Step 1: Watch an Overview Video

Step 2: Gather Your Materials and Tools

Materials and Tools:

heavy rope
garden hose
12-inch landscape spikes
bricks
landscaping fabric
masonry sand
chalk spray paint
gravel
plastic edging
hand tamper or plate compactor
shovel
hoe
scissors
brick saw
level
straightedge
rubber mallet
push broom
safety goggles
ear protection

Step 3: Choose a Location

The walkway should be wide enough for two people to walk comfortably side by side, i.e., 3 to 4 feet. Avoid areas near large trees so that your digging does not damage the roots, and the roots do not damage your walkway in the future.

Use heavy rope or garden hose to experiment with contours and locations.

Once you’re happy with design, use chalk spray paint to outline walk.

Step 4: Begin the Foundation

Dig the foundation 6 inches deep.

Line the foundation with landscaping fabric.

Spread 3 inches of gravel in bottom and tamp down with a hand tamper or plate compactor.

Cover gravel with sand, leaving enough space at top for bricks.

Step 5: Install the Edging

Plastic edging will keep walkway stable.

To guide edging, lay row of bricks across one end of pathway.

Line foundation with edging, securing every three feet with spikes.

Step 6: Lay the Bricks

Using first row as guide, lay bricks. Lay bricks in running bond, herringbone or basket weave pattern.

Tip: Lay bricks as close to each other as possible.

Tap bricks into place with rubber mallet.

Partial bricks can be cut with a masonry saw or masonry chisel and hammer. Tapping a brick with a masonry chisel aligns the molecules in rows, allowing the brick to break in a straight line.

Use a straightedge and level to make sure bricks are flush and level.

Step 7: Add Masonry Sand

Sweep masonry sand into cracks with broom.

Spray walkway gently with water to set sand in joints.

Cover plastic edging with mulch.