Installing a Brick or Paver Walkway

The use of Bricks or Pavers to create a walkway or patio complements a home in a way that is unmatched. It adds a level of quality and elegance to a home entrance that can not be achieved with either concrete or asphalt. Brick and Pavers also come in many different colors and shapes allowing for unique color schemes and patterns to be achieved. In addition, installing a Brick or Paver walkway does not necessarily require a pro. With some basic knowledge and a relatively simple walkway plan, a homeowner is capable of undertaking such a project.

Inevitably bricks/pavers will need to be cut or split when building the walkway. Unless you want to buy or rent an expensive wetsaw, I would suggest purchasing a simple brick/paver splitter. It is basically a chisel with a wide end that is the width of the bricks/pavers. To actually cut/split the brick/paver, lay it in a bed of sand and place the chisel at a 75 degree angle over the spot where you want to break the brick. Then using a hammer strike the butt end of the chisel firmly. You may need to do this a couple of times. You may also want to flip the brick/paver over and strike the other side of the brick using the hammer and chisle. Within one or two strikes the brick/paver should break cleanly. If your walkway has curves you will need to buy/rent a wetsaw.For a more traditional look, you can opt for cobblestones, but they are expensive. Though you get what you pay for because they can last for a very very long period of time without any need for maintenance. The only set back is the price but they are easy to repair and have been tested for durability and quality all over the world.Wood is a more expensive choice but if does give the deck a unique and homey look. It is also easier to match wood with accessories for the deck like chairs, umbrellas, and pillows. You can have the lumber sealed and weather-proofed to make sure it doesn't rot too quickly.Finally, spread stone dust over the new walkway and sweep into the cracks. Repeat this process a couple of times to ensure the cracks are fully filled. This will complete the interlocking of the bricks and help to eliminate any weed growth. Just add grass seed to the outside edges and you should have a beautiful entrance to your home within a couple of weeks.Your outdoor living space is as important as your indoor spaces. Driveways set the mood even before you enter the house, so choosing the right design and the correct material for a functional and aesthetically sound driveway will determine the whole harmony of your living space. Interlocking pavers come in brick and concrete forms. These pavers are a good choice when durability is your main concern. These are flexible and quake proof. It doesn't use cement as a binder, but rather uses sand to keep it all in place. Brick pavers and sandstone pavers also make good driveway materials. It gives the entire path small but significant details in terms of design however, they are a bit more pricey than the concrete ones. Concrete pavers require the least amount of maintenance. It is also the most common type of driveway seen all over the country.Once this is done, you can then begin to lay the bricks/pavers. There are many patterns you can lay. I particularly like the Herring Bone pattern. The key to laying the bricks/pavers is to ensure that they interlock with each other. Always stagger adjacent rows of bricks by 1/2 of a brick to interlock them. This will again help maintain the integrity of the walkway.Now place on the level sand/stone dust strips of plastic brick borders. Install a run on both sides of the prepared area. These strips will act as your walkway border and help to maintain the integrity and shape of the walkway. You can get these plastic strip borders at most home improvement stores. The strips should be anchored down with 12" galvinized nails. You should sink these nails into the ground and through the strips every foot.

Finally, spread stone dust over the new walkway and sweep into the cracks. Repeat this process a couple of times to ensure the cracks are fully filled. This will complete the interlocking of the bricks and help to eliminate any weed growth. Just add grass seed to the outside edges and you should have a beautiful entrance to your home within a couple of weeks.

Author: Mark J. Donovan