Want to boost your curb appeal? Brick and stone patios, walks and steps can make a dramatic change and offer a sense of solidity. Different colorations allow for a tremendous variety of looks.

Brick and stone are among the sturdiest of building products: they stand the test of time. Little maintenance is needed, especially if the materials were laid correctly to begin with.

If you use brick or stone for patios, walks and steps, try to match it to your home’s exterior. It may be difficult to match; you can try to offset the addition a foot or two to play down the delineation. Or you can pull some bricks here and there out of the original exterior to use on the addition. Fill in the old spots with new bricks, and the two sides blend nicely.

Salvage bricks - like Clinker Brick and yellow-hued Chicago Brick - can be expensive. Manufacturers now make tumbled brick, which looks aged and is a less expensive option in North Chicago, Illinois.