Concrete pavers may appear similar to their clay counterpart at the store but they are a very different product. Concrete pavers are similar to concrete blocks and consist of cement and aggregate. They are formed in molds and a vibration process provides the combined materials with a density strength of about 8,000 pounds per square inch. Like all concrete products they gain strength over time due to the curing or hardening of the cement. Colors other than gray are achieved by adding pigments to the mixture of cement and aggregate. The pigment added to concrete pavers can erode, eventually exposing the color of the aggregate and frequently resulting in a complete change from the original color of the paver. Dark pigments in particular can fade much more quickly. Unfortunately, once the color has faded, it is impossible to bring the color back to its original appearance without replacing the concrete paver.

Both brick and concrete pavers are manufactured with highly accurate dimensions and are available at most home improvement stores. Shopping malls and commercial real estate construction projects utilize concrete pavers, but they are used less frequently in upscale residential construction.  In upscale residential construction brick pavers provide an easy and affordable way to achieve a classic brick look, whether for a patio, walkway, garden, or other outdoor accent projects. Concrete pavers are particularly useful in cold climate areas for walkways, swimming pools and back yard patios because they stand up well to deep frost. They are not as moisture resistant as brick pavers but they can be sealed against absorbing moisture by simply brushing any good quality concrete sealer.

Sealing brick pavers or concrete pavers not only protect them from the elements it also keeps them looking new and beautiful. There are a number of finishes to choose from. If you prefer a natural look to your pavers it’s best to stay clear of the high sheen finishes. Typically, sealing should be done every couple of years. You can test the condition of the sealer by seeing if water beads up on the surface. If it does not, it's time for a new coat of sealer.

Both brick pavers and concrete pavers can be purchased in many different colors, thicknesses, and design shapes. The interlocking style is most popular for walkway and patio construction, however, when you get to the outside edge they have to be cut to form a straight line. Cutting pavers is relatively easy using a rented paver cutting saw but the dust does make a mess.

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