How to Build a Brick Walkway with Sailor Course

Mark off the area for your walkway by using stakes or marking paint. Dig the area out to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Spread 3/4-inch gravel stone to a depth of 2 inches and tamp it down firmly using the tamper. Now spread another 2-inch layer and tamp it down as well. Starting with a solid foundation is necessary to the overall success of your walkway.

Install the edging to ground level using treated 2-by-4 boards and stakes. Pound the stakes deep into the ground so the tops of the stakes are a few inches below the top of the edging.

Spread 2 to 3 inches of sand on top of the gravel and level using a 2-by-4 and carpenter's level then tamp it down. The top of a brick when laid on the sand should be at least 1/4 inch above the edging. Lightly spray the area with a garden hose to help settle and compact the sand.

Lay three bricks starting in a corner side by side and leave a slight gap between them. Move the brick in the middle halfway up so it is staggered with the other two. Continue working across the width of your walkway staggering the bricks until you have reached the other border. Tamp them down gently using a rubber mallet and check to make sure they are level across the walkway.

Continue to lay your bricks in this pattern for the length of your walkway, tamping them down and checking the level as you go. After you have finished laying all of your brick you can go back and cut the half pieces for the ends. To cut the pieces score them first on all four sides then hit firmly with the chisel and sledgehammer on a flat service. You can clean up any uneven edges by tapping it with the hammer. Place the cut edge on the inside facing the walk.

Spread a layer of sand over the walkway and sweep into the spaces between the bricks using the broom. Lightly spray the area again with the hose to settle the sand. Continue compacting sand into the joints until level with the top of the bricks. The sand will keep the bricks in place and also help provide drainage.