Can Sidewalks Be Built With Blocks?

Preparation

• Designing a sidewalk is not complicated, but the process calls for making a few key decisions before breaking ground. The typical width for a primary walkway in your yard should be at least 4 feet wide to accommodate wheelchairs. If you want to pave a front sidewalk for public use, contact your local buildings department. Some localities require a permit and building inspection for a public sidewalk. Read building codes carefully, as your community may regulate the type of paving material permitted. Poured concrete sidewalks are more common for a public sidewalk than paver blocks; verify that your chosen medium is acceptable before purchasing materials.

Design

• Knowing exactly how you want to lay the paving blocks makes for a smooth installation. Herringbone and basket weave are a few traditional patterns used with uniform rectangular blocks. If you're working with blocks of different sizes, you can create your own pattern. Begin by sorting the blocks by size and color, and dry-lay them on the ground. Use ropes to outline the shape of the sidewalk and place the stones in the order you want to lay them in. Spread out the different sizes and color hues randomly to give the surface subtle variation.

Installation

• There are two ways to approach installing a paving block sidewalk: wet and dry installation. Wet installation refers to pouring a concrete base and setting the blocks in mortar. Dry installation involves building a gravel base and placing the blocks on a bed of sand. Dry installation is a practical choice for novice do-it-yourselfers because it's neater and allows you to take your time. The required thickness of the concrete base ranges from 6 to 12 inches, depending on the anticipated weight load and usage of the sidewalk.

Maintenance

• Once the blocks are laid in mortar or sand, pack the joints with fine masonry sand. Sand joints cushion the blocks from each other. Block sidewalks are less likely to crack that concrete slabs because the joints absorb tension and allow the surface enough flexibility to shift as the ground expands and contracts.