Types of Brick Paving

Brick paving can add a touch of class and quality to the patio, courtyard or front drive of any building, be it commercial or residential. Paving can be tricky and there are many variables that can mean the difference between a quality finish and a surface that will end up cracked and weed ridden in a matter of years. It is worthwhile then to go with a reputable brick paving company and not just your local brick layer. The intricacies of brick paving go beyond those of laying bricks for a vertical wall as one has to consider, soil/rock type beneath the paving, drainage, surface levelling and the possibility of plant life growing back.

The two main types of bricks used for brick paving are interlocking or standard rectangular. Interlocking bricks are designed to fit together in a way that will minimize movement and can be laid without mortar. These are laid on a bed of soil and aggregator and although they don't need mortar they still require a certain amount of skill to lay properly. The standard rectangular bricks are similar to normal brick except by appearance. They would have been baked differently to give them a more appealing finish as they will not be covered with plaster and paint.

Traditional brick paving is made from clay, water, aggregate and sand. The colour of the bricks varies depending on the colour and origin of the clay. The bricks will normally have a rich red or terra cotta colour as this is the most common colour of clay. Some brick paving companies have started using the concrete bricks as an alternative. These are often cheaper and longer lasting, the brick paving company will often use dies to colour the concrete to that of bricks to try and create the desired effect, it is however very difficult to replicate the look and feel of natural, baked clay.

The primary benefit of interlocking bricks is that they require no mortar which means the process of having them installed means they leave very little mess. Many people also prefer the smoother finish that they create due to the fact that each round edged brick is pushed as closely to its neighbour as possible. The smoother finish of interlocking bricks also creates a more pleasant surface for walking on and may be more desirable if one has small children that play outside. The advantage of standard bricks is that they allow more freedom of design due to the fact that they don't have to interlock. The mortar in between each brick gives freedom of movement to lay the bricks at different angles and in different patterns.