How to Build a Brick Patio Space

Determine which type of brick to purchase. If you live in an area with cold climates, choose a type of brick that has been rated and graded to last in severe weather. This type of brick is fired in the kiln for more time than other types and is made with a high-quality clay.

Prepare the area by measuring the space in your yard where you want your brick patio to be. If necessary, place patio furniture, accessories, and the grill where you want them to be to get a feel for the actual size you will need. Use spray paint to mark the patio borders.

Excavate the area by digging 8 inches deep so that it is ready for pouring. Some people prefer to rent digging equipment to lessen the amount of time they spend during this step; if money and budget are of concern to you, digging with a shovel will be just fine.

Pour an even base layer of 2 inches of pea gravel followed by 4 inches of cement as your base under the bricks. The pea gravel allows water from beneath the slab of concrete to escape; otherwise, if the water freezes in the winter under the concrete, it can cause frost heaving.

Carefully lay each brick with cement mortar. This mortar should be spread in a thin layer of 1/2 inch before laying the bricks. Use of cement mortar eliminates common problems such as weeds growing in between the bricks, ants coming through the cracks and pushing up sand and even moles that tend to push up bricks. In addition to laying the bricks on the cement mortar, use 1/2 inch of mortar between each brick.