Thinking about giving your outdoor living space a makeover? Look no further than clay brick pavers! From their durability to their color and pattern options, terracotta pavers are a versatile choice for any exterior flooring project.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into what makes clay brick pavers such an excellent choice for patios, courtyards, and pool decks. We’ll also explore how to choose the right color and pattern options for your space and get creative with ways you can incorporate them into your landscape design.
Plus, we’ll share some tips about maintenance and cleaning terracotta tiles and pavers so that your new installation lasts a lifetime.
And the best part? We’ll even show you how you can use them inside your home to add unique touches of style and personality to your walls or stairs. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Clay Brick Pavers
Clay bricks, also known as terracotta pavers, offer versatility and aesthetic appeal for outdoor flooring. And since the clay is sourced in Saltillo, Mexico, our terracotta pavers are one of the most durable available! Plus, they can be sealed or left unsealed for easy maintenance. With various laying patterns available, you can create a customized design for patios, walkways, and pool decks.
What Are Terracotta Clay Pavers?
Terracotta clay pavers are a reliable and long-lasting option for outdoor spaces. The handmade, artisanal process used in their creation adds to their durability, ensuring they can withstand the test of time when properly installed and maintained.
And because they are handmade, they have rustic characteristics and imperfections – more so than in any of our Mexican tile and stone product lines. Landscape architects and interior designers seek out terracotta bricks for their rustic characteristics, including size, color, and texture variations, irregular markings, chips and cracks, and imperfect shapes. In fact, every piece is unique.
Their warm, earthy color also adds a natural touch to outdoor areas.
Because Saltillo pavers are made from natural clay and fired at high temperatures, they provide exceptional strength and quality that will last for years to come.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they are also slip-resistant and weather-resistant, making Mexican pavers an excellent choice for pathways, patios, and other outdoor living areas.
Benefits of Using Durable Brick Pavers for Patios and Outdoor Flooring
Brick pavers are an excellent way to add a touch of sophistication and personality to your outdoor areas. These affordable options are low-maintenance and provide a slip-resistant surface, making them ideal for wet conditions. Brick pavers’ natural color and texture blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, adding to the overall charm of your outdoor space.
- Unlike products made with concrete, masonry brick pavers age much more gracefully than concrete pavers. They maintain their naturally derived color even with the effects of time and the elements. By incorporating durable masonry brick pavers into your outdoor design, you can ensure a long-lasting and visually appealing walkway or patio.
- But also… Explore options! Terracotta bricks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing you to create unique patterns and designs that complement your home’s architectural style while ramping up curb appeal!
- Terracotta paver tiles are not only aesthetically appealing, but Mexican pavers are also eco-friendly. Made from natural clay materials, they are a sustainable option for green living. With proper installation and maintenance, they can last for decades without needing repairs or replacements.
The Cost and Durability of Terracotta Pavers
When it comes to the cost and durability of outdoor pavers, they offer great value for money due to their longevity. The price of paver flooring depends on factors like shape, size, and color. Estimate most terracotta pavers to cost between $2.50 – $8.50 per square foot.
But also, unlike concrete pavers, you can avoid the added expense of pouring a concrete slab by installing them on a sand and gravel bed.
We’re happy to help with ideas for your outdoor project. Our expert floor’ists can talk through design ideas and shape and size selection. We have options for any budget, and we ship worldwide! Check out our complete guide to Terracotta tile and pavers.
Are They Worth the Investment?
Investing in clay brick pavers is a smart choice for your outdoor spaces. With their durability and low maintenance requirements, Mexican pavers will last for years without needing replacement. Opt for high-quality handmade bricks, like clay Saltillo pavers, to ensure you get the most out of your investment. And if you find that they aren’t the best choice for your patio renovation, we have other options in our Mexican tile and stone offerings!
Colors and Patterns of Terracotta Pavers
Explore a wide range of colors and patterns to create a personalized look – adding warmth and richness to your outdoor space. Select the perfect combination to complement your home’s exterior and enhance its beauty. Handmade Saltillo pavers offer classic and earthy appeal in three distinct colors, including Traditional, Manganese, and Spanish Mission Red. Plus, all our paver colors are available in sealed and unsealed options.
How to Choose the Right Color for Your Space
Consider your home’s aesthetic and the surrounding landscape when selecting paver colors.
- Traditional sealed pavers are known for lighter and clay colors, making them ideal for a bright and airy space.
- Our Manganese color has darker brown and gray tones with an occasional black swirling for added depth and richness. In its unsealed version, Manganese is predominantly gray and earthen colors.
- Spanish Mission Red is ideal for projects calling for brick red pavers in dark terracotta shades with minimal color variations. We only offer this color in its sealed version.
- Unsealed natural pavers are cream colors with light pink and orange tones. Consider these for temperate climates only and clean them regularly to reduce stains and other discolorations caused by the environment.
Creative Ways to Use Clay Brick Pavers in Landscape Design
It’s easy to transform your outdoor space with brick pavers by incorporating them into your landscape design. For example, build a charming patio for outdoor gatherings, create borders or edging around flower beds, construct a decorative fire pit or outdoor fireplace, or add dimension with raised planters and garden walls. Get creative and enhance your landscape today with some of these ideas for using terracotta in outdoor spaces!
Walkways
Terracotta pavers make it easy to design a captivating walkway! First, choose from various laying patterns and colors for a personalized look. Then, consider different shades of bricks to add dimension and creativity. Of course, follow proper installation techniques, including creating a solid base and using secure edge restraints, for durability. Using mortar or sand to lock the bricks together adds stability, strength, and the ability to withstand heavy loads.
Courtyards
Transform your outdoor space with Mexican pavers, enhancing aesthetics, warmth, and durability. Courtyard pavers are often seen in a mixture of colors or decorative patterns. For example, choose a 1/3 mixture of Traditional, Manganese, and Mission Red pavers for a most eclectic look.
Brick Pavers for Pool Decks
They’re ideal for beautiful and safe pool deck designs! The textured surface provides slip resistance, while a wide range of colors enhances visual appeal. Our favorite application for pool deck pavers is in combination with Cantera stone pool coping, columns, and an outdoor stone firepit. Terracotta pool pavers and Cantera stone features are a perfect landscape design blend.
Brick Walls with Mortar and Masonry
Build visually appealing brick walls with high-quality clay brick pavers, enhancing the architectural beauty of your space. And as with other paver ideas, consider mixing colors for a look that reflects your personal taste. Experience strength and longevity with the various patterns, too.
What to Know Before Installing Outdoor Pavers
Consider the climate in your area and consult with a professional to make informed decisions during installation. Use proper techniques like a suitable base and edge restraints for durability. Regular cleaning and sealing can help maintain the appearance and longevity of your brick pavers. We do not recommend them for driveways or spaces that get vehicle traffic. For those areas requiring more durability, consider our Cantera Stone Pavers in a variety of colors.
Can Terracotta Pavers Be Used in All Climates?
Terracotta pavers are versatile and can be used in a variety of climates. While their natural composition allows them to withstand extreme temperatures, it’s critical that proper installation and maintenance processes are followed. (We do not recommend unsealed terracotta clay pavers or installations without a concrete slab for climates that have frozen precipitation.) Also, as a best practice, use a high-quality sealer to help protect against fading from sunlight exposure. Consult a local contractor to assess specific climate implications that affect paver installations.
How to Install Brick Pavers
The installation process for brick pavers begins with preparing the base, which involves excavating the area and ensuring a stable foundation. Next, a layer of compacted gravel is added to create a solid base for the pavers. After that, sand is spread over the gravel, providing a smooth surface for laying the bricks.
The duration of the installation process can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project.
It’s important to note that allowing ample time for proper curing is necessary before subjecting them to foot traffic. But of course, consult with your local contractor for a process most specific for your job site.
How to Maintain and Clean Terracotta Pavers
To keep your terracotta pavers in pristine condition, regularly sweep or hose off dirt and debris. For stubborn stains, use a mild detergent and water solution. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface. Apply a sealant every few years for added protection against moisture and UV rays. Regularly inspect for damage and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
Brick Pavers in Indoor Spaces, Too!
Incorporate Mexican terracotta pavers into your indoor spaces to create a seamless transition with your outdoor areas. The natural tones of these clay pavers add rustic vibes to interior design.
Wall Decor with Paver Bricks
Create stunning wall decor by using clay brick pavers. Add texture, colors, and patterns to transform plain walls into eye-catching focal points. Enhance your space with creative and unique wall designs.
Stair Risers
Ramp up the safety and rustic decor of your stairs with durable pavers, available in various colors and patterns. Plus, create a cohesive look by matching them to your indoor Saltillo tile flooring. Check out these ways to use Mexican pavers and tiles as part of your rustic-style decor!
Indoor Paver Tiles
Yep! They can be used as indoor flooring, too! But if you want a smoother texture with a similar look, check out our terracotta paver’s nearest cousin – Saltillo tile flooring. Either option offers a multitude of color and pattern options with the durability required for long-lasting floors.
We Are The Mexican Paver Experts
No one knows more about Mexican pavers than we do. We’ve seen a lot of spaces – good and bad. If you’re shopping for pavers, reach out to us! Not only do we have low wholesale-direct prices, but we ship worldwide, too! With various color and pattern options, you can customize your space to fit your style.
Check out our YouTube Channel, Pinterest, or Instagram for design ideas and installation tips!
Ready to transform your outdoor or indoor spaces? Get a price estimate for your project today!
Want to explore ideas for your project?
