Types of Pavers
Brick pavers are constructed of clay that’s shaped and then cured in a kiln. Often, the term brick refers to the shape rather than the material. Bricks can actually be made out of all kinds of materials. True brick pavers are typically more expensive than concrete and cement pavers, which are made of cement and aggregate. Concrete pavers are poured into various shapes and then compressed and cured. They’re available in various shapes, sizes and colors. They also don’t crack under pressure as easily as brick, but they do tend to fade and scratch more easily on the surface. Concrete pavers are uniform in size, while brick pavers vary in size due to having been fired in a kiln.
Estimating Your Project Materials
You may see notations of common or nominal measurements in addition to the actual dimensions of the products. The slightly smaller, actual dimensions represent the physical measurements of the product. Use these when calculating the amount of block, pavers or stones you need for a project.
To help you determine how many pavers your project will take, use our Paver Calculator for a materials estimate. Make sure you’re aware of building codes and homeowners association rules that might apply to your work. Purchase 10% more block, pavers or stones than your estimate. The excess should account for breakage, material you need to cut and replacements for future repairs. These products can be heavy. Enlist a helper and consider having your materials delivered.
Before beginning any excavation, call 811 to check for underground utilities. Always follow the product manufacturer’s use, installation and safety instructions.
Landscaping Ideas With Bricks: Edging a Walkway or Garden
You can use brick and cement pavers to edge your garden, walkway or mailbox. This outlines the landscape and adds depth to your yard. For gardens, trees and mailboxes, you can simply take the pavers and outline an area of mulch or soil. This is a quick and easy do-it-yourself (DIY) project that requires few, if any, tools.
Creating Pathways With Brick Paver Patterns
Creating pathways with pavers is a creative way to protect your grass. This project is easy to achieve and makes your outdoor space more functional. First, determine the dimensions and prepare the area. Typically, you want to look at the size of your space and decide how long you want your pathway to run. Pavers are often installed in sets of two with a space in between each pair, but the exact placement of and amount of pavers you’ll need depends on the size of the blocks and the shape of the path. You can use stakes to outline your design.
Clear the outlined area of any grass, turf and rocks. Add a base of gravel or paver base panels. Next, lay your leveling sand, which will ensure there’s a smooth surface for the pavers to rest on. Once you’ve laid the foundation and the pavers, fill in the gaps with small pebbles or sand of your choice. Filling the gaps ensures a clean look by keeping weeds and grass from growing in between your pavers. Additionally, you can place pavers in a pattern on top of turf for a stepping stone effect. There are many ways to lay bricks to create unique brick paver patterns. Check out some common patterns in our Paving a Patio guide.
Monogram Inlays
Creating monograms with pavers makes for a unique statement piece outside of your home. You can place these anywhere on your property, from your front door to your garden area. Since cement pavers come in different sizes and can be customized, we recommend using them for the letter design.
You can use brick pavers to outline the monogram and create depth within the design. After you’ve laid your design, fill in the gaps with small pebbles. Try using different paver colors to add a unique flair to your outdoor space.
How to Lay Patio Brick to Build a Grill Platform
Outdoor grills are great for family gatherings and social events. They can be expensive, so it’s important to maintain them. If you want to keep dirt off of your grill, you can build a platform specifically for grill placement with brick pavers.
For a basic grill, the most important part is making sure the pavers are level. Dig a small patch and aim to make a 2-foot-by-4-foot rectangular base. If you want your grilling area to have a more professional look, consider filling it with builders sand and adding your pavers on top.
Install Brick Pavers to Create a Patio
If you don’t have a patio, you can use pavers to create one. DIY patios are a breeze once you’ve mastered the art of laying a pattern. There are various patterns to choose from. For instance, jack-on-jack is a uniform pattern where everything is perfectly aligned. Alternatively, a running bond pattern has a staggered design. Both of these patterns are simple and require only basic skills. Some patterns, such as herringbone or pinwheel, are more advanced and require you to cut and customize pavers for a proper fit.
Using stakes and string, lay out the outline for your base. Make sure that the base is level, square and has the proper slope. You can start digging out the patio layout once you’ve verified your measurements. If you’re thinking about adding patio lights, you should lay the cables and compact the soil before creating the base.
The base will be composed of gravel and sand. Once you’ve laid the base, you want to screed it to create the perfect slope. Add your patio pavers and level them as you go. Depending on your preferred pattern, you may have to cut some of the pavers to fit properly. Once you’ve laid the pavers, add and tamper sand in between the pavers for a clean and professional look.