Cons of Brick

Cost

• Brick stones and pavers have one of the highest minimum costs of all outdoor landscaping materials per square foot --- $8 minimum per square foot, according to Fine Gardening. Don't assume that salvaged bricks are that much more economical, even though they used to be, because, according to Fine Gardening, these types of bricks have grown so much in popularity that their price has followed suit. On the other hand, concrete pavers will only cost you on average between $1 to $12 per square foot as of April 2011, while sandstone will run between $3 and $11 per square foot.

Retains Heat

• Brick stones can retain heat, which isn't a problem --- and is actually a benefit --- during the winter months or in a cooler climate. However, summer heat can make your bricks hot to the touch on bare feet, especially around an outdoor swimming pool. In fact, bricks retain more heat than many other materials used in the landscape, according to the Landscaping Network, thus making them less attractive for warmer climates.

Shifts and Breaks

• Your brick material has the potential to shift over a period of time, requiring replacement or maintenance. This can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor, especially if the shifting brick is in an outdoor landscape area that requires extensive work to address. Likewise, your brick may not just shift; it may break. Other materials used in outdoor landscaping generally require less maintenance than bricks.

Strength Variance

• Not all brick is created equal, so when you make your brick purchase, you need to take into consideration what brick type should be used for your intended purpose. You want your brick to live up to your expectations in the outdoor landscape, especially since it is more costly than some other material options, but some bricks can't stand up to conditions in some circumstances. For example, not all brick types can be used for driveway paving, as they may not stand up to the weight of your car.