How to Build a Brick Patio With Walkway
Step 1: Determine the Placement of the Path and Excavate
Determine the outline of the walkway and patio and mark with spray paint or chalk. Generally, walkways are between 3’ and 4’ wide. Dig out the entire area to a depth of about 6". This will allow enough room for the gravel, sand and brick pavers. To make this job easier, consider renting a mini-loader
Don't site the path too close to large trees because digging may damage the root systems. Also, large tree roots could disturb the walkway in the future.
Step 2: Prepare the Walkway and Patio Base
Lay landscaping fabric throughout the entire area to prevent weeds from coming up between the bricks. Cut the fabric with scissors to correct size. Add a 3” layer of gravel over the entire walkway and patio. Tamp down with hand tamper or plate compactor for big jobs. Add a thick layer of sand over the gravel layer, tamping it down to a firm, level base. Add enough sand to reach a height that is 3.5” below grade (or the thickness of your brick pavers).
Step 3: Install the Edging Border
To serve as a guide when installing the plastic edging border, lay out a single row of pavers from one side of the path to the other. Affix plastic edging to ground with 12” landscape spikes. Install a spike every 3’ for the best results.
Step 4: Lay the Brick Pavers
Continue laying bricks and installing edging until path and patio are complete. For possible paver patterns, consider the running bond (Image 1), herringbone (Image 2) or basket weave (Image 3). Use a rubber mallet to set the bricks firmly in place. Use a brick saw or masonry chisel and hammer to cut pavers to fit irregular spaces. Occasionally check the bricks with a straightedge and level to make sure they are flush with one another.
Step 5: Fill in the Joints
When all of the bricks are in place, fill in around the outside of the edging with soil. Spread a thin layer of masonry sand over the entire walkway and patio and use a push broom to work the sand into the gaps between bricks. Soak the walkway with a gentle spray of water to help settle the sand into the gaps. Repeat the process until the sand fills all the gaps.
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