How to Lay and Pave Brick

Dig the work site to the same depth as the height of the paver bricks plus 1/4-inch. If the height of the paver bricks is 2 inches, dig the work site to a depth of 2 1/4-inches.

Fill the work site with 1/4-inch of clean fill. Clean fill is a mixture of dirt, sand, gravel and soil used as a base for paving projects. It is purchased at hardware and garden stores.

Compact the clean fill with a compactor. The clean fill base must be level before paving with brick.

Arrange the bricks on the clean fill in the pattern of your choice. Common patterns for paving jobs include straight lay, basket weave, herringbone and stretcher bond. Consult photographs to see how each pattern is arranged. Lay the first bricks in the center of the work site and build the pattern outward, toward the edges. Leave 1/8-inch of space between each brick. Tap the top of each brick with a rubber mallet to set it into the clean fill. Use a level to make sure each brick is level to the ground. Stop laying brick when you get to the edges.

Cut bricks to fit the edges. Mark the cut line on the top of each brick with chalk. Extend the cut line around the brick using a squaring tool. Set the brick on dirt or sand; do not set it on concrete or another brick. Position the chisel on the cut line at a 60 degree angle. Lightly tap the chisel handle with a rubber mallet, just hard enough to score the brick about 1/16-inch. Score the entire cut line. Insert a brick set into the score line so the beveled edge faces the portion of the brick which will be removed. Hit the handle of the brick set with a rubber mallet hard enough to break the brick on the score line. Smooth out the cut edge with a brick hammer.

Cover the bricks with sand. Use enough sand to fill the gaps between each of the bricks. Brush the sand over the bricks with a push broom to evenly coat the paved area.

Mix concrete mix with water per the manufacturer’s instructions in a plastic bucket. Coat the outer edges of the paved area with concrete using a trowel. The concrete forms a solid border and prevents loose bricks from breaking away from the paved area. Let the concrete dry for at least 24 hours.

Lay an old piece of carpet on top of the bricks. Compact the bricks underneath the carpet with a compactor. This flattens the surface of the bricks and eliminates minor differences in brick height. Compact all of the bricks using the carpet and a compactor.

Apply brick sealer to the top of the bricks per the manufacturer’s instructions. Sealer reduces moss and mold build-up.