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wrote:
Hi,

My wife and I are thinking about digging out a part of our backyard
and putting a new patio. We are not sure if we should go in for a
brick or concrete patio. We have talked to couple of local
contractors and realized that concrete patios are a lot cheaper than
brick ones.

What are the big +s and -s of these patios? We live in the new england
area. So, winter is pretty bad here. We have woods in our backyard
(dont know if this matters).

Any help on this is really appreciated.

THanks.

1. Concrete:
+ Less expensive.
Long life if properly designed and installed.
Little or no maintenance.

- (None)

2. Hard set (cemented) pavers:
+ Nicer looking
little maintenance

- More expensive

3. Pavers set in sand:
+ Beset looking
Longest life
Damage can be repaired
Can be modified making it larger or smaller.

- Most maintenance*
Likely most cost

I chose #3 three times. All three are still in use and look good. The
oldest is about 30 years old now. Others in the same area are about 150
years old. My newest is 15 years old.

It requires regular maintenance to eliminate weeds (I tend to use a
spray) and I tend to do a real clean up and re-sanding about every 5-10
years. In not properly laid originally expect a relaying after about five
years (this is a one time thing)

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit