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Brick Patio
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Tips
Warm, earthy brick is a classic material that blends readily with many styles of houses. Brick's durability makes it a favorite material for outdoor use, and its modular shape is ideal for building many structures, such as patio floors, planters, and garden walls. It comes in many colors and sizes, is moderately priced, and is readily available from home improvement centers, landscaping retailers, and masonry suppliers.
Types of Brick
Brick for exterior use comes in many grades and styles. The terms used to describe grades may differ from region to region; two of the most common grades are moderate weather (MW) and severe weather (SW). MW bricks are the less expensive option, although they are more porous and less uniform in size. A porous brick absorbs water. If exposed to low temperatures, the absorbed water can expand as it freezes, causing the brick to chip or break. Although the material is still durable, the freeze/thaw cycle can take its toll over time. In damp conditions, such as perpetually shaded areas, MW brick encourages the growth of moss, a feature some people find charming.
As the name implies, SW bricks are made to withstand temperature extremes and high moisture conditions. They're also more resistant to stains caused by accidental spills of beverages or oily liquids.
Here are other kinds of brick:
Common Brick
Common brick is a general-purpose material that has many applications. Although it's used primarily for walls, it can be used for patios that don't get a lot of foot traffic, and for patios in mild climates that don't have temperature extremes. Common brick can be wire-cut, meaning it's uniformly square and has a rough texture on its face and smooth edges. Sandmold brick often is uneven in shape but has a smooth face that's easy to clean.
Paving Brick
Paving brick is made with dense clay and is fired at extremely high temperatures to produce a product that's especially hard and resistant to moisture. Paving brick is the most durable brick and is a good choice for patio surfaces.
Used Brick
Used brick is salvaged from demolished buildings. It has a worn, rustic character that many people find attractive. The added labor of salvage work means used brick often costs more than other types of brick. Because old brick usually has had many years of exposure to the elements, it might not be as hard and durable as new brick. One strategy for using old brick is to buy enough to have replacements if individual bricks crumble or break. Another idea is to make ancillary structures, such as walls and planters, from used brick and buy a paver of matching color to use throughout the patio field. Used brick might not be uniform in size, and it will vary in thickness from 21/2to 3 inches.
Clinker Bricks
Clinker bricks have imperfections caused by improper firing methods. Defects include irregular shapes, scorch marks, and pitting. Some suppliers offer inexpensive clinker bricks for use as decorative borders or as accents distributed randomly through a field of normal bricks.
