Pros and Cons of Black Pavers: Are They Right for Your Home?

Black pavers can look striking on a Michigan patio, walkway or driveway border, but they aren’t right for every home. They create bold contrast, help melt snow in winter and match most exteriors, while the trade-offs are possible fading on concrete pavers, extra heat underfoot in summer and clashes with brown trim. Here are the pros and cons from the brick paver team at It’s The Brick Guys to help you decide.

Color is one of the first choices to make when you plan a brick paver patio or walkway. Black has become a popular color for interior and exterior home accents, and it’s showing up more often in hardscaping, including walkways, pool surrounds and patios.

Pros of Black Pavers

Bold Color Contrast for Borders and Accents

Black is the perfect color for bold borders and accents in a hardscape. Many of our clients choose black perimeter pavers to create a dynamic border around the surface, then fill the space with lighter pavers so their patio furniture stands out. If you want a crisp border that caps off your hardscape, black pavers deliver.

Heat Absorption Helps in Winter

Black absorbs heat, which helps during Michigan winters. The pavers soak up the sun’s rays and help melt snow and ice. The effect only lasts until the pavers are covered with snow, but it helps snow melt faster once the weather warms and keeps ice buildup to a minimum.

A Neutral Color That Complements Most Exteriors

Black is a neutral color, so it works with most home exteriors. You may already have other black accents, such as gutters, shutters, windows or patio furniture, and black pavers tie them together for a cohesive look across the whole exterior.

Cons of Black Pavers

Possible Fading, Depending on the Paver Material

Concrete pavers only have color on the surface. Black is especially prone to sun fading, so black concrete pavers may look gray over time. Clay brick pavers are colored all the way through, so surface fading won’t change how they look. If you like the look of black pavers, choose quality materials that won’t fade.

Extra Heat Underfoot in Summer

The heat absorption that helps in winter works against you in summer. Black pavers feel warmer than lighter pavers, which is another reason many homeowners use them only as borders. You get the bold look without hot pavement under bare feet.

Black Doesn’t Suit Every Exterior

Despite its versatility, black isn’t right for every design. If your home has dark brown accents such as shutters or gutters, brown pavers may suit it better so the colors don’t clash. The undertones in your exterior colors may coordinate better with a different shade, or they may look perfect with black.

How to Choose the Right Paver Color for Your Home

Start with the colors already on your exterior. Do you have existing pavers you love? Is there a color in your brick you’d like to highlight? Do you need light pavers to brighten your backyard, or dark pavers to anchor the space? Look for inspiration online or in your neighborhood to see how different pavers look on similar homes, and take all of your design choices into account before you pick black or any other color.

Having a brick paver professional guide the decision is a wise idea. Our team works with homeowners across Metro Detroit from our Clinton Township, Royal Oak and Northville offices.

Get a Free Quote on Brick Pavers From It’s The Brick Guys

Still not sure if black pavers are right for your home? Call or text (833) 627-4257 or contact us for a free quote and consultation. We’ll help you choose the best color and type of paver for your next patio or walkway.