Step-by-Step on How to Pave Using Bricks

Prepare the Base

• 1

  Excavate the area you want to pave to the depth of the brick, plus 1 inch for sand, plus 6 to 9 inches for the gravel base. Alternatively, you can lay the brick on pre-poured concrete, omitting the gravel base and 1-inch layer of sand. In this case, sweep the area free of debris to obtain a completely flat surface.

• 2

  Pour crushed limestone into the excavated area, then tamp the limestone down with a tamp, the designated tool for tamping limestone, or some other flat, heavy object. You can also rent a power tamper to accomplish this task.

• 3

  Grade the limestone base, using a rake, to achieve a completely flat, relatively smooth surface. Pour limestone in the low areas and rake away limestone from high areas. Re-tamp the graded areas to assure the base is firm and will not erode.

• 4

  Lay landscape fabric over the compacted gravel. Cut the fabric to fit the excavated area. This prevents weed growth and creates a smoother surface for pouring the sand.

• 5

  Pour a 1-inch layer of fine sand over the compacted gravel and landscape fabric.

Lay the Brick

• 6

  Lay each brick onto the sand and gravel base. If there are no self-spacing lugs, leave at least 1/2-inch space between each brick for even spacing and to allow sand to be poured between the joints. Or use concrete bricks with self-spacing lugs to take the guess-work out of spacing and achieve an evenly-spaced patio or walkway.

• 7

  Adjust the bricks with a rubber mallet so they are evenly spaced after you have laid all the bricks.

• 8

  Pour fine sand in the space between each brick. Further adjust the bricks with a rubber mallet if necessary. Using a stiff-bristled whisk broom, sweep the sand over the bricks so each space is filled with sand, then pour a thin layer of sand over the entire surface of pavers. Let the sand settle overnight.

• 9

  Spray the surface lightly with water to further compact the sand, or wait until it rains, then sweep off the excess sand.