Building a patio with brick

Building a patio with brick is probably the easiest way to accomplish a patio project. It is easy for the do it yourselfer and can be very elegant.

Measure out the area you have in mind and start. If you’re a first timer, then it is probably best to have a rectangular design, although a circular one is also possible, but you would have to start cutting bricks. Make sure your angles are correct. While this is very important, also keep in mind that you will need two inches on the edges to place brick edging.

Clear the area you have chosen by digging it out to a depth of 8 inches. Place a frame around the inside of this area. Keep in mind that you must have a gentle slope for drainage, especially if you’re building the patio close to your house. Now you can do a run with your brick just to make sure everything is lined up and going to fit, and again don’t forget your 2 inch edging.

Pour crushed stone into your area to a depth of 4 inches, tamp down your stone and place a weed blanket over it to protect your patio from weeds growing up through. Now you can pour your sand and it must be 2 inches deep. You now need a screed to level this sand - a piece of 2x4 with a looped rope tied to it will do the trick. After leveling the sand it must be tamped down, check again to make sure it is level.

Now you can begin to lay your brick. Make sure you have a mason’s line to keep you on the straight and narrow while you’re laying them because it will ensure that your rows will be even. Begin in a corner and press each brick firmly into the sand, and if necessary use a rubber mallet and tap them gently to place them.

Assuming you will be using 4 x 8 bricks, 2 inches thick, which is the easiest to use, you can continue with the basket weave pattern, which is simple, but can look very elegant. After laying all your brick and putting the brick edging in place, put sand over your bricks and start filling the seams. You can use a broom to ensure all seams are filled.

Your patio is complete, well, maybe not complete until you put your patio furniture on there. Then sit back and admire your job while enjoying the sunshine.
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