How to Work With Cobblestone Bricks

Steeped in history and imbued with old world craftsmanship, antique bricks and cobblestones are used for modern day floors, walls, driveways, patios, sidewalks, paths, entryways and other stone masonry projects. Cobblestones, or antique paver bricks, can add timeless elegance to an urban home or rustic charm to a country cottage. Antique bricks or cobblestones will add history, unique quality and strength to your building or landscape project. Bricks have an additional eco-friendly benefit of storing heat energy from the sun's energy during the daylight hours and continuing to release that stored heat after the sun sets.

Things You'll Need

• Wheelbarrow
• Shovel
• Garden gloves
• Tape measure
• Rubber mallet
• Chisel
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Prepare a plan for your project. Determine how large of an area you are working with and what size and how many bricks or pavers you will need to purchase or secure. Antique bricks are available from masonry contractors or may be salvaged from on old building that is being demolished. Be sure to ask permission before removing bricks from old buildings. The bricks are very valuable and removal without permission is a felony.

   Most bricks produced in the United States are approximately 4 in. x 8 in. x 2 1/4 in. Bricks manufactured in other countries may vary slightly in size.

   Once you have determined the size of bricks to use in your project, you can calculate the width and length of the area and determine how many bricks are required. This process is fairly easy in a simple layout. Curved walkways, slanting driveways and complex patio designs may require the assistance of a professional brick mason to determine the amount required. Always purchase a few more bricks than you plan to use. These can be used to replace any bricks damaged or broken during installation or that require replacement at a future date.

2. Transport the bricks to your project location or have them delivered by a professional. Antique bricks are very heavy, some weighing as much as 10 lbs. each. Handle with care, as they will break or chip if dropped or handled roughly. A wheelbarrow is helpful in moving bricks for small projects.

3. Clean bricks if required. If you have salvaged the bricks from a previous project, they may have lumps of mortar or dirt that should be chipped or washed away. Use a chisel and a rubber mallet to chip away excess mortar. Bricks can be washed with a pressure hose. Allow bricks to dry before proceeding.

4. Evaluate the color and size of the bricks. Traditionally, in early American brick firing ovens or "kilns," the surface of the bricks that were nearest the fire were changed into darker, wine colored bricks with a distinct texture. Brick makers called these bricks "clinkers" and they were originally discarded. However, in later years, the unusual beauty of these "clinkers" was recognized and they were utilized to create distinctive and attractive architectural detailing. Determine if you wish to include these "clinkers" in your project as part of the overall design.

5. Sort out the bricks if you are creating a pattern in your brick masonry project. The fired color of antique clay bricks was significantly influenced by the mineral, chemical and content of raw materials. Drying methods, the firing temperature and the atmosphere in the "kiln" or ovens also accounted for variances in color and texture. Choose bricks of uniform color and texture that are not too badly chipped or damaged.

6. Consult a professional and research masonry instructions online or from books available at your local building supply center. Antique bricks or cobblestones are laid in bedding sand just as slate, flagstone, cobblestone and modern brick. However, because they represent a substantial investment in both time and money, you may wish to consult a stone mason before beginning your project. Antique bricks and cobblestone vary in size, weight and texture and are difficult to install without masonry experience or the services of a qualified brick mason.

References

• Points Of Interest Along Lost Streams: Brick Manufacture
• Traditional Reclaimed Materials: Bricks and Cobblestones