Using brick is one of the easiest ways to build asmall patio.
Thisoutdoor patio ideafreshens up your backyard in a couple of days for less than $800.
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After the bricks are laid, sweeppolymeric sandinto the cracks between the bricks to lock them in place.
Plan the Patio
Find a clear area for building the patio.
The patio should slope 1/4-inch per linear foot of patio length.
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The downhill end is where the water will run off of the patio.
Mark the Patio Edges
Use stakes and mason’s line to create layout lines for thepatio area.
The layout is square when the diagonal measurements are equal.
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Tamp the soil thoroughly with a hand tamp or a rented plate compactor.
Add a Gravel Base
Pourcompactible gravelinside the excavated area to a depth of four inches.
Install Paver Edging
roll out the plastic paver edging along the perimeter of the patio.
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Stake down the edging.
The “L” side of the edging should be facing inward.
This avoids the need to cut bricks later on.
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The edging should fit snugly against the test-fit bricks.
Remove the test-fit bricks, keeping the edging in place.
Add Landscape Fabric
Laylandscape fabricover the gravel; this suppressesweedsand separates the gravel from the sand layer.
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Add the Sand Layer
Pour 2 inches of sand over the landscape fabric.
Use the two-by-four as ascreedto smooth and level the sand.
There should be 2 inches between the top of the sand and the top of the patio edging.
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Remove the layout strings and stakes.
Spray the sand with a gentle mist of water until it is thoroughly soaked.
This helps to concentrate and compact the sand.
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Press the bricks gently into the sand, and put them together as closely as possible.
Tap the bricks with a rubber mallet to settle them into the sand, if necessary.
Straighten the bricks in the first row, as needed.
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The last row should fit snugly against the edging.
Sweep in multiple directions to reach all cracks, adding sand as you go until the cracks are filled.
This will activate the sand to start the stiffening process.
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Backfill the Edging
Backfill behind the brick edging with soil and sod or other landscape material.
It is easy to lay your own bricks for a brick patio from the perspective of planning and design.
Only a few building materials are required, and it is simple to learn how to assemble them.
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It is typically cheaper to build a brick patio than a concrete patio because a brick patio is DIY-friendly.
A concrete patio should be built by experienced professionals with mixing equipment, so this drives up the cost.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
