Brick has been used in outdoor spaces for millenia across the globe. It’s practical, durable, and looks great.

Basic points to know about brick for patios:

• Cost: $25-$50 per square foot, typically
• Installation time: about 3-7 days for most residential projects
• Lifespan: 25+ years with proper installation

With 30 years of experience installing brick patios throughout the Twin Cities, our team has the expertise to handle projects of any size and complexity. We take pride in our attention to detail, clean job sites, and impressive finished work.

Contact us to get started on your brick patio project, or read below to learn more about brick as a patio material, and how it compares to other popular choices.

About the Bricks Used for Patios

Bricks used in patios are different from those used in building walls. They are technically called “brick pavers” and are made specifically for ground surfaces, with extra strength to handle foot traffic and outdoor furniture.

Patio bricks come in a variety of colors, from classic red-brown, to tan, grey, and charcoal. This lets them complement most house colors and landscaping styles.

The Brick Patio Installation Process

Our brick patio installation includes these steps:

• Design. We work with you to create a design you’ll love.
• Site preparation and grading. This is the start of a solid foundation for the patio.
• Installation of a compacted gravel and sand base. This helps keep the bricks level and in place long-term.
• Placement of brick pavers in the selected pattern. Your patio takes shape.
• Installation of edge restraints. These lock the edges in place.
• Filling joints with sand to secure the structure. The sand works its way between the bricks, locking them together while still allowing a little movement to prevent cracking.

Bricks vs. Alternative Materials for Patios

If you’re considering different materials, here’s how they compare:

Brick vs. Concrete Pavers

Brick comes most commonly in those classic red-brown tones we all recognize, though you can find other colors too. Concrete pavers give you more color choices, as it is easier to mix pigment into concrete, than it is to find clay for bricks in unusual colors.

Maintenance-wise, brick is pretty straightforward: just sweep it and hose it down occasionally. Concrete needs a bit more attention, typically requiring resealing every few years to keep it looking fresh.

Both materials hold up well to furniture and foot traffic.

They’re in a similar range for cost. Concrete pavers run about $25-$75 per square foot, while brick generally costs $25-$50 per square foot.

Brick vs. Natural Stone

Natural stone has that one-of-a-kind look. Each piece has its own unique pattern and texture. Brick gives you a more consistent appearance with pieces that are uniform in size and color.

Both are low-maintenance materials that just need basic cleaning. The big difference is longevity and cost. Natural stone can last a century or more with proper installation, but you’ll pay more for it upfront, with prices starting around $50 per square foot and going up from there (and possibly way up, depending on the type of stone you choose).

Brick typically lasts 25+ years and costs less initially.

Brick vs. Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete is poured as a single slab and then imprinted with patterns to mimic other materials. This gives it a huge range of color and texture options. It can even look like brick.

Typically, stamped concrete costs $20-$50 per square foot installed, making it potentially more budget-friendly for larger patio areas.

For maintenance, it usually requires resealing every 2-3 years, to maintain its appearance and protect its decorative finish.

One practical difference between brick and stamped concrete is how they handle settling and movement. Bricks can shift slightly without cracking, and individual pieces can be replaced relatively easily if damaged. Because stamped concrete is poured in slabs, it is more difficult to repair damaged areas, and it can develop cracks over time in areas with ground movement.

Stamped concrete offers a great amount of design versatility and often lower initial costs, while brick provides excellent durability and easier repairs for the long term.

Common Questions about Brick Patios

What patterns are available for brick patios?
Popular patterns include herringbone, basket weave, running bond, and circular designs. We can show you examples during your consultation to help you choose what works best with your home’s style.

Can existing patios be converted to brick?
Yes, in many cases we can replace concrete or other materials with brick pavers. The process typically involves removing the old surface, putting in drainage, and installing the new brick patio.

Are there environmentally friendly aspects to choosing brick?
Made from natural clay, bricks are free from synthetic chemicals, and don’t release volatile organic compounds. Their long lifespan means fewer replacements and less material consumption over time than options like wood.

In addition, brick patios can form a semi-permeable surface that allows rainwater to filter through to the soil, reducing runoff and helping replenish groundwater.

When their lifecycle eventually ends, brick pavers can be recycled or repurposed, unlike some other hardscaping materials. The production of clay brick has also become more energy-efficient in recent decades, reducing its carbon footprint.

How long before I can use my brick patio—does it need time to settle in?
You can walk on your new brick patio immediately after installation. For furniture and heavier items, we recommend waiting 24-48 hours to allow the sand in the joints to settle completely.

Will my brick patio be slippery after it rains?
Brick provides good traction even in wet conditions, making it safer than some smoother patio surfaces. This natural texture is particularly beneficial around pool areas or in times of frequent rainfall.

How do brick patios perform in freeze/thaw cycles?
Individual bricks allow for slight movement during seasonal ground shifts without cracking. The sand-filled joints between bricks provide flexibility while maintaining structural integrity. Properly installed with the correct base depth, brick patios can withstand decades of Minnesota winters with minimal issues. The natural drainage between pavers also helps prevent water accumulation that could lead to frost heaving.

Is there any special maintenance needed for brick patios during winter months?
While brick patios are generally low-maintenance year-round, winter does require some special attention.

You can safely use plastic snow shovels on brick patios without damaging the surface. Most deicing products are safe to use on brick, but we recommend calcium-based products rather than rock salt, which can potentially damage the brick’s surface over time. Avoid metal shovels or sharp ice-breaking tools that might chip the pavers.

In spring, it’s a good idea to check if any sand has been displaced from the joints and add more if needed, as winter conditions sometimes wash away some of the sand.

How does the color of brick patios hold up over time? Do they fade?
Bricks maintain their color remarkably well. The color of clay brick goes all the way through, not just on the surface. This means that even if minor surface wear occurs, the color remains consistent. You may notice a slight mellowing of the color over the first few years, but this usually results in a pleasant, established look rather than a faded appearance. The natural clay minerals that give brick its color are stable and UV-resistant, which is why centuries-old brick structures still display vibrant colors.

Can brick patios be installed on a slope or uneven ground?
Yes, we have two effective approaches for sloped yards:

We can create level “terraces” using retaining walls, giving you flat patio areas at different heights connected by steps.

Or we can follow your yard’s natural slope, installing bricks that gently flow with the existing contour.

Either way, we pay special attention to drainage to protect your home’s foundation. Bricks are great for uneven terrain because their individual pieces adjust easily to different elevations.

Take the next step – onto beautiful brick

Contact Landscape Guys today to discuss your goals and to get an estimate. We serve the entire Twin Cities area and beyond.