Different Paver Layouts

Stretcher Bond

• The most basic clay-brick paver layout is called the stretcher bond pattern. Pavers are laid out in end-to end courses of full-size paver bricks. Each consecutive source is laid so the joints are aligned with the midpoints of the pavers in the preceding course. This prevents continuous lateral joints, but creates a continuous longitudinal joint. The continuous longitudinal joints create the effect of more length and direct the eye to whatever feature is at each end of the longitudinal axis. A stretcher bond patterned patio with continuous joints pointing at the house, for example, makes the patio appear wider; and a walkway with lengthwise continuous joints looks longer.

Basket Weave

• If you are using antique-looking brick pavers or used pavers and you want an Olde English effect, lay out the basket weave pattern. The basket weave begins with two bricks laid abreast to form a square with a joint down the middle -- a split square. Each adjacent set of split squares in every direction has the joint perpendicular to the last split square. This creates a repeating pattern of split squares that alternates and gives a woven appearance. This is a stronger layout under heavy loads, like cars, than the stretcher bond. The effect of the basket weave is very "static," and complements a very conservative or "antique" landscape.

Herringbone

• A layout that has a dynamic, in-motion appearance and greater strength than the stretcher bond is the herringbone. The herringbone pattern is laid out end to side; one brick's end is butted against one half of the side of a previous brick, creating a 90-degree angle. The angles are laid out to alternate back and forth, creating zig-zag courses. Each zig-zag course is nested in the angles of the preceding course so that every brick end is butted against a brick side. Ends are exactly half the length of the sides, so this pattern can run infinitely.

Edge Coursing

• Some people simply cut the edges on their paver patterns, reinforcing the edge with a wall or subterranean concrete edge abutment. Others like to make a fancy edge using more brick pavers in edge-course patterns different from the main pattern of the paved feature. Either stretcher bond or basket weave patterns can be used for edge courses, if the edge course differs from the main pattern of the feature. One simple edge pattern is side-by-side pavers in a single course. Another option is to run one, two, three or four courses of stretcher bond along the edges, called single-stretcher, double-stretcher, triple-stretcher and quadruple-stretcher edges respectively. These stretcher edges will require subterranean abutment to prevent breakouts.