How to Do Sidewalk Edging

Site Preparation

• 1

  Dig a trench along both sides of the sidewalk. Keep the outer wall of the trench as straight as possible. Put the dirt and grass into a wheelbarrow for use later in the project.

• 2

  Make the trench 6 inches deep and 10 inches wide if you plan to lay the bricks horizontal and perpendicular to the sidewalk. If you plan to lay two lines horizontal and parallel with the sidewalk, make the trench 6 inches deep and 10 inches wide. For bricks standing on end, make the trench 10 inches deep and 6 inches wide. This allows for a 2-inch raised brick along the edge of the sidewalk.

• 3

  Compact and flatten the bottom of the trench with a hand tamper. Pour 2 inches of gravel into the trench and tamp this layer. Pour 2 inches of sand over the gravel and compact it with the tamper.

Brick Placement Options

• 4

  Lay the bricks perpendicular to the sidewalk. Start at one end of the trench. Lay a brick into the trench and gently tap it into the sand until it is the same level of the sidewalk. Continue laying bricks in this manner along the edge of the sidewalk until you get to the end of the trench. Tap each one with a rubber mallet to ensure it is level with the previous laid brick and the sidewalk. Repeat this process for the other side of the sidewalk.

• 5

  Stand a brick on end with the narrow edge against the side walk for a soldier course option. This is when you lay a single line or course of bricks all in the same orientation, like soldiers in formation. Tap the brick into the sand until the top is 2 inches higher than the surface of the sidewalk. Place the second brick on end with its side flush against the first. Tap it into the sand until the top is level with the first. Continue positioning the bricks until you reach the end of the trench. Repeat this process for the other side of the sidewalk. Measure every so often to ensure the bricks are a constant 2 inches higher than the sidewalk.

• 6

  Position a brick parallel to the sidewalk. Tap it into place so that it is level with the sidewalk. Place the next brick parallel to the sidewalk with its end butted up against the previous one. Tap it into place. Continue to the end of the trench. Go back to the first brick in the trench and place a half brick parallel, next to it. Tap it into place. Lay the next full brick. Butt its end against the half brick. The brick joints between the first line of bricks and the second will be staggered. End with a half brick. Repeat this process for the other side of the sidewalk.

Complete the Project

• 7

  Position strips of plastic paver edging against the outside of the bricks. Secure them by hammering spikes into the ground every 12 inches.

• 8

  Pour sand over the bricks. Work it into the joints between the bricks using a broom. Hose down the bricks with a light mist. Apply more sand, if necessary, to fill up any joints, then hose down the bricks again.

• 9

  Shovel the dirt and replace the grass along the outer edges of the bricks. Tamp it into place and water.