Adding a brick walkway to your landscape can increase your home’s curb appeal and add character to your outdoor space. With some planning, the right materials, and proper technique, you can lay a beautiful and long-lasting brick path yourself. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to lay a brick walkway properly from start to finish.

Choosing the Location

When deciding where to put your brick walkway, consider how it will connect elements in your yard and lead people where you want them to go. Think about:

Access Points

Where will your walkway begin and end? Connect it to entryways of your home, driveway, patio, or garden shed.

Traffic Flow

Observe where people naturally walk across your yard. A path in that area makes sense.

Aesthetic Appeal

Locate your walkway where it will be most visible and complement your landscape. Curving paths add interest.

Practicality

Consider distance, slope, drainage, and accessibility needs when placing your walkway. Avoid overly steep routes.

Sun and Shade

Note sunlight patterns. Brick stays cooler and moister in shade. Full sun accelerates weathering.

Privacy

Position your brick walkout of direct sightlines from neighboring homes. Use landscaping for screening if needed.

Layout Flexibility

An informal walkway can meander. For more structured designs, map it out with stakes and string.

Future Plans

Determine if you may expand the path later. Account for continuation space.

Choosing Bricks and Edging

Select bricks that will withstand the local climate and complement your home. Consider:

Brick Material

Clay is traditional. Concrete is affordable. Pavers offer shape options. Choose pervious bricks if drainage is a concern.

Brick Shape

Rectangular bricks are simplest to lay in patterns. Square bricks save cutting. Cobblestone-style bricks add organic charm.

Brick Color

Red is classic, but many options exist. Blend the walkway into your landscape or make it a focal point.

Used Bricks

Reclaimed brick has character but may require extra prep. Ensure it’s in good condition. Match sizes.

Permeable Pavers

Allow rainfall drainage between joints. Helpful for wet areas or sustaining nearby plants.

Edging Materials

Edging contains the edges. Use plastic, metal, stone, concrete, or bricks set vertically.

Quantity

Measure the area and pattern to calculate needed bricks and edging. Buy 10% extra.

Gathering Supplies and Tools

Assembling the right equipment will make your paving project go smoothly. Be sure to have:

Safety Gear

Gloves, goggles, kneepads, dust mask

Shovel

Flat shovel for excavation, scoop shovel to move materials

Rake and Level

For grading, smoothing, and leveling the base

String and Stakes

To outline the path layout and verify straight lines

Mason’s Chisel

For cutting pavers and bricks to fit

Masonry Saw

For making precise cuts through thicker materials

Dead Blow Hammer

Soft hammer for adjusting bricks without damaging them

Push Broom

To sweep sand between the finished pavers

Plate Compactor

To thoroughly compress the path base so it’s firm

Wheelbarrow

For transporting materials around your worksite

Spirit Level

To check for level at each step as you build up layers

Tamper

Optional. For compacting soil and gravel as you go

Screed Pipe

Optional. Helps create a perfectly smooth sand layer before bricklaying

Masonry Sealer

To protect finished walkway from moisture damage

Landscape Fabric

To line the trench before adding gravel; prevents weed growth

Preparing the Base

Build your brick walkway on a solid, well-draining base to prevent shifting and settling issues down the road.

Mark the Layout

Stake out the path’s edges with string lines following your desired shape and width. Allow for 2-3 inches of overhang on each side of the path for edging boards.

Dig Out Sod

Strip away grass and weeds using a flat shovel. Dig down 4-6 inches.

Excavate for Gravel

Shovel down another 4 inches throughout the trench. Slope the soil subsurface slightly to allow drainage.

Tamp the Soil

Use a hand tamper or plate compactor to densify the exposed soil at the bottom for a firm base.

Add Gravel and Compact

Spread a 4 inch layer of coarse gravel. Shovel and rake it level. Then compact with the plate compactor.

Line with Landscape Fabric

Position landscape fabric over the gravel to hamper weed growth before adding paver base.

Install Edging

Place your pre-cut edging boards around the path perimeter, following the layout strings.

Fill and Level with Paver Base

Shovel in 2-3 inches of paver base (gravel screeding) over the fabric. Rake smooth.

Screed for Consistent Depth

Optional. Drag a screed board along the rails to fine tune the gravel base layer.

Compact Again

Go over the area with the plate compactor again to firmly consolidate the paver base.

Laying the Bricks

Now you’re ready to start laying bricks. Go slowly and double check your work along the way.

Set the Strings Again

Reattach the layout strings to the stakes for an alignment guide. Maintain tension.

Spread 1 inch of Sand

Shovel sharp sand across the prepared base. Screed to 1 inch depth if desired.

Place Your First Bricks

Following your chosen pattern, set the first bricks next to the edging against the string lines.

Tap Bricks into Place

Use a dead blow hammer and rubber mallet to nudge bricks into the sand until level and evenly spaced.

Check Alignment Often

Use the string lines and a level to verify the bricks are positioned correctly. Adjust as needed.

Fill Gaps Between Bricks

Spread sand across the first row and sweep it into the joints using a push broom.

Continue Laying Rows

Work outward from your starting row. Remember to stagger brick joints from row to row.

Cut Pavers as Needed

Use a masonry saw or chisel to cut bricks to fit curves and edges. Cut side faces the edging.

Compact Periodically

Once several rows are complete, go over them with the plate compactor to settle the bricks.

Fill Remaining Gaps

Add more sand and sweep it into all joints until they are completely filled. Remove excess.

Compact the Surface

Compact completed walkway again to further lock in the bricks and sand.

Finishing and Sealing

Add final touches to give your brick walkway the perfect polished look.

Adjust Any Wobbly Bricks

Tap down any pavers that wobble or seem uneven with the surrounding bricks.

Inspect for Gaps or Low Spots

Fill any visible gaps in the joints with additional sand. Even out low areas.

Remove Alignment Strings

When you’ve verified all bricks are placed correctly, take out the layout strings.

Sweep Away Debris

Make a final pass with the push broom to remove all dust and leftover sand.

Rinse the Bricks

Use a hose to wash away any haze and give the pavers a clean appearance.

Apply Sealant

Once dry, follow product instructions to seal the bricks and sand joints with masonry sealer.

Admire Your Work

You now have an impressive brick walkway to add beauty, function, and value to your landscape!

Brick Walkway Patterns

Beyond the basic straight path, consider laying your bricks in a decorative pattern for visual appeal. Popular options include:

Herringbone

Bricks are laid perpendicular, interlocking like fishbones. Creates dynamic zigzag effect.

Basketweave

Overlapping brick rows give textured look resembling woven fabric. Very intricate.

Running Bond

Each brick aligns with the one two rows below it. Clean, stacked look.

Pinwheel

Radial brick pattern has a spinning motif. Works well in circular designs.

Fan Pattern

Bricks radiate outward from a focal point like an open fan. Interesting detail.

Mediterranean

Bricks laid with wavy, irregular gaps evoke old-world charm. Relatively simple.

Tips for Achieving a Professional Look

Follow these best practices as you lay bricks to help your walkway look its best:

Thoroughly tamp and compact the gravel base so it’s very firm.
Use landscape fabric to reduce weed growth up through the path.
Lay 1 inch of sand for leveling bricks, not more. Too much sand makes an unstable base.
Frequently check that bricks align correctly and remain level as you build outward.
Tightly fill the joints between bricks with sand by sweeping and compacting.
Blend bricks from multiple packages so color variations are distributed evenly.
Cut partial bricks with a masonry saw for clean edges. Score and chisel for ragged effect.
Avoid laying bricks directly over soil. The sand and gravel base provides crucial drainage.
Extend the finished walkway a few inches beyond string lines so edging boards hide the edges.
Seal bricks after installation to protect from weathering and prevent moss or staining.

Maintaining Your Brick Walkway

Once installed properly, a brick path requires minimal upkeep to stay beautiful for decades. Be sure to:

Re-apply sealer every 1-2 years to protect the bricks from moisture damage.
Regularly sweep or blow debris off the path to prevent plants from growing in joints.
Refill joints with fresh sand if existing material erodes or washes away over time.
Rinse off mud or stains with water. Use mild cleaner sparingly on severe spots.
Check for uneven settling after freezing temperatures and re-level affected areas as needed.
Shovel snow carefully without damaging brick edges. Use plastic shovels to avoid scrapes.
Pull any weeds that grow up between bricks promptly to avoid root-caused shifting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size bricks should I use?

Standard bricks are about 2-1/4″ thick by 8″ long. For heavier residential use, consider thicker 2-5/8″ pavers for greater durability. Standard pavers work well for most straight walkways. Use varied sizes and shapes for more ornate patterns.

How much base depth is needed?

Excavate 6-8 inches for the sub-base of gravel, topped with 1-2 inches of sand. This provides stability and drainage. Make base depths 6-10 inches if freezing winters cause ground shifting where you live.

Can I use reclaimed bricks?

Yes, reused brick adds character. Inspect it closely for damage first and account for different sizes. Clean moss and debris off and use extra sand for uneven thicknesses. Sorting by size can help achieve tighter joints.

Should gaps between bricks be filled?

Yes, properly fill joints with sand once all bricks are laid. This locks them together firmly. Failure to fill gaps is a common DIY mistake that causes shifting. Sweep in sand repeatedly until joints are full.

How much brick walkway will I need?

Determine the square footage of your planned path, then add 10% for cutting and wastage. Need 100 square feet of coverage? Buy 110 square feet of brick. Also calculate linear feet for edging.

Can I lay bricks directly on soil or grass?

No, compacted gravel and sand under pavers is crucial for drainage and stability. Laying bricks atop soil or sod will lead to uneven sinking, growth between bricks, and erosion from runoff. Proper base prep prevents long-term issues.

How can I cut bricks cleanly?

For straight cuts, score bricks deeply with a masonry chisel then strike firmly to split along the line. For clean, precise cuts, use a masonry saw with a diamond blade cooled by water. Make curved cuts by nibbling away small chunks with the chisel.

Conclusion

Adding a new brick walkway instantly upgrades the look and function of your outdoor space. With mindful planning, high-quality materials, and proper preparation and installation techniques, you can create a beautiful and enduring brick path. Following the steps outlined above will help you achieve professional-looking results and a safer, smoother route for years of pleasant strolling to come.

How to Lay a Brick Walkway: Additional Tips

Choose a layout that matches the style of your home and other hardscapes in your yard. Formal houses suit geometric patterns. Cottages and bungalows look charming with meandering paths.
Blend different colored bricks in repeating or random patterns for added visual interest. Use bold colors sparingly for accents along edges or segments.
Plant low-growing, foot-traffic-tolerant plants like thyme or Irish moss between pavers to add greenery. Just avoid aggressive spreaders that grow in joints.
Bricks with built-in spacers on the sides simplify consistent joint sizing. Place tinted polymeric sand in joints for a finished look.
Most laying patterns only use half bricks around edges. Save the leftover halves to replace any damaged bricks later on.
Lay edging bricks vertically along curves for clean containment. Miter edging seam corners at 45 degree angles for a neat finish.
To add longevity in cold climates, excavate several inches deeper and increase the gravel base depth before backfilling with soil around the edges.
Sweep polymeric sand across the surface once bricks are laid to further lock joints and create a smooth appearance. Mist lightly with water to set the sand.
Arrange different sized pavers in pleasing geometric motifs for additional visual flair. Repeat designs across large paths for a cohesive look.
Lay out oddly-shaped pavers first around curves, then fill in between with standard bricks. This reduces the need for many special cuts.
For a more relaxed appeal, blend earth tone bricks in brown, terra cotta and grey. Add interest with varied textures like tumbled or flamed surfaces.
Brick walkways often develop a pleasing aged patina over time. If desired, applying sealer helps retain the bricks’ original vibrant color. Reseal annually.

I hope these tips help guide you through a successful brick walkway installation you can be proud of for decades to come. With careful planning and execution, your new brick path will quickly become a treasured part of your landscape. Let me know if you have any other brick paving questions!