Q&A with the Experts - The Belden Brick Company
A Conversation with Jim Piteo, National Paving Products Manager
What options are available for color, texture, and size?
When aesthetics are a top priority, Belden Clay Pavers offer unmatched design versatility. With one of the broadest color ranges in the industry, Belden provides a rich palette of colors, including vibrant reds, deep blacks, soft grays, bright whites, and subtle pinks, along with custom blends and nuanced shades made possible by precise control of raw materials and firing temperatures.
In terms of texture, options include smooth die skin, wire cut, sandmold, and tumbled, allowing designers to create everything from sleek modern walkways to time-worn, historic-inspired surfaces.
Available in a wide variety of sizes-including standard, modular, oversized formats, and specialty shapes-Belden pavers can be arranged in several creative patterns, such as herringbone, basketweave, and running bond.
Are clay brick pavers compliant with ADA requirements?
Yes, clay brick pavers can be ADA-compliant when specified and installed correctly, making them a strong choice for accessible public realm projects. Clay brick pavers, including those from The Belden Brick Company, can meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility standards when installed with proper attention to surface smoothness, joint spacing, and alignment.
Key compliance factors include:
• Tight joints to ensure wheelchairs, walkers, and canes can move smoothly.
• Level surfaces without abrupt elevation changes.
• Slip resistance, which is naturally strong in many clay paver textures-even when wet.
Belden offers pavers that meet these criteria, and the material's inherent durability helps preserve a stable, even surface over time-critical for long-term accessibility in high-traffic public spaces.
How do clay brick pavers perform over time compared to concrete pavers?
Designers weighing paver options should consider how materials perform over time. Belden Clay Pavers are kiln-fired at high temperatures, making them exceptionally durable, colorfast, and weather-resistant. Their natural color won't fade, even after decades of UV exposure or freeze-thaw cycles, and they often last over 100 years with minimal maintenance.
In contrast, concrete pavers, while initially more affordable and design-flexible, are prone to color fading, surface erosion, and damage from salt or frost. They typically last 20-40 years and require more upkeep to maintain appearance.
For long-term value, enduring aesthetics, and proven performance, clay pavers offer a superior solution.
What are the installation and maintenance considerations?
Clay pavers are a durable, low-maintenance surface solution that, when appropriately installed, delivers excellent functionality and long-term value. They can be laid on either flexible or rigid base systems, depending on site conditions, and require careful detailing-such as compacted base materials, tight joint spacing, and secure edge restraints-to prevent shifting and to meet ADA requirements.
Once installed, clay pavers require very little upkeep and retain their natural color and surface texture without the need for sealing or refinishing. Routine sweeping and occasional washing are typically sufficient to keep them looking their best. If a paver becomes damaged, it can be replaced individually without disturbing the surrounding area, thereby reducing long-term repair costs. Clay pavers deliver superior longevity, lower maintenance requirements, and a timeless appearance that matures beautifully, making them a smart, cost-effective investment over the long term.
As seen in LASN magazine, July 2025.
