A well-designed brick walkway boosts the curb appeal of your home while providing a durable and attractive path for visitors. With various patterns and brick types to choose from, you can create a unique and functional walkway. In this article, we’ll explore brick patterns, types of bricks, and tips for designing a brick walkway. This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook demonstrates several popular brick patterns and explains the pros and cons of each design.
Popular Brick Walkway Patterns
When designing a brick walkway, the pattern you choose can impact both the style and the function of your path. Here are some popular patterns.
Running-Bond Pattern
The running-bond pattern is a classic and elegant design often seen in European walkways. This pattern is ideal for longer walkways because its style and structural integrity hold up over extended distances.
In the running-bond pattern, bricks are laid in parallel rows, with each row offset by half a brick length. The staggered seams create an attractive look and provide structural strength. Minimal cutting is required, making it an excellent choice for DIY projects. Cuts are only necessary at the beginning and end of the walkway, regardless of length.
Cross-Bond Pattern
The cross-bond pattern offers a unique look for shorter walkways. The cross-bond pattern can create a striking visual effect, especially when used for entryways or garden paths.
It’s essentially a running bond pattern rotated 90 degrees. Bricks are laid perpendicular to the direction of the walkway. Cuts are required every other row to fill in the edges. This pattern works best for shorter walkways due to the increased number of cuts needed as the path lengthens.
Basket Weave Pattern
If you want a pattern that requires no cutting, the basket weave is an excellent option. It’s a great choice for DIYers or those looking to minimize waste.
Bricks are laid in alternating pairs at right angles to each other, creating an intricate, woven appearance that adds visual interest to your walkway. This pattern works well in both formal and informal garden settings.
Herringbone Pattern
The herringbone pattern is a sophisticated and visually appealing design. While more challenging to install because of the increased number of cuts, this pattern creates a stunning focal point in your landscape design.
Bricks are laid at 45-degree angles, creating a zigzag effect. Cuts are required at the beginning of the walkway and every third row. This pattern provides interlocking strength, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. It works well for both straight and curved walkways.
Choosing the Right Brick for Your Walkway
The type of brick you pick can impact the overall look and functionality of your walkway. When selecting bricks, consider both the pattern you want to create and the overall aesthetic you’re aiming for in your landscape design. There are two main types of bricks to consider.
Modular Bricks
Modular bricks are designed with specific proportions that make them ideal for certain patterns. The length of a modular brick is equal to twice its width. This proportion makes them perfect for basket-weave and herringbone patterns. They allow for seamless integration in these more complex designs without the need for additional cuts.
Standard Bricks
Standard bricks offer a more traditional, old-world appearance. The length of a standard brick is slightly longer than twice its width. This proportion makes them unsuitable for basket-weave or herringbone patterns without extensive cutting. They work well in running-bond or cross-bond patterns where the length-to-width ratio is less critical. Standard bricks often have a more rustic or aged appearance.
Brick Durability and Cost
Bricks vary in terms of material composition, and this can impact both their lifespan and price. Balance these factors with your budget to choose the best bricks for your walkway.
- Clay bricks: Known for their durability and classic look, they can withstand various weather conditions. However, they can be more expensive than other brick types.
- Concrete bricks: These bricks are often less expensive but don’t offer the same long-term durability as clay bricks. They can be an excellent choice for lower-budget projects.
- Reclaimed bricks: Reclaimed bricks provide a unique, vintage appearance and are environmentally friendly. However, they come with a higher price tag and potential inconsistencies in size and condition.
Preparing the Ground for Your Brick Walkway
Walkway preparation will help prevent settling and shifting over time. Follow these steps to ensure a solid foundation:
- Mark out the area for your walkway using stakes and string.
- Excavate the area to a depth of about 6 inches, plus the thickness of your bricks.
- Compact the soil using a plate compactor to create a stable base.
- Add a layer of landscape fabric to prevent weed growth.
- Spread a 4-inch layer of gravel and compact it thoroughly.
- Add a 1-inch layer of sand and level it using a screed board.
Laying the Bricks
Once you’ve prepared the ground and chosen your pattern, it’s time to lay the bricks:
- Start at one end of the walkway, following your chosen pattern.
- Use a rubber mallet to tap each brick into place, ensuring it’s level with its neighbors.
- Use a level to check that the surface remains even as you progress.
- Cut bricks as needed using a masonry saw or brick chisel.
- Fill gaps between bricks with sand, sweeping it into the joints until they’re full.
- After laying all the bricks, run a plate compactor over the surface to further set the bricks.
Take your time during this process to make sure each brick is properly placed and level. This will make a big difference in the final appearance and functionality of your walkway.
Addressing Common Issues During Brick Installation
During brick installation, you may encounter a few common problems. Here’s how to address them:
- Uneven surface: If the surface becomes uneven, recheck the leveling of the base layers and adjust as needed.
- Loose bricks: Ensure proper compaction of the base and sand layers. Using the mallet to firmly set each brick can prevent loosening.
- Weed growth: Applying a layer of landscape fabric and regularly maintaining the walkway can help combat weed growth between bricks.
Maintaining Your Brick Walkway
To keep your brick walkway looking its best and functioning properly, regularly sweep the surface to remove debris. Periodically wash the bricks with a mild detergent and water to remove stains.
Reapply sand to the joints as needed to maintain stability. If you notice any loose or sunken bricks, address them promptly to prevent further damage. Seal your bricks annually to protect against weather and wear.
Sustainable Practices for Brick Walkway Installation
Incorporating sustainable practices while installing your brick walkway can benefit both the environment and your garden. Here are some practices to consider:
- Use reclaimed bricks: Opting for reclaimed bricks can reduce the need for new materials and add unique character to your walkway.
- Permeable base layers: Using permeable materials for base layers can enhance water drainage and reduce runoff.
- Eco-friendly sealants: Choose sealants that are environmentally friendly to maintain your walkway without harming your garden’s ecosystem.
