Instructions for Brick Paving

Draw a basic scale diagram of your yard with a pad and pencil. Use a tape measure to measure the actual amount of space you intend to pave, and sketch the size and shape of the surface. Decide which pattern you'll lay the bricks in. Consider herringbone, basket weave, half basket weave and other designs.

Excavate your paving site to a depth of 12 inches with a shovel. Add four inches to each side to make room for the edge restraints. Compact the bottom of the site with a compactor, running the machine over the site three times to stabilize the ground.

Place the edge restraints against the inner walls of the foundation. Use 2-by-4 inch boards or metal edge restraints. Sink 12-inch spikes through the edge restraints' slots to attach them to the ground. The restraints will help keep the bricks in place.

Dump two 4-inch thick layers of aggregate fill into the site and rake it out evenly. Compact the rocks between each layer so they wedge together. The aggregate foundation prevents the bricks from sinking under heavy weight loads, while enabling water to pass through for drainage.

Add 1 ½ inches of coarse bedding sand over the top of the rocks and spread it with the rake.

Set the bricks into the sand beginning in one corner and working across based on your pattern. Butt them against each other so the gap between them is as narrow as possible.

Continue setting about four bricks in the sand at a time. Lay a board across each section and apply equal pressure to embed them in the sand.

Pour fine masonry sand over the completed brick surface. Work it between the spaces with a stiff broom. Wet the surface and continue packing the sand to fill the joints.

Pour brick sealer in the roller pan and coat the roller brush with the liquid. Apply the sealer to the bricks with the roller brush to maintain their color and make the surface easier to keep clean.