How to Pave with Bricks

Bricks or brick pavers are becoming popular design tools for adding a decorative flare to your driveway or walkway. Hiring a contractor to design your plans is an option. However, for small projects, you can save money and pave with bricks or brick pavers yourself.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spray paint
• Shovel
• Weed mesh
• Level
• Bricks, or brick pavers
• Cement mixture
• Sand
• Water
• Rubber mallet

1. Mark the area you're going to pave with spray paint. Measure the area's length and width to determine how many supplies you'll need. Go to a home improvement store or builder's supply warehouse and pick the design for the bricks or brick pavers.

2. Dig the area you've marked in Step 1 to a depth equal to the bricks you've purchased. Use the level to determine that you've adequately dug the area. Add dirt or sand to areas if you dig too deep. Remove dirt or sand from areas that aren't deep enough.

3. Cover the exposed level dirt with weed mesh to prevent weeds from growing in between the bricks.

4. Mix the cement mixture with water and sand. Spread a layer of cement in an area equal to no more than 4-square feet. Work in small areas so you don't get ahead of yourself.

5. Lay your bricks or brick pavers. Leave no gaps in between the bricks and use the level to keep your work even. If you're not completely even on one or two bricks, use a rubber mallet to gently tap the bricks level.

6. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until you're finished your project.