Better Looking Than Gravel: The Sustainable Material For Your Patio

With so many options to choose from, it's hard to find the right material for a patio. Most homeowners looking for an inexpensive and low-maintenance solution typically go for gravel. It's one of the most affordable materials to create a beautiful backyard patio, but it also comes with some cons. For starters, loose stones can easily scatter from foot traffic, and there's the fact that the surface cane become uneven with every activity or movement on the patio. If you are in the process of building a patio and you are looking for a more stable alternative to gravel, you might want to consider reclaimed brick. Apart from stability, this material offers a more permanent flat surface to walk on, and it also has this timeless, historic charm to it.

So, why buy reclaimed bricks instead of brand new ones? The answer is simple: In addition to reclaimed bricks being an eco-friendly alternative to their newer version, you can get the same material for a fraction of the cost. Anything recycled tends to be cheaper than buying new materials, after all — although there are instances when the reclaimed version costs more, as in the case of antique bricks. Meanwhile, there are downsides to using restored or refurbished bricks, including chips and cracks, color variations, and patina from previous use. But compared to gravel, you still get a cleaner, more polished surface once the bricks are properly laid out and installed on your patio.

Before you can turn salvaged bricks into the DIY patio of your dreams, you'll need to find a good source for the material. Brick manufacturers and suppliers selling reclaimed bricks sourced from antique homes tend to offer them at a high price. Reclaimed bricks from these stores can cost $1 to $2.50 apiece, while newer counterparts sell for $0.30 to $0.70 each. More antiquated varieties recovered from historic structures can even fetch up to $5, while the rarest types often go as high as $30 per brick. The higher price is mostly justified by the craftsmanship, durability, and the laborious process of cleaning the bricks for resale.

If you're on a tight budget, there are other ways to find affordable used bricks. Start by looking locally. Check whether your neighbors are tearing down brick walls, patios, and fireplaces. If you're lucky, they might give them to you for free, as this removes the burden of cleanup and disposal on their part. You can also visit the nearest salvage yard to see if they have reclaimed or used bricks in stock. These businesses often source their products from demolition sites, so be on the lookout for demolition projects in your area. Finally, browse online marketplaces like eBay or Craigslist, where sellers may offer reclaimed bricks at a good price. You may have to sift through hundreds of listings, but it will be worth it once you've secured quality materials at a bargain.