What Are Brick Pavers?
- Brick pavers are made of fired clay and shale. The pavers are molded and pressed into shape by hand or machine. The clay is then fired at temperatures of nearly 2,000 degrees F, tightly bonding the particles together. The firing process makes the brick pavers extremely strong and durable.
- Paving bricks can withstand up to 12,000 pounds of pressure per square inch, making them one of the sturdiest construction substances available. Their density not only gives them strength and durability, it makes them impervious to stains. Brick pavers are also low-maintenance, requiring only to be sealed about once every two years.
- Because of the variety of sizes and shapes of pavers and the number of configurations in which they can be laid, there are numerous designs possible when making a patio, sidewalk or driveway with brick pavers. The pavers may be installed with or without mortar. They can be installed in patterns including ''jack on jack'' (laid in a uniform line horizontally and vertically), basketweave, herringbone or running band, to name just a few.
- Brick pavers usually come in face sizes of 4 by 8 inches. Other sizes also are available, including 3 5/8 by 7 5/8 inches, or 3 3/4 by 7 1/2 inches. The thickness of the pavers can vary and typically ranges between 1 1/4 inches thick to 2 1/4 inches thick. The most widely used paver is 2 1/4 inches thick.
- All brick pavers are made of clay. Though concrete pavers may resemble brick pavers, they are not the same. Concrete pavers are made of cement and aggregate and do not possess the colorfast properties of brick pavers. Brick retains its natural color because it is inherent in the clay. Pigment is added to concrete pavers and can fade over time.