How to Lay a Brick Patio in Sand

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Many people think that adding a brick patio to their home requires hiring a professional. Luckily you don't need a mason to install your dream patio. All you need are the right tools, a free weekend and some elbow grease. Since the majority of the cost of a contractor is labor, you'll save a bundle by doing it yourself. When compared to working with lumber to build a deck, you'll find brick pavers easier to work with and far less expensive.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Shovel
Level
Tape measure
Masonry sand
Hoe
Wood tamp
Hose
Plywood
Rubber mallet
Broom

Step1

Shovel out the area for your patio deep enough to accommodate a 2-inch sand base plus the depth of your brick paver. Make the area as level as possible.

Step2

Dump masonry sand on the site and spread it out using a hoe. Make the sand base as level as you can with a depth of 2 inches. Tamp it down firmly and spray lightly with water. Allow to sit 24 hours and tamp again to create a solid base.

Step3

Select a corner to start in and place a piece of plywood on the sand to kneel on while working. This will prevent disturbing the tamped foundation.

Step4

Begin laying your brick by placing the pavers as close together as possible. As you lay each one, gently tap it with a rubber mallet so that it butts up closely to the bricks surrounding it and is level with other bricks as well.

Step5

Spread sand all over the patio once you're finished laying the bricks. Use a broom to sweep the sand into the cracks and fill in the crevices. Then hose the patio down to compact the sand and repeat the process. You may have to do this a few times to ensure the cracks are tightly filled.

Step6

Maintain your patio by adding sand each season. Periodically refilling the crevices will help keep the pavers solidly packed and avoid movement.

Tips & Warnings

When designing your patio, make sure the shape and dimensions accommodate whole bricks. The less you have to cut the easier your job will be.
If the ground is soft or tends to become soggy during heavy rains, consider installing a border made of 2 by 4 pieces of treated lumber. If anchored properly, the frame will keep the pavers from shifting and creating an uneven surface over time.
Try to avoid sliding the bricks into place. It will cause sand to get shoved in between the bricks creating gaps.