How to Lay Brick Pavers in a Pattern

Research patterns to get ideas for your project. Books on landscaping ideas are readily available at home improvement stores, and the web is also an excellent resource. For our purposes, let's assume that you have decided on a basket-weave pattern. This requires rectangular pavers, and does not require any cutting of the bricks. It is an excellent pattern choice for those doing this for the first time.

Practice your pattern before installing the pavers. This will give you an opportunity to see the pattern in real life before you have completely committed yourself to the job. Lay out a small section of your planned pattern on top of the ground. For a basket-weave pattern, lay two pavers side by side and another two next to them at a 90-degree angle.

Mark the edges of the area where you will be installing the bricks with a spray can of marking paint.

Dig out the paving area to a depth of 6 inches with a shovel. Load the dirt into a wheelbarrow as you go along and dispose of it.

Pour sand into the dug-out area. Rake it smooth. Place a flat board on the sand and step on it to pack the sand down over the entire area. Apply another layer of sand until the sand is within 1 inch of the top edge of the ground. The layer of sand will take care of any issues related to drainage, so unless the slope is so steep that you require steps, there's nothing to be worried about here. No edging is necessary.

Execute the basket-weave pattern by laying two rectangular pavers side by side, and then placing two pavers next to them, side by side and at a 90-degree angle to the first two. Tap firmly on each paver with a rubber mallet to set it in place. Continue this pattern throughout the area that you are paving until the area is filled.

Sprinkle a layer of sand over the completed area and work it into the seams by sweeping back and forth with a stiff broom. This works sand into the seams and prevents settling and shifting.