Clay Brick Pavers Overview
NOLASCAPES designs and installs clay brick pavers throughout Greater New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana. Proper installation requires careful site preparation and skilled laying, particularly where new paving must connect with existing masonry, structures, or other hardscape surfaces.
Why Choose Clay Brick Pavers?
One of the main differences between clay brick and many concrete pavers is how the material gets its color. Clay brick is fired from naturally colored clay, so the color extends through the body of the brick rather than depending on a surface layer or applied color. As the surface wears, the underlying color remains, reducing the fading that can occur with some dyed or surface-colored concrete products.Clay brick also offers natural variation from unit to unit, strong resistance to normal surface wear, and the ability to replace individual pavers when necessary. Its established appearance makes it particularly useful when new paving needs to coordinate with brick façades, walls, columns, steps, or other masonry.
Brick generally costs more than concrete pavers and requires greater skill and labor to install correctly. It also offers fewer sizes, shapes, and colors than many manufactured concrete paver collections. For projects where long-term color, durability, and compatibility with existing architecture are priorities, however, those characteristics can make clay brick a strong choice.
Brick Paver Patterns & Layouts
Most clay brick installations rely on a small group of proven laying patterns rather than an extensive range of decorative shapes. Running bond, herringbone, and basket weave can each create a distinct appearance while retaining the traditional character associated with brick paving.Running bond provides a simple, linear layout that works well for walkways, courtyards, and areas adjoining brick structures. Basket weave creates a more decorative traditional pattern, while herringbone introduces stronger visual movement and can be effective for entries and other prominent paved areas.
The pattern also influences borders, cuts, transitions, and material quantities, so it should be considered as part of the overall paving design rather than selected on appearance alone.
Where Clay Brick Pavers Work Best
The characteristics of clay brick make it better suited to some applications and design styles than others.Courtyards are a natural fit for brick because its scale, texture, and traditional patterns work well in defined outdoor spaces. Borders or changes in pattern can also help distinguish circulation and gathering areas.
Entries and walkways can use brick to create a clear connection between the landscape and the building. Careful grading and transitions are especially important where paving meets steps, thresholds, adjoining surfaces, or planting areas.
Patios and smaller gathering spaces are also suitable applications when a project calls for the established character of brick rather than the larger formats and broader range of finishes available with concrete pavers.
The final material choice should account for anticipated use, loads, drainage, surrounding materials, and maintenance requirements.
Installing Clay Brick Pavers
Long-term performance begins with the installation below the finished surface. The site must be excavated and prepared with a suitable base, proper grading, drainage, and edge restraint for the intended application.The bricks are then laid according to the selected pattern, with particular attention to alignment and joint consistency. Perimeter pieces and transitions are cut to fit, edges are secured, and the joints are filled with the appropriate material to help stabilize the completed paving.
Existing brickwork can require additional planning because dimensions, colors, weathering, and elevations may differ from new materials. These conditions should be evaluated before installation so transitions can be detailed appropriately.
Maintaining Clay Brick Pavers in Southeast Louisiana
The warm, humid climate of Greater New Orleans can encourage algae and moss growth on brick paving, particularly in shaded areas that remain damp or receive limited airflow.Periodic cleaning can remove this buildup and help maintain the surface. Cleaning methods and pressure should be appropriate for clay brick and the joint material to avoid damaging the pavers or unnecessarily washing material from the joints.
Joint material can gradually be lost through weather, cleaning, drainage, and regular use. When joints become low or open, they should be refilled with the appropriate material to maintain support between the pavers. Periodic inspection can also identify isolated settlement, loose edge units, or drainage problems that may require attention.
Start Your Clay Brick Paver Project
NOLASCAPES provides clay brick paver installation throughout Greater New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana for projects requiring experienced installation and careful attention to detail.Contact NOLASCAPES today at 504-330-8479 or via our online form to discuss your project and request a consultation.