How To Repair a Brick Walkway to Boost Curb Appeal

A beautiful brick walkway can boost your home’s curb appeal, but these pathways can settle, shift, or become uneven over time. Luckily, repairing your brick walkway is a straightforward project you can complete within a day. In the video above, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook gives his expert insight into tackling this home improvement task.

Assessing the Walkway Damage

Before starting any repairs, assess the extent of the damage to your brick walkway to determine the project’s scope and the materials needed.

Common Issues With Brick Walkways

Brick walkways can naturally develop a number of problems over time, such as:

• Settling: Portions of the walkway may sink lower than others.
• Loose bricks: Individual bricks may become wobbly or dislodged.
• Cracked bricks: Freeze-thaw cycles or heavy loads can cause bricks to crack.
• Weed growth: Vegetation can sprout between bricks, causing deeper damage.
• Uneven surfaces: The walkway may develop bumps or dips, creating tripping hazards.

Determining the Cause

Understanding the root cause of the damage will help you create a long-lasting repair. Here are some common culprits:

• Poor drainage: Water pooling can lead to settling and frost heave.
• Inadequate base: A weak or improperly laid foundation can cause shifting.
• Tree roots: Growing roots can push up bricks and create uneven surfaces.
• Age and wear: Over time, materials simply deteriorate and need replacement.

Gathering Materials and Tools to Repair a Brick Walkway

To successfully repair your brick walkway, you’ll need the right supplies and equipment. Here’s a list of items to gather:

• Replacement bricks (if necessary)
• Crushed stone (3/4-inch)
• Stone dust or sand for the setting bed
• Concrete mix for edging
• Landscape fabric (optional for weed prevention)
• Wooden stakes and boards for forms
• 2-by-4 plywood with notch cut out
• Composite decking
• Garden rake
• Hand tamper
• Level
• Mason’s line and stakes
• Plate compactor (can be rented)
• Pointed shovel
• Push broom
• Rubber mallet
• Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses, dust mask)
• Trowel
• Wheelbarrow

Preparing the Repair Site

Good preparation is key to a successful brick walkway repair. This phase involves removing the old bricks and preparing the base for reconstruction.

Remove Existing Bricks

Start by carefully removing all the bricks from the damaged area. It’s important to stack the bricks neatly nearby, as you can probably reuse most of them.

Then use a pointed shovel to remove any sand or loose material beneath the bricks. Set aside any bricks that are broken or severely damaged. These will need to be replaced.

Excavate and Level

First, stretch the mason’s line taught between metal stakes to represent the edges of your new walkway. Dig out the area to a depth of about 6 inches below your desired walkway finished height. Extend the excavation about 6 inches beyond the edges of the walkway to allow for proper edging.

Stretch a second mason’s line between the stakes, pitching it down from the house 1/4 inch per foot of distance. This will be for drainage. Use a plate compactor to thoroughly tamp down the soil, creating a solid foundation.

Laying the Foundation for a Brick Walkway

A stable foundation is necessary for preventing future settling and shifting of your brick walkway. This involves creating a solid base that will support the bricks for years, so be careful and precise.

Install the Base Material

Spread a 2-inch layer of 3/4-inch crushed stone mixed with stone dust over the compacted soil. Use your plate compactor to compact this layer thoroughly. You can add additional layers as needed, compacting each layer until you reach the desired height.

Create Edge Restraints

Dig a narrow trench along each edge of your new walkway. Install wooden forms along the trench to contain the base material and bricks, then secure the forms with wooden stakes and 2-inch screws. Make sure the forms are level and follow the desired slope of the walkway.

Setting the Bricks

With a solid foundation in place, you can take down the mason’s lines. Now, it’s time to lay the bricks and create your new walkway surface.

Prepare the Setting Bed

For the setting bed, spread a 3/4-inch layer of stone dust or sand over the compacted base. Use a screed board (a straight piece of lumber) to level the setting bed. Lightly compact it with a hand tamper or plate compactor.

Lay the Bricks

Begin laying bricks at the house end of the walkway, working your way outward. You can use a running bond pattern for added stability. Tap each brick into place with a rubber mallet, checking that it’s level with its neighbors. Use shorter half bricks to negotiate curves or fill gaps as needed.

Fill Joints and Finishing

Once all bricks are in place, spread stone dust over the entire surface. Use a push broom to sweep the material into the joints between bricks.

Compact the entire surface with a plate compactor to settle the bricks and fill joints. Then, add more joint material as needed and repeat the process until you’ve filled all the joints.

Adding Concrete Edging to Your Brick Walkway

Concrete edging helps lock the bricks in place and gives your walkway a clean, finished look.

Mix and Pour Concrete

You can now remove the wooden forms you used during bricklaying. In a wheelbarrow, mix your concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour the concrete into the trench along the edges of the walkway behind the sailor bricks.

Shape and Finish the Edging

Use a trowel to shape the concrete, angling it slightly away from the bricks for drainage. Smooth the surface of the concrete for a neat appearance.

Make sure you allow the concrete to fully cure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Brick Walkway Final Touches

Complete your brick walkway repair with these finishing steps for a beautiful and long-lasting path.

Clean and Seal

Once the concrete has cured, clean the entire walkway surface with a stiff brush and water. Allow the walkway to dry completely. If you want to, you can apply a brick sealer to help protect against stains and weather damage at this point.

Landscape Around the Walkway

Backfill along the edges of the walkway with topsoil. Plant grass seed or lay sod to blend the walkway with your lawn. Think about adding low-growing plants along the edges for a decorative touch.

Maintenance Tips

To keep your brick walkway safe and sturdy, regularly inspect and maintain it:

1. Check for and remove any weed growth between bricks.
2. Assess the walkway periodically for any new uneven spots or settling areas.
3. Apply sealant every few years to protect against weather damage.