Choosing a material for your patio and pathways is a very important thing as they should both highlight the style and design and be durable and comfortable for walking. One of the best options here is brick. Brick pavers are a popular choice, but even they’re not perfect. In this roundup we’ll consider both advantages and disadvantages of getting a brick patio.
Brick Patio Pros
Modern bricks are very strong and durable, meaning they will last a long time. Bricks are more porous than natural stone, so if you spill something or it rains, the water will quickly soak into the ground or evaporate.
Bricks are low-maintenance. You just need to sweep them and wash off any stains with soapy water. They need to be resealed about every 3 years. If a brick gets damaged, it’s easy to replace just that one piece.
Bricks are made from natural materials like clay and shale, making them an environmentally friendly option.
The textured surface of bricks provides good traction, making them safe for walking even when wet.
Bricks maintain their color well over time, even with exposure to sunlight and weather elements.
This beautiful under the roof patio is clad with red brick, and white curtains and neutral furniture juxtapose it.
This classic red brick patio with a matching fountain, some black metal furniture and lovely raised garden beds with blooms is cool.
This large red brick patio styled with simple folding furniture, greenery and trees along it is amazing.
The large terrace is clad with red brick and pavers, with a dining space, wicker chairs and a wooden table plus lush white hydrangeas framing the space.
This lively and bright patio clad with red brick, living walls, potted greenery and blooms, a blue sofa with pillows, a coffee table with greenery.
Greenery and red brick juxtapose each other, a living wall is great for a brick space and wooden dining furniture cozies up the space.
This lovely outdoor space with a green lawn, potted plants and trees, a red brick patio with stained wooden furniture.
This peaceful outdoor space with a table and a wicker chair, lights over the space and a lot of greenery and trees around is quiet and relaxing.
The pretty side yard is done with red brick, with a roof and lights, greenery and potted plants around.
A chic and refined small terrace clad with brick, with raised garden beds, elegant white chairs and a table, potted greenery.
A glasshouse terrace is done with a hearth, a stained table, wicker chairs and potted greenery and flowers around.
The red brick house is paired with a red brick patio, wicker chairs, a metal table, some bright blooms and greenery around.
Brick Patio Cons
Brick pavers don’t offer a lot of design options. They come in a few colors and textures, and while you can create different designs with the layout, they aren’t very flexible. Some people think this is a downside, while others like the timeless look that never goes out of style.
Bricks can be expensive. When you calculate the cost, remember to include the price of sand, framing, and any equipment you might need to buy or rent, like a block splitter or wet saw.
Once you lay the bricks, it’s hard to change the design. If you want to change the size, style, or color of your patio in the future, it will be costly and difficult.
Weeds can grow between the bricks if the joints are not properly sealed or maintained.
In damp or shaded areas, bricks can develop moss or algae, which can make them slippery and require regular cleaning.
The red brick patio with a dining zone and a smaller nook with loungers hidden in the greenery is cool.
A red brick house and patio with shabby chic benches, green vines on top and lush potted greenery everywhere.
This relaxing outdoor space clad with brick, with dark-stained furniture, lights and a white bench in the corner of the garden.
The small backyard is styled with a green lawn and brick, with an outdoor dining room and a grill in the corner.
This small side yard features a Japanese garden and brick cladding, walls and gate covered with climbers.
This small yet refined outdoor space with greenery and trees, a fountain, some sitting furniture and decor welcomes in.
The sophisticated red brick space with black metal furniture and an elegant and refined English garden with blooms and greenery.
This sunlit backyard with wicker and wooden furniture, lush greenery, trees and climbers is welcoming.
A small terrace with tropical blooms and plants, wicker and rattan furniture, a coffee table is inviting and cool.
Neutral furniture, jute poufs, potted greenery and lights over the space compose a lovely outdoor nook.
This small backyard garden shows off greenery and blooms in garden beds, a brick path and a bench.
An exquisite and chic patio with a fountain, grey metal furniture, elegant topiaries and blooms and trees around.
How To Choose Brick For Your Patio?
Shape And Size
Most bricks come in the traditional “brick shape” in various sizes; you can also get round bricks, scallop-shaped bricks, and other shapes, which may be ideal for special applications.
Brick sizes make a big difference in design. Choose smaller, slender bricks for curved applications such as a rounded patio or curved walkway patterns, or decorative inlays; and larger, beefier bricks for spacious patios or driveways. Large bricks can speed up the process; however, using large bricks in small spaces can visually expand the space, while small bricks can make large patios feel more intimate.
Colors
When choosing colors, take design cues from the home. If you have a brick-sided home, avoid trying to match the patio pavers to it. This could instantly give your outdoor space a “too much!” feel. Instead, go for a complementary color, and mix up the sizes to give your outdoor spaces—and your home—their own character.
Also, consider monotone vs. multiple colors. You could blend up to three brick colors randomly on-site with stunning effect, but this may feel too busy for you, in which case you could opt for a simpler monotone design. Lighter colors generally make space feel larger, and darker colors generally make space feel smaller.
Consider the sun exposure: dark brick could become very hot in exposed areas, and light bricks can visually illuminate a heavily treed patio. Also, consider the surrounding vegetation. Light bricks tend to stand out while darker bricks will blend in. In general, mid-toned brick pavers are a good choice that would give you the best of both worlds. Look into taking home samples and see them in sunlight and rain (or hose them down). Moisture can enhance a brick’s colors, and you might find that a shade that looks great dry suddenly becomes too bold when wet.
Brick Patterns
- Herringbone is a classic pattern. It involves laying bricks at a 45-degree angle, creating a zigzag effect. It’s visually appealing and very strong, ideal for high-traffic areas.
- Basketweave alternates pairs of bricks laid horizontally and vertically, creating a woven appearance. It’s perfect for traditional and rustic looks.
- Running bond is when bricks are laid in staggered rows, creating a straightforward yet elegant design. It’s the easiest pattern to lay and probably the best choice if you DIY your patio.
- For a unique look, consider circular patterns, which are great for focal points like fire pits or garden features.
- Combine different patterns and sizes of bricks to make your patio even better looking.
This indoor-outdoor space is done with brick, with shabby chic furniture, lush green climbers and potted greenery and blooms.
A small terrace featuring greenery and trees, green chairs, a coffee table and some cool decor.
A small brick-clad deck with folding garden furniture, potted greenery, a tree and some topiaries.
Accent brick with some beautiful blooming groundcovers to soften the look and make your garden more relaxed and wild.
A wild-looking garden with greenery and blooms, a garden arbor seat and bricks accented with groundcovers for a more relaxed touch.
Building a red brick patio for a red brick house is a logical solution that will support the exterior of the house.
Elegant forged chairs and a table, a tree with potted succulents and greenery hanging on it and framing the staircase.
A modern farmhouse dining space outdoors, with chic chairs and a table, a cart and some herbs growing.
A brick deck with forged chairs and a table, a long pallet console done with potted ferns and some potted greenery in stumps.
A small lush green and flourishing garden with metal and wood furniture, potted plants is a peaceful nook.
A small red brick nook with folding furniture, greenery around and a brick fence that matches the floor.
Brick is a great ground cover for a fire pit, it's safe, budget-friendly and stylish.