Laying brick walkways and patios are popular DIY projects for homeowners that can be created in easy steps.
When you buy new bricks, you know what you’re getting.
However, when you buy a reclaimed brick, confirm you’re buying brick pavers.
If in doubt, knock two bricks together.
Pavers will have a bit of ring to them.
Softer bricks will make more of a thud.
You’ll also find a variety of colors, as well as tumbled and beveled bricks.
Next, walk around the furniture and use it like you usually would.
When you feel comfortable withthe design idea, gauge how large the space needs to be.
Then use spray paint to mark the perimeter of the patio.
Brick walkways should be at least 3 feet wide, but a 4-foot-wide path is even more user-friendly.
A brick walkway can unify spaces outdoors the same way flooring does indoors.
Many homeowners see a patio or path as a weekend project.
Often, that’s overly optimistic.
When materials are delivered, place them as close to the work site as possible.
And if you’re free to recruit help, do so.
The key to a long-lasting brick surface is laying a proper base.
You also need toexcavateseveral inches beyond where the edges will be.
If you have to backfill spots, compact them before laying the base.
Layinglandscape fabricover the compacted base before adding sand gives the installation more stability.
Hold it in place with stakes.
Then add about 1 inch of sand over this area.
Slide a straight board across the pipes to create a smooth bed of sand 1 inch thick.
Do not compact it.
Lay Your Brick
Place bricks one at a time in the desired pattern.
As you work, use a level to spot bricks that are slightly higher than surrounding bricks.
Tap them with a mallet to set them lower into the sand.
If a brick sets slightly lower, remove it, add a bit of sand, and replace it.
Continue placing bricks in this fashion, saving the edge pieces for last.
Rent one at a tool rental outlet.
Then spread a light layer of sand over the paving.
Sweep the sand around, so it fills the small gaps between bricks.
Bonus: Choosing Brick Patterns
you could use any of several patterns when you lay brick.
Classic patterns include basketweave, running bond, stack bond, and herringbone.
