Clay pavers (often referred to as brick pavers) and concrete pavers look similar at first glance, and they are both durable options with little maintenance required. But after that first glance, there are many differences to consider:
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Clay: Traditional, kiln-fired bricks
Concrete: Mimic the look of bricks -
Clay: Clay
Concrete: Portland cement and aggregates -
Clay: Durable
Concrete: Extremely durable -
Clay: Limited
Concrete: More color choices -
Clay: 20% more costly
Concrete: 20% less expensive -
Clay: Multi-purpose
Concrete: High-traffic areas -
Clay: Less eco-friendly
Concrete: More eco-friendly
Appearance & Materials
While you may come across concrete pavers that mimic the look of brick, technically, these are not bricks. The word “brick” is often used to describe a brick-like shape—not necessarily the material.
Brick pavers are made from kiln-fired clay, whereas concrete pavers can be fashioned to mimic the look of traditional clay bricks. Concrete pavers are made with Portland cement and aggregates (sand and gravel). Image Source: Unilock
Read More: Brick Paver Walkway Ideas
Uses for Pavers
Clay pavers have been used for centuries as an all-purpose building material. Outdoors, this material is commonly used on patios, walkways, and in retaining walls—but less commonly in high-traffic areas.
For hardscape features that will see a lot of traffic, concrete pavers are often preferred; the Portland cement in concrete pavers improves compressive strength, making this an extremely durable choice.
Both clay and concrete pavers complement many architectural styles, from traditional to ultramodern. And concrete pavers are revered for their durability, longevity, and versatile aesthetic appeal.
Related: 6 Unilock Patio Pavers for Modern Macomb, MI, Hardscapes
Cost & Installation
Clay pavers can be as much as 20 percent more costly than concrete pavers of similar quality, partly due to installation.
Specifically, the process of cutting clay pavers can be more involved than that of their concrete counterparts, adding to the price of labor. They’re also more varied in size, while concrete pavers are identical, facilitating more efficient installation.
Color & Fading
Because their pigment comes from natural clays, clay pavers are limited in choice of colors. That said, the available colors are gorgeous, especially in the sunlight. Best of all, they are also stain and fade resistant, so they will retain that beautiful color for years.
With concrete pavers, you have more color choices, but if they are left unsealed, some pavers’ colors may fade from UV rays. That said, many homeowners find sealing unnecessary and in fact prefer to see their pavers mature naturally. (If you do seal, the sealant must be reapplied every 3 to 5 years to maintain colorfastness.)
Related: 4 Different Types of Paving Stones and Their Advantages
Durability
Both clay and concrete pavers are durable options and, if properly installed, will last for generations.
In the unlikely event that damage occurs, the paver can be replaced without disturbing the rest of the hardscape.
Maintenance
There’s very little maintenance required with either paver choice. As mentioned, while some homeowners may choose to seal their concrete pavers periodically, others find natural weathering of brick pavers desirable.
Both clay and concrete pavers may require cleaning to extend their lifespans.
Eco-Friendliness
Concrete pavers may be chosen for their eco-friendly nature. Since they are dimensionally consistent, there is very little cutting or shaping needed during on-site installation, resulting in less waste. Why does it matter? There are long-term cost benefits! Eco-friendly options often require less maintenance and have longer lifespans, translating into cost savings over time.
Plus, properties with environmentally responsible features can have increased market value and appeal, as eco-friendliness is becoming an increasingly significant factor in consumer decisions. Because let’s not forget—there's personal responsibility and legacy. Homeowners increasingly recognize that their choices affect not just their immediate environment but also the broader ecological system, influencing future generations.
Wrapping Up and Getting Started
Still not sure about clay or concrete pavers for your next project? We’d love to hear from you.
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