How to Install Brick Curbing

Scrape any loose path material in from the edges of the path toward the center with the shovel to prevent it from falling into the channel once you have it dug.

Dig a small channel along each side of the length of the walkway that the bricks will be placed in using the flat-bladed shovel. This channel should be deep enough to bury at least one-half of each brick to prevent the bricks from coming loose too easily. This is particularly important, since the bricks will not be mortared in place.

Place the shovel with the blade pointed down and scrape the bottom of the channels you dug to gently smooth the surface of the dirt at the bottom. This will ensure that the tops of the bricks sit level with one another when they are placed inside the channel.

Remove any weeds or grass that may remain between the channel and the walkway by pulling it out by the roots.

Lay the bricks into the channel as you see fit, butting each one up against the previous one in order to prevent weeds from growing between them. It's a good idea to use bricks that do not have holes in the middle, particularly if you choose to lay the bricks face up inside the channel. This will prevent water from entering the holes and freezing, potentially cracking the bricks from within over time.

Pack dirt tightly into the channel on the outside of the brick curbing where it meets with the lawn to hold the bricks against the walkway and lock them in place. When this is complete, smooth out the walkway's loose surface material again to complete the curb installation.