny surface, go for the sealers who have a wet look design.
Cost of Brick Pavers
As we mentioned before, brick pavers are a little more expensive than concrete pavers. Concrete pavers will usually range from $3-$15 per square foot while brick pavers will usually stay between $10-$20 per square foot.
All that considering just the materials, without any other tools and materials you might need or considering hiring professional help, which is something you should actually consider.
Hiring professionals to do the job for you can prevent a lot of headaches and bad investments, as they can help you make the most optimal cost-benefit option.
Professional Help
If you happen to be around Sarasota, FL, the best professionals in the area can be found at JS Brick. For more than 20 years, they have been providing Sarasota with only the best materials and high-quality installation and maitance of pavers.
Give them a call right now at +1 941 586 9140 or send an email to [email protected] and schedule the visit of a professional.
