How to Lay a Herringbone Brick Path

Mark out the paved path you want to create using wooden stakes. Hammer them into the ground every few feet along each side. Make sure the path is several feet away from trees and other obstacles on either side. Measure the width of the path plus 4 inches to accommodate two lengths of lumber that will go on each side. Dry-fit the bricks to get your ideal width.

Dig out the material between the stakes to a depth of about 6 inches. This will increase the stability of your paved path. Create a level surface along the entire length of the path. Remember that you need a slight incline to keep rain water from pooling. Dig a slope measuring 1/4-inch per foot along its length or breadth.

Place the 2-by-4-foot lumber along the outer edges of the path once you have finished digging and leveling. Secure them to the stakes with drywall screws and additional bracing if necessary. Use a level to make sure they are evenly positioned at the right depth.

Fill the dug-out area with a 3-inch layer of gravel. Create a screed by cutting a piece of plywood to the width of the path so it fits in between the edging. Attach it at the right height (3 inches from the bottom) to a slightly longer 2-by-4-foot piece that lays across the edging on either side. This lets you create a very even surface and control the depth of your fill by pulling it along the edging.

Tamp the gravel thoroughly using your feet . Construct a tamper for larger jobs using a 1-foot by 1-foot piece of plywood attached to a 4-by-4-inch thick piece of wood as a handle. Make sure the entire layer is evenly tamped.

Cover the gravel with a layer of sand. Raise the position of the plywood screed to get an even spread. Tamp the sand as best as you can, keeping in mind that your bricks are 2 1/4 inches thick. You want the bricks to be level with the surrounding ground.

Place the bricks in a herringbone pattern to complete the path. Use the reference image to place the bricks correctly in this pattern. Butt them close together, leaving no gaps larger than 1/8 of an inch.

Cut the angled half-bricks needed to complete the rows with a brick saw. Calculate about five bricks per square foot. Tamp the bricks to make sure the surface is even, and that it has the correct slope for proper drainage.

Cover the bricks with sand to fill any cracks. Use a broom to sweep the sand over the bricks until all the crevices are filled. Hose down the bricks with water to make the sand settle within. This will secure the bricks. Remove the edging and fill in the gap with soil or gravel until it is tightly packed against the bricks.