How to Concrete a Brick Border Around Grass

Mow the lawn to the appropriate height for the grass. For example, bermuda lawns are mowed to 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches and tall fescue is mowed to 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches in height. Rake grass clippings near the proposed brick border back into the lawn.

Lay a garden hose down to create a design for the brick border. Move the garden hose until you find a design that works for you and the space. For instance, some gardeners create borders that fit the natural curves of the terrain, while others create straight lines. Press stakes into the ground every few feet to designate the design.

Measure the brick that you intend to use. The brick should be at least 4 inches in height to keep grass from spreading to other areas of the lawn. To figure out the width of the trench that will hold the bricks, add 2 inches to the width of the brick. For example, bricks that are 4 inches wide need trenches that are 6 inches wide. Grass and garden dirt will cover the one inch left on both sides. Press stakes every 2 to 3 feet on either side of the proposed trench for the brick border.

Cut grass with a garden edger. Remove the grass that is growing between the two stakes that designate the brick border. Lift the grass up, and compost it or throw it away.

Use a half-moon garden edger to create the trench. The trench must be deep enough to allow space for a 3/4-inch layer of gravel and for 1 inch of brick to sit above the grade of the yard. For instance, bricks that are 4 inches in height need a trench depth of 3 3/4 inches. Smooth the bottom of the trench.

Spread 3/4 of an inch of gravel at the bottom of the trench to help with drainage and give the brick border a level surface. Place a level on the gravel to check how even the gravel layer is. Add gravel as needed until you obtain a level surface.

Place bricks on top of the gravel. Butt the sides of the bricks together to get an idea of how they are going to lie, and figure out whether you need to add more gravel or remove gravel to create an even border. Adjust the gravel as needed. Adjust the bricks as you go, so that they create a tight border to prevent weed growth between cracks.

Mix concrete by pouring the concrete mixture into a bucket and adding water until it is the consistency of pancake batter. Lift up each brick in the border, and apply concrete one by one. Use a trowel to apply a 1/3-inch layer of concrete to the bottom and sides of the bricks. Place each brick where it belongs as soon as you apply the concrete.