How to Add Brick Edging to Driveways

Mark off the area next to the driveway with landscaping string. This string will be used as a guideline when you dig and to mark off the project area. You can purchase this string at a local hardware store as well as the posts to secure it to the ground. A cheaper alternative is to use pencils and simply wrap the strings around them. Place the posts or pencils approximately 3 feet apart.

Dig out an area next to the drive. This small trench should run the length of the drive and be at least 2 inches deep to secure the bricks and be slightly wider than the width of the bricks. Try to keep the trench as even and as close to the edge of the driveway as possible.

Begin laying the bricks down. Typically, brick edging for a driveway is done with the bricks placed horizontally. Vertical placement requires extra labor and trenching, and it is more difficult to get them aligned evenly. Take your time and make sure that each brick is level before proceeding. If necessary, dig out a little more to keep them aligned properly.

Change up the colors if necessary. If you are using more than one color of brick, decide how many feet of each color you want to do before switching to the next color. This can add visual interest, particularly if you are going gradually lighter or darker as you get closer to the house.

Tamp down the bricks firmly. Once you are done laying the bricks in your trench, go back over and tamp them all down, making sure that they are all level. This will help seat them properly in the soil around the driveway.

Fill in the trench around the bricks with loose sand. This will help keep the bricks from moving and secure them in place. Use more sand than necessary. Any excess will be washed away or blown away naturally.