Over the years, the demand for brick and pavers has become increasingly sophisticated and developments in manufacturing technology have meant that there is now an extensive array of products on the market to choose from. In fact, there are now over 1,200 different styles of paver to choose from in the UK alone!

There is such a wide range of bricks and paviors available, that it should be possible to find a type that suits a patio, path or driveway designed and constructed in any style. Try to choose the most appropriate type so that they are suitable for the intended project and they co-ordinate well with the house or other hard landscape features.

When choosing a brick or paver for use in the garden, make sure that they are able to withstand freezing conditions in winter. Most 'facing' (or stock) bricks are not designed to withstand the elements if laid on the ground; check the durability of second-hand bricks by twisting a coin on the surface as hard as you can. If there is no flaking or marking, then the brick is probably pretty durable; a softer brick will not be. If you are buying new bricks, simply check with the supplier.

Paver Material

Your first choice might be to decide on the material - clay or concrete. Clay pavers are available in a wide selection of natural, non-fade colours. They can withstand freezing with no loss of strength, shape or colour, and combine an attractive appearance with excellent surface drainage and load bearing characteristics. Wire-cut clay pavers have a dragged finish and a roughened surface on all sides, which provides extra grip in the finished paving.

The table below lists the advantages and disadvantages of natural clay paviors: