The Materials Needed to Build a Brick Walkway

Bricks

• Bricks are actually the last part of a brick walkway project. The owner chooses the color and design of the brick along with the pattern for the placement of the bricks. Bricks are available in a wide variety of colors although principally in earth tones. They are typically rectangular, but some manufacturers produce square shapes. Shapes of bricks can be mixed within the project to produce interesting patterns.

Crushed Rock

• The base of any brick walkway project is crushed rock or gravel. Place a 3- to 4-inch layer of crushed rock so the top of the layer of rock is about 4 inches below the planned top level of the brick. Use a vibrating plate tamper to pack the gravel to the point that it can be walked on without leaving footprints. Vibrating plate tampers use a gasoline engine to vibrate a heavy metal plate that compresses the material. The tools are commonly available at rental stores.

Sand

• Sand serves as the bed between the crushed rock and brick. Commonly about 2 inches of sand is placed above the gravel and then packed in place with the vibrating plate tamper. Sand is also used to fill between the brick after placement. A broom is used to work the sand across the surface and into the crevices between the bricks.

Framing Lumber

• Redwood or treated lumber edges hold the brick walkway in place. This is optional and not all builders include a wood edge. If the edge is installed, place a 2-by-4-inch board so the 4-inch dimension is vertical. Place the edge boards along the outside edge of the brick walkway, and drive stakes into the ground on the outside of the wood edge piece to hold it in place. Drive the stake deep enough into the ground so it is below the surrounding sod level.