A patio is a great addition to your property. It can be an area where you and your family and friends can relax and enjoy each other’s company. There is nothing quite like the European feel of a cold drink on a hot day, sitting on your stylish patioed terrace.
However, if you are currently adding one to your home, you are probably a little overwhelmed by all the choices you have to make. First, there is the question of where you put it. Then after that is decided, you have to pick a particular style.
In terms of type or style, you can go for a concrete patio or a brick patio. Of course, there are other options, but for this article, we are going to focus on these two popular patio styles.
What Are Concrete and Brick Patios?
A concrete patio is built using poured concrete. The wet material eventually dries and forms a single slab. It is one of the most common patio styles in the country.
Its popularity is due to its versatility, enabling property owners to achieve the look they want. It can be molded into different geometric shapes. Texture or patterns can also be added for safety and aesthetic purposes.
Meanwhile, a brick patio is built using brick pavers. The pavers are manufactured using clay and heated at high temperatures. They come in various colors, textures and shapes.
Unlike the bricks on garden walls, those used to build patios are solid without holes or gaps. Brick patios are very durable and exude a classic appearance.
Brick Patio vs Concrete Patio: Installation Costs
Clearly, you cannot go wrong with either type as each has its benefits. The choice boils down to your design preference and budget. So, which of the two is more affordable?
In terms of installation costs, poured concrete is cheaper. This is quite obvious as installing it is labor-intensive. Plus, the material itself is cheaper – around $6 to $10 per square meter.
For a brick patio, the material costs around $14 to $20 per square foot. Meanwhile, labor fees range from $10 to $20 per square foot. Moreover, you can expect higher material costs and labor fees if you go for a brick patio with more sophisticated designs or built using expensive bricks.
While installation costs for a brick patio are more expensive, you can be certain that you will be getting better value in the long run.
Brick Patio vs Concrete Patio: Upkeep Costs
Concrete patios may be cheaper to install but can cost you a great deal more over time because of repairs and other maintenance works.
For example, repairing just a single area is difficult when it is damaged. What’s usually done is to change the entire slab, which can be expensive. It can also be a pain, as the area around your home is disrupted for a longer time.
The same cannot be said of brick patios because they are easy and relatively cheaper to repair. Usually, you would just have to remove and replace the damaged brick or paver.
To add, maintaining brick patios is not time-consuming and expensive, unlike concrete patios. Aside from removing weeds and dirt, you just need to wash them at least twice a year. It is also highly recommended that you seal them every after wash.
With regular maintenance, brick patios can last for 25 years or more. Hence, they offer great value for money.
Thinking of installing a brick patio in your New Jersey home? Let professional patio installers do the job! Call us now on +1 732 402 7902 or click here to request a free quote.