How to Make a Sidewalk with Bricks

Mark the area for the sidewalk onto the grass. Landscape paint can be sprayed directly onto the grass and is safe for use on your lawn.

Dig out the area for the sidewalk to about 8 inches--a depth that includes the amount of brick that you want covered, plus 1 or 2 inches of sand and 3 or 4 inches of gravel. You can dig with a mini-excavator for a large sidewalk or use shovels for small jobs.

Line the sidewalk area with black woven landscaping fabric to prevent the gravel and sand from mixing with the soil. You can find this material at any landscaping or home improvement store.

Add a layer of 3 or 4 inches of gravel or crushed rock to the area and tamp down the gravel. You can use a hand tamper or motorized plate compactor, depending on the size of the job.

Mark the desired height of the brick pavers with wooden stakes and nylon strings. The stakes and strings should be set level with the height that the bricks will set when finished.

Spread 1 to 2 inches of sand into the walkway area. Tamp and then level out the sand with a wood screed and a level. It may be desirable to have a crown in the middle or a slight slope to guide water runoff.

Set the bricks side-by-side in the desired pattern, fitting them closely to reduce the amount of shifting over time. You can lay them in a staggered pattern or line up each brick evenly.

Score the cut line with an angle grinder fit with a diamond blade and then cut the bricks at the mark with a hammer and brick chisel. Alternatively, you can use a circular saw with a masonry blade for a cleaner, more precise cut. If the bricks don't fit in the space or you're using a staggered pattern, you will need to cut some bricks to fit.

Line the sides of the sidewalk with paver edging pressed against the bricks to keep the bricks in line and prevent shifting over time; use edging only on the outer edge if the sidewalk is installed against an existing patio or house. Anchor the sides with 12 inch spikes driven into the holes of the paver edging.

Tamp the brick to set them into the sand. Pass over them two or three times to ensure that they are pressed down well.

Spread a layer of sand to cover the brick surface and then tamp the bricks. The sand will work its way between the small cracks to bind the bricks.

Sweep the remaining sand off the bricks or spray clean with a garden hose.