How to Lay Your Own Brick Patio Just Right

What You Will Need

• rake
• spade
• hand tamper
• rubber mallet
• broom
• gravel
• plastic edging
• 12″ spikes
• 2×4 board
• sand
• brick pavers

Step 1: Prepare Base

Locate and mark the outline for your patio by setting stakes at the corners and running string between the stakes. Spread gravel over the entire area.

Next, rake the gravel smooth and, using a hand or power tamper, tamp the surface down to a level surface.

Step 2: Install Edging

Once you get the gravel base level and compact, you will want to measure and cut down the plastic paver edging so that it is the required length to secure the pavers.

Lay the edging down along the outside border of the patio and secure into place by hammering 12″ spikes through the edging and into the ground.

Step 3: Add Sand

This phase is more important than you might think!

There are so many problems with polymeric sand, that you have to make sure you’re not setting yourself up for unleveled pavers or joints that either wash away in the first rain or succumb to burrowing insects or weeds.

Pour your sand over the entire area inside the edging. Add the sand until it is about 1″ deep.

Using a rake, distribute the sand evenly. Grab your 2×4 and lay it horizontally. Then, use the 2×4 to level and smooth out the surface of the sand.

Step 4:  Lay Pavers

Begin laying the brick pavers around the border, using the rubber mallet to tap each one into place.

Continue laying and tapping each paver into place until the area is completely paved. If you have any extra or irregular open spaces, you may need to use a hammer and chisel to cut them into shape and then tap into place.

Step 5: Fill Joints

After your pavers are all tapped down into place and level, spread a thin layer of sand over the entire patio and use a brush to push it into the gaps between the pavers.

Soak the patio with a gentle spray of water to help the sand settle into the gaps.

Repeat the sanding and wetting process until all of the gaps are filled with sand. Use a tamper to set the bricks firmly into place.

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