Concrete vs. Brick Pavers: Which is Best for Your Driveway?

So, you’re staring at your driveway, wondering whether to go with concrete or brick pavers. It’s a solid question—literally. Whether you’re redoing an old one or starting fresh, picking the right type of paver matters more than you’d think. A driveway isn’t just a place to park your car—it’s the first thing people see when they pull up. And you probably don’t want it cracking, crumbling, or turning into a mini swimming pool after a rainstorm.

If you want something affordable and durable, concrete pavers win.

If you care more about looks and long-term value, brick pavers are worth the extra cost.

Brick is more eco-friendly, but concrete gives you more design flexibility.

Concrete can handle more wear and tear but may crack more easily.

Brick costs more upfront but tends to age better.

In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of concrete and brick pavers, compare cost, durability, maintenance, and appearance, and help you figure out which one makes the most sense for your driveway.

How They’re Made (And Why That Matters)

Concrete pavers are made from a mix of cement, sand, gravel, and water. They’re poured into molds, cured, and ready to go. These things are strong, uniform, and can be made in just about any color or shape.

Brick pavers, on the other hand, are made from clay that’s baked in a kiln. They’ve been around for centuries. You’ve seen them in historic districts—and for good reason. They age well and hold up to time (and bad drivers).

Fact: Brick pavers aren’t the same as regular bricks. They’re fired at higher temperatures and are designed to take more abuse, like car tires and winter frost.

Appearance

Looks matter especially if you want your driveway to match the style of your house.

Brick Pavers:

A classic, timeless look.

Rich earthy tones (mostly reds, browns, and deep oranges).

Ages beautifully. It actually looks better over time.

Concrete Pavers:

More design options (colors, shapes, finishes).

It can mimic stone, brick, or even wood.

Modern and sleek if that’s your thing.

Quick Tip: If you’re going for that charming, older-home feel—brick is your best bet. For a clean, contemporary look, concrete offers more flexibility.

Durability

Both types are tough, but they wear differently over time.

Concrete:

Strong, can handle heavy vehicles.

More prone to cracking under extreme freeze-thaw cycles.

It may fade over time if not sealed.

Brick:

Less likely to crack—more likely to chip.

Holds color better than concrete.

It can shift or loosen over time, especially without a proper base.

Concrete vs. Brick Paver Durability

Feature	Concrete Pavers	Brick Pavers
Crack Resistance	Fair	Good
Chip Resistance	Good	Fair
Color Retention	Medium (can fade)	High
Load Bearing	Excellent	Good
Freeze-Thaw Tolerance	Medium	High

Maintenance

No one wants a high-maintenance driveway. You’ve got enough chores already.

Concrete:

Needs sealing every few years to avoid stains and fading.

Weeds can pop up in joints if you’re not using polymeric sand.

Brick:

Usually, it doesn’t need sealing.

Easier to replace individual bricks if one gets damaged.

Still get weeds, though (nobody escapes them).

Suggestion: Use polymeric sand between joints to block weed growth and stop ants from throwing a party in your driveway.

Eco-Friendliness

If you’re the type who brings your own reusable bags to the store—this one’s for you.

Brick pavers are more sustainable. They’re made from natural clay and last a long time.

Concrete pavers use more energy to produce and don’t break down as naturally. That said, many brands offer recycled or eco-friendly concrete options.

Installation

This isn’t exactly a DIY project unless you really know what you’re doing.

Concrete pavers are quicker to install because they’re uniform.

Brick pavers take more time since they can vary slightly in size and shape.

Most folks hire pros—and honestly, that’s smart. A poor install job can lead to drainage issues, shifting, and uneven surfaces.

Conclusion

So, which should you choose? Here’s the short version:

✔️ If you want affordable, customizable, and strong—go with concrete pavers.
✔️ If you want a classic style, better aging, and eco-points—go with brick pavers.

They’re both solid choices. It comes down to what you care about more: cost, flexibility, looks, and longevity.

FAQ

What lasts longer—brick or concrete pavers?

Brick pavers can last longer if they’re installed well. They don’t fade as much and hold up well to the weather.

Do brick pavers crack like concrete?

Not usually. They’re more likely to chip at the edges, but they don’t crack in big slabs like poured concrete.

Are concrete pavers slippery when wet?

Depends on the finish. Textured or brushed finishes are safer. Avoid smooth or glossy ones for driveways.

Can I mix brick and concrete pavers?

Yes! Some people use brick as borders and concrete in the center for a mix of style and strength.

How do I stop weeds from growing in the pavers?

Use polymeric sand between the joints. It hardens when wet and blocks weed growth.