Clark Kent Creations -- Swarthmore, PA. Landscape Design and Construction, Hardscaping, Patios
  • Home
  • Services/Photos
    • Hardscaping >
      • A Flagstone Walkway -- The Process
      • Stone Steps -- The Process
    • Wood Fences
    • Exterior Carpentry
  • About
  • Community

She's a Brick -- Patio. She's Mighty, Mighty...

3/2/2012

16 Comments

 
With the weather starting to break and spring nearly here, homeowners are beginning to think about their landscaping projects for the year.  And when it comes to hardscaping, material selection is an important component of that planning.  One of my personal favorite materials, which unfortunately is often overlooked, is good old fashioned kiln-fired bricks.
Picture
Wet-set Brick Pathway, Herringbone Pattern
Picture
Dry-set Brick Path, Recycled Bricks, Running Bond Pattern
It’s important to differentiate between the term “brick” vs. a more modern paver stone product.  Bricks are typically made from a combination of shale and clay, hand or machine molded, and kiln-fired to achieve the appropriate strength and color.  Compare this to a more modern paver stone product, which is typically concrete-based in its make-up.  While paver stones are certainly an option worth considering for your project, for the sake of this post I’d like to focus solely on the use of traditional bricks.

Bricks are an incredibly versatile, durable, environmentally friendly, affordable material, available in a wide range of colors and sizes.  They go well with just about every style of garden or architecture.  From formal English gardens to rustic retreats, arts and crafts style to Spanish mission style, bricks are a workhorse of a material that never looks out of place.  They are a timeless design choice that have been used for centuries by a variety of cultures.  And they complement quite well with just about any other building material out there.

Bricks can be used in both dryset and wetset applications for flatwork, set in a number of patterns based on your design preferences, and used not just for flatwork but for outdoor fireplaces, raised planter beds, deck or porch support columns, bedding edging, and a number of other outdoor uses.

The color options for brick are not just limited to the traditional brick red.  Most brick colors tend to be on the red side of the spectrum, including browns, pinks, oranges, and tans, however additional colors are available including blues and whites often for just a few pennies more a piece.  Most bricks measure roughly 4” x 8” x 2.5”, however those sizes change slightly based on the specific type of brick and the intended installation methods.  “Paver” bricks (not to be confused with paver stones) measure a true 4” x 8”, allowing for tight joints with no spacing in dryset applications.  “Modular” bricks measure approximately 3 5/8” x 7 5/8”, allowing for joint spacing, and “standard” bricks measure roughly 3 5/8” x 8” allowing for joints in one dimension.  Additional sizes are also available based on your design and installation.

Most new bricks run between 65 and 80 cents apiece, translating to roughly between $3 to $3.50 a square foot.  Many suppliers also offer used or salvaged bricks that I’ve seen as low as 30 cents apiece.  Compare those costs with paver stones, that typically run about $4 a square foot for materials, or flagstone that starts around $6.50 a square foot, and you can see why bricks are an affordable choice.

But what do I like most of all about brick?  It’s the artisan look that combines a naturally made earthen material with manmade structures.  After all, what is a garden but man’s imprint on nature.  It’s a timeless look that allows for personal expressionism.  Just as in nature, no two snowflakes or rocks are the same, no two handcrafted bricks are the same either.  Sure you may find more perfectionism in manmade paver stones or concrete, but what true better way to express yourself than with brick.
16 Comments
Brooks link
3/2/2012 07:41:23 am

I love the look of old street bricks recycled into paths and patio. A number of years ago all the brick streets were pulled up and residents were able to get all they wanted for a really low price- they just had to go pull them out of the pile.

We laid brick as edging, for patios and paths, for driveway loading zones, garbage pads, you name it!

Reply
Clark link
3/2/2012 10:12:48 am

I totally agree! Old bricks just make the site feel permanent and comfortable. And using recycled bricks is the ultimate in green building! It sure is nice when you can find a big source of used bricks like the one you described.

Reply
matt s link
3/10/2012 12:44:29 pm

I'm in agreement with your feelings on brick Clark. Its hard to match the character of nice brick used as paving!

Reply
Erik link
3/11/2012 12:53:18 am

I am a fan of bricks as paving, except mud sticks to them and cant really be cleaned well. the soil gets into the "pores".



that around here we often walk places with mud

Reply
Building replacement cover link
8/21/2012 08:29:37 am

Could not be written any better. Looking over this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept discussing this. I will forward the next few paragraphs to him. Fairly certain he can have a very good read. Many thanks sharing!

Reply
www.apietigconcrete.com link
9/28/2012 08:20:52 am

This post was very well written, and it also contains a lot of useful facts. I enjoyed your distinguished way of writing the post. Thanks, you have made it easy for me to understand.

Reply
Aussie Concreters of Seaford link
1/28/2022 07:16:42 am

While paver stones are certainly an option worth considering for your project, for the sake of this post I’d like to focus solely on the use of traditional bricks. I truly appreciate your great post!

Reply
Jessie Holloway link
11/8/2022 04:08:20 pm

I love how you talk about how versatile the material is. My sister has been thinking about using brick for her house project. So she's been looking to hire and work with a masonry company.

Reply
Columbusgaconcreteservice.com link
4/9/2023 07:54:03 pm

I appreciate the effort you put into this but the post is mostly nonsense and covers a very thin argument. I suggest you beef up your info bank first so you can come up with a more decent entry next time. ciao

Reply
Tarmac Driveway Tunbridge Wells, Kent link
1/9/2024 07:39:01 am

This is a helpful guide for homeowners planning their landscaping projects, emphasizing the often overlooked benefits of traditional kiln-fired bricks for hardscaping.

Reply
TARMAC | TAR & CHIP | RESIN | BLOCK PAVING DRIVEWAYS IN RAMSGATE link
1/24/2024 05:32:38 am

This post provides valuable insights into the benefits of choosing traditional bricks for landscaping. The range of colors, durability, and artisan look make them a standout material, especially considering the affordability.

Reply
TARMAC | TAR & CHIP | RESIN | BLOCK PAVING DRIVEWAYS IN EASTBOURNE link
1/31/2024 05:28:07 pm

This is a great exploration of landscaping material options – thanks for sharing! The appreciation for the artisan look, versatility, and unique qualities of kiln-fired bricks, coupled with the cost-effectiveness, provides homeowners with valuable considerations as they plan their landscaping projects for the upcoming spring season.

Reply
TARMAC | TAR & CHIP | RESIN | BLOCK PAVING DRIVEWAYS IN MAIDSTONE link
2/6/2024 05:21:24 am

Bricks are environmentally friendly, affordable, and come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them suitable for various design styles and applications.

Reply
TARMAC | TAR & CHIP | RESIN | BLOCK PAVING DRIVEWAYS IN CANTERBURY link
2/21/2024 04:02:17 am

The affordability and aesthetic appeal of bricks make them a standout option for homeowners considering hardscaping materials. Their unique, artisanal look adds character and individuality to outdoor spaces.

Reply
TARMAC | TAR & CHIP | RESIN | BLOCK PAVING DRIVEWAYS IN TENTERDEN link
4/10/2024 11:01:01 pm

This thorough examination of landscaping material options is greatly appreciated – thank you for sharing! The recognition of the artisanal appearance, versatility, and distinctive characteristics of kiln-fired bricks, combined with their cost-effectiveness, offers homeowners valuable insights as they prepare for their landscaping projects in the upcoming spring season.

Reply
TARMAC | TAR & CHIP | RESIN | BLOCK PAVING DRIVEWAYS IN RYE link
5/13/2024 06:48:40 pm

"This is very helpful and interesting, thanks for sharing! The cost comparison between bricks and other materials like paver stones and flagstone is quite useful. Bricks' unique, handcrafted appearance adds a personal touch to any design."

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Company

    Clark Kent Creations, LLC is a full-service landscape construction company servicing the Pennsylvania communities of Delaware County, Chester County, The Main Line, and the University City, Art Museum, and Manayunk/Roxborough neighborhoods of Philadelphia.  In addition to this blog page, additional information regarding the company and our services can be found on the subsequent pages of the site.
    Picture

    Author

    Clark Linderman is the president of Clark Kent Creations, LLC, a landscape construction company based in Swarthmore, PA.  He is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.  In addition to his passion for all things outdoors, he counts Michigan football, Phillies baseball, Superman memorabilia, Memphis R&B music, and good craft brews among his many interests.  He currently resides in Swarthmore with his wife, Sheila, two sons, his dog Krypto, and a really, really messy garage full of work supplies and toys.

    Picture
    Contact Us:
    Clark Kent Creations, LLC
    Swarthmore, PA
    Design and Construction to Maximize Your Outdoor Experience

    707-290-9410
    [email protected]
    Serving Delaware County, PA

    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Categories

    All
    Business And The Front Office
    Carpentry
    Environmental Issues
    Fencing
    Guest Posts
    Hardscaping
    Inspiration And Design Ideas
    Places & Local Interest
    Ramblings
    Seasonal
    Snack Break
    Water Features

    Archives

    July 2015
    September 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011

    Like my Blog?

    If you like the content of my blog posts, here are a few other blogs that I check in on regularly:

    Stone Soup:  A Master Stone Mason shares his craft.

    Arcadia Gardens:  Plenty of great tips about horticulture and landscape design.  A great blog (even though she's an MSU Spartan!)

    Revolutionary Gardens:  A Virginia-based landscape designer shares his work and ideas.

    Rockin Walls:  A certified dry stone mason from Maryland shares his projects and tricks of the trade

    If you have or know of a blog that you think I might be interested in, just let me know.  If I like it I just may add it to the list!

    RSS Feed

    All content ©2013
    Clark Kent Creations, LLC
Proudly powered by Weebly