Brick pavers and stamped concrete are similar materials in terms of their use. They both create great walking areas that can take a beating and are pleasing to the eye. Keep reading to find out what sets them apart from one another and which is right for your business in 2022. 

Brick Pavers

Perhaps the best feature of brick pavers is their resistance to cracking. Since brick pavers are made of tiny interlocked pieces placed individually it is unlikely that any cracks will develop over time. What’s more, if a crack does develop it is pretty easy and cost-effective to have them repaired. Sometimes it is as easy as lifting a few pieces and adding more sand to sure up the crack. Pieces can also be replaced for a relatively low price. And since brick pavers are mass-produced using standardized specifications it is unlikely that anyone will even be able to tell any were replaced. 

Brick pavers, however, come with a few downsides. Since each piece is settled individually unevenness can occur that can lead to people tripping if they aren’t paying attention. Weeds can also snake their way through a gap in between pieces. Brick pavers are more expensive than stamped concrete on average. The sun also makes the color of the brick fade after some time, this can make replacements a little more noticeable. It is good practice to add sand to brick pavers periodically, which can be a problem for some businesses. 

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete is more cost-effective and requires less maintenance compared to brick pavers. No sand needs to be added, and the installation is cheaper. An area of stamped concrete only needs to be serviced every couple of years depending on the stress being put on it on a daily basis. Stamped concrete does not lend itself to the growth of weeds or unevenness. It is also easier to add markings like parking spaces, traffic instructions, etc. to stamped concrete. 

Stamped concrete comes with its own set of drawbacks as well. Unlike brick pavers, stamped concrete is known to develop cracks. These cracks can also become large enough to require expensive repairs to be done. Stamped concrete is also created on a job-by-job basis. In other words, it is going to be very difficult to match the original color and makeup of the original installation if a repair needs to be done. 

Conclusion

There is no clear-cut winner here. The choice of stamped concrete or brick pavers comes down to your business and your needs. If you need specific markings painted onto the surface, go with concrete. If you need a surface that will almost never crack, go with brick pavers. Consulting a paving company and letting them know your requirements is the best way to find out which is best for you if you are having trouble deciding. 

Our Services

Looking for a new asphalt parking lot or have questions on aftercare? Pro-Pave, Inc. is a premier commercial concrete and asphalt paving company serving general contractors, property managers, and HOAs in the Mid-Atlantic. We are Class A-licensed, VDOT-certified, and fully bonded/insured for jobs of all sizes. 

We work with many commercial clients, including federal, state, and local governments; commercial property owners; K-12 schools; higher education institutions; military groups; retail stores; and more.

Visit our website or contact us to learn more about our services.