Brick Paving
Choosing brick or flagstone for your pavement can add beauty, warmth and curb appeal; compared to the cold, harshness of concrete. Also, concrete will eventually crack, erode and need replacing; where if you have a brick paver that cracks you can simply remove and replace it with ease. With proper installation and maintenance, your brick patio or brick walkway will last indefinitely. We won't kid you! Brick can be as much as three times as expensive as concrete and may not be the choice for you if you require basic functionality but your return on your investment can be immeasurable. A brick patio or brick walkway can drastically enhance your home and landscape's appearance. Many precautions in brick patio or walkway construction must be made due to the environment and soil conditions we have in Michigan. Water and frost upheaval are brick pavers worst nightmares! Please check out our construction techniques that we use for brick pavers below to learn more.
Stamped Concrete vs Pavers
A lot of people are under the impression that stamped concrete is cheaper and superior to pavers, which is not true. The pricing is actually very competitive and sometimes cheaper for pavers. While it is nice, there are only so many stencil patterns to stamp with, and with pavers there’s so many options for mixing patterns and paver styles to create unique finishes.
Stamped concrete if done correctly, can actually end up costing more also. Between the initial cost and upkeep of sealing it every 2 years. Not to mention if it cracks on you, you have to repair the whole thing or a huge section. And it will never blend back in, you’ll always know where the repair area was.
Now with pavers, if one cracks, you simply take the damaged piece out and replace with new, costing maybe $5-40 where stamped concrete repairs could be in the hundreds or thousands. When installed correctly, a paver patio or walkway can last upwards of 15plus years. If there’s ever any movement, all that has to be done is a simple resetting and not a replacement like concrete. So if you’re on the fence about which to do, just remember both are equally beautiful, but which would you rather spend the investment on.
What does it involve?
• 6" Minimum depth of 23A road gravel compacted in 2" lifts
• Consideration of drainage problems for every site. We take every precaution to eliminate as much water from the area of your brick patio or walkway.
• We use polymeric jointing sand which helps to eliminate weeds, pest damage, and erosion. Polymeric sand sets up similar to a mortar creating a solid joint between your bricks.
• Consideration of what you are using the space for. This can help in the decision of what size your patio or walkway should be.
• Use of brick from the best manufacturers such as Unilock, Belgard, Hanson, Sandstar, Alan Block, Glen Gary Clay Pavers and Belden Clay Pavers.
• Intuitive and creative design with endless possibilities of pattern and colors to choose from.
• Create a rustic look with natural flagstone. We use the same construction techniques as brick installation. Natural flagstone patios and walkways can be less informal while adding charm to your landscape.
