Curious to know how to lay a brick patio as a pro? You’ll be glad to know the process isn’t too complicated, and anyone can get the job done. All you’ll need to do is to get the right tools and observe some simple steps.

To lay a brick patio, you’ll first need to outline the target area and choose your preferred brick shapes. Next is to assemble all the materials and tools before you get started with the actual work. Start by marking your target area before you proceed to dig the ground using a shovel. Once the ground is smooth and compact, you’ll spread gravel on the soul before placing a landscaping fabric. Level out the surface before you start laying bricks.

In this article, we give you practical tips on how to lay a brick patio and make your outdoors aesthetically appealing. Let’s get started.

How To Lay a Brick Patio – Preparations

Laying a brick patio is a not-so-straightforward process, as you can’t jump straight to installing the bricks. You must first prepare adequately by determining your working area and having your materials and tools on standby, as explained in this section.

Outline the Area to Apply the Patio

The first step when building a brick patio as a DIY project should be marking the edges. We strongly recommend using a mason’s line and stakes to enhance your overall accuracy. You can choose to drive two stakes at every corner or just use one stake per corner. Outlining the area allows you to run the perimeter of the patio and know the areas you’ll be working on. 

Alternatively, you can also use a chalk line to mark the area where you plan to install the brick patio. Getting the right measurements is vital as it determines the quantity of supplies you’ll need for the entire project.

Choose the Shape of the Bricks from Available Designs

The next step as you prepare to lay your brick patio is choosing your preferred brick design. Bricks come in different patterns from running bond to basket weave, and herringbone.If you’re wondering how to lay a brick patio, you’ll be glad to learn that there is no perfect brick design. It’s up to you to choose a pattern that best suits your preferences. Point to note, though, some brick designs are easier to work with compared to others that may require potentially tricky cuts.

Calculate the Number of Materials You’ll Need

Once you’ve chosen your preferred brick design and outlined the target area, you should calculate the amount of materials you’ll require. As a good rule, you should ensure you have the right number of paving bricks, enough sand, a large enough landscape fabric, polymeric sand, and compactible gravel.

Some of the tools you’ll need for this DIY project include a mason’s line, shovel, rake, carpenter’s level, rubber mallet, plate compactor, broom, and garden hose. It’s best to ensure you have all the tools and materials needed before you start the actual job.

Read more: How To Clean Brick Patio

How To Lay a Brick Patio in 10 Steps

Once you have all the tools and supplies needed to lay a brick patio in place, you can now get started with the actual work. Below are 10 steps to lay your brick patio and bring it to life.

1. Mark the Ground With Wooden Sticks

Measure out the area where you want to lay bricks for your patio. As you get the measurements, you can use wooden sticks to mark the edges, which paints a better picture of where you’ll lay the bricks. Be sure to mark the areas accurately, as doing so boosts your chances of success despite having little to no experience. Once you’ve set up the stakes, you can use a mason’s line to better define the area you want to lay the bricks.

2. Dig the Ground with a Shovel

After you’ve marked the entire perimeter, you can now start the actual work. You’ll need a shovel for this step as you’ll be digging with the goal of removing 7-8 inches of soil. While this step might seem relatively straightforward, it’s vital to maintain consistency in terms of depth. Be sure to dig evenly across the entire area such that you have an evenly dug patio. Digging from side to side is highly advisable, as it allows you to maintain a good level of consistency compared to digging without any formula.

3. Compact and Smooth the Ground

The next step after you’ve dug the designated area is to compact the ground. We’d recommend using a hand tamp to compact the soil. You can also rent a plate compactor if you don’t fancy the labor that’s associated with hand tamps. A plate compactor will get the compacting job done faster and more effectively. But you can still use a hand tamp to tamp the soil and make it more dense and compact. The importance of compacting the ground to the DIY project cannot be overstated and should be done until the soil is smooth and well-evened out.

Read more: Limestone Paving for Patios and Driveways

4. Add the Gravel Base

Next, pour the compactible gravel inside the area you excavated. If you’re wondering how to lay a brick patio the right way, you should pour the compactible gravel to a depth of around 4 inches to act as a solid base. Once you’ve poured the gravel, take a rake to make the gravel level and extra smooth. Tamp the gravel base until you’re positive it’s properly compacted.

5. Place the Landscaping Fabric Over the Rock or Soil

After you’re done with adding the gravel base and it’s fully compacted and even, next is to place the landscaping fabric over the surface. The importance of a landscaping fabric to the outlook of your brick patio cannot be overstated, as it will prevent weeds from sprouting between the bricks. This secures your brick patio, giving you the guarantee that your patio will remain aesthetically appealing for several years.

6. Install Patio Borders

Once the landscaping fabric is well installed, the next step is to install patio borders to maintain your patio’s shape. You can opt for plastic edging, as it’s easily available and perfectly suited for brick patios. It’s advisable to line up test-fit bricks along the edges to ensure you install the borders accurately. Once done with the edging and you’re confident it fits snugly, you can proceed to remove the test bricks.

Read more: How to Paint Concrete Patio

7. Ensure the Patio Surface is Level and Add Sand

Check to confirm that the entire surface is smooth and level after you’ve installed the patio borders. Once confident that everything is okay, it’s now time to pour sand over the landscaping fabric. We’d recommend pouring about 2 inches of sand gently over the fabric. Make sure you don’t pour too much sand, as it can prove problematic when laying the bricks. Experts recommend spritzing the sand with water to soak it and make it compact. After you’ve added sand to the landscaping fabric, you can now proceed to remove the stakes or strings that you may have set up as you were marking the perimeter.

8. Start Laying Bricks on The Patio

Now we get to the fun part, laying bricks as you gradually see your design coming to life. The trick when laying bricks is to start from one corner and move along the set edging. If curious about how to lay a brick patio the right way, the general consensus is laying the bricks one by one, ensuring you complete a row before starting another one. Be sure to press the bricks into the moist sand and place them as close to each other as you can.

You can use the rubber mallet to make the bricks settle deeper into the moist sand. Tap the bricks gently, trying your best to maintain the shape and design. Most experts advise using a rubber mallet once you’re done with each row. This will ensure that the bricks are well-installed before you move to the next row.

9. Sprinkle Another Layer of Sand

Once done laying the bricks, next is to sprinkle polymeric sand, which helps lock and keep them in place by stiffening the joints. Spread the polymeric sand carefully over the bricks, paying special attention to the cracks. A broom will come in handy in ensuring the sand gets into the cracks. Keep adding sand until you’ve filled all the cracks. You can use a garden hose to spray water on the bricks, which activates the polymeric sand to start stiffening. Repeat the process until all the sand has settled into the cracks.

10. Clean Up the Patio

Most people assume that learning how to lay a brick patio is all about laying bricks.  However, you’ll need to clean up your patio to complete the process.  After applying polymeric sand to fill the cracks, you should allow the bricks some hours to dry before you kick-start the cleaning process. Use a broom to gently sweep over the bricks to leave your patio looking clean and attractive. Avoid using too much force, especially if you aren’t too sure that the polymeric sand has settled.

Read more: How To Paint Concrete Patio

How to Maintain  Brick Patio?

Maintaining your brick patio shouldn’t prove too hard if you did a good installation job. Here are some tips to observe if you want your brick patio to look neat years after installation.

Sweep it Frequently

Sweeping your pavers regularly is easily the best way to keep your patio in good shape. It’s advisable to have your patio swept daily, especially if it is frequently used. Regular maintenance helps prevent the buildup of soil, dust, leaves, and other debris that can build up in those tiny spaces between the bricks. Sweeping your pavers before it rains is also a great tip, as it makes clean-up straightforward later on.

Rinse Your Pavers Regularly

After sweeping your brick pavers, we strongly recommend rinsing them using a garden hose. Rinsing with clean water ensures that all debris is cleared away as opposed to being moved from one place to another. A power washer can also come in handy if you live in an area prone to moss or mold. It’s also advisable to clean using cleaning solutions. Dish soap and water can get the job done, or you can opt for commercial products specifically designed for cleaning outdoor spaces.

Seal your Pavers

Learning how to lay a brick patio won’t be of much use if you don’t properly maintain your pavers. A great way to keep your brick pavers in top shape is to reseal them every once in a while, preferably every two years. This is especially true when your patio is frequently used. Sealing your pavers protects them from the elements that can enhance wear and tear. It also makes cleanup straightforward, allowing your patio to thrive for years.

You can choose between non-film-forming sealants and film-forming sealants. Non-film-forming paver sealants are durable and come with a matte finish that provides additional protection from the elements. Film-forming paver sealants have a gloss (or semi-gloss) finish but need frequent reapplication compared to non-film-forming sealants.

Read more: Decomposed Granite Patios

Replace Broken or Chipped Pavers

Broken brick pavers enhance the collection of debris, dirt, and standing water, which increases the chances of premature damage. Making instant repairs to damaged parts is the surest way to prevent your brick patio from becoming unsightly in a matter of months. Fortunately, installing replacement pavers isn’t difficult provided you have the replacement bricks, filler sand, and edging to keep the bricks in place as they cure.

FAQS About How To Lay A Brick Patio

What Do You Put Under A Brick Patio?

The most commonly used paver base is sand. A layer of sand is usually placed between the pavers and the base. You’ll first start by installing the sand before laying and pressing the pavers in place. A gravel base is often preferred due to its durability as it can serve you for years if properly installed. Other types of bases that can be used include synthetic bases and open-graded bases (preferred for commercial buildings and large projects).

Can You Lay Brick Directly on the Ground?

While some first-timers might think it’s okay to lay brick directly on the ground, doing so is ill-advised. Dirt isn’t a good base for brick patios as it doesn’t have good drainage properties. In addition to poor drainage, dirt can sink, shift, and swell, depending on prevailing weather conditions. Laying brick directly on the ground isn’t recommended if you want something that’ll last and serve you for long.

What Is The Best Base for a Brick Patio?

The best base for a brick patio is gravel. Most experts recommend using a gravel base for outdoor projects. While a sand base is known to last if well installed, using it alone to set pavers isn’t enough. 

Conclusion

When looking to lay a brick patio as a DIY project, it’s crucial to take your time and prepare adequately. In addition to marking the ground you’ll work on, it’s advisable to have your materials and tools on standby before you get started.

Remember to compact and straighten the ground after digging the area with a shovel. You should also tramp the gravel base until it’s even and smooth enough before placing the landscaping fabric.

Every set of specifications and architectural plans have pages on how to fix cracks in concrete patios. Cracks in the concrete patio are unappealing. They form a habitat for bacterial growths, weeds, debris, and standing water. And when they get out of control, they become a source of trip hazards and can damage the entire surface of your patio. 

The common cause of cracks in concrete patios cracks is due to increase drying. As the concrete shrinks, water evaporates. Factors like temperature and frequency of use can hasten this process. Contractors mostly result to waterproofing solutions to curb this problem. Although cracks could also be a sign that the concrete was poorly laid, working on the subgrade, modifying the concrete mix, and installing control joints are proven answers on how to fix cracks in concrete patio.

Concrete patio cracks can look like a minor problem, but if left unfixed, they can expand and reduce the value of your property. This guide will show you how to fix cracks in your concrete paving and restore your home’s curb appeal in seven simple steps. 

Crack in Concrete Patio

Concrete patios are made with concrete, a durable material that has also been used to construct driveways, walkways, and parking lots. Although concrete is long-lasting when exposed to extreme weather conditions or heavy loads, it tends to crack. Most times, these cracks can easily be fixed as a DIY project. 

The overall cost of repairing concrete patio cracks will depend on your location, you may need to check with your local building organization to get a permit before you can repair any crack on your concrete surface. 

If you are fixing your patio cracks as a DIY project, you only need to spend money on renting or buying the tools and materials you need. If you decide to call a professional, you’ll have to pay an extra cost for labor. Usually, it will cost you between $50 – $300 for materials and labor to fix concrete patio cracks. 

Tools & Materials To Fix A Crack In Concrete Patio

If you’re wondering on how to fix cracks in concrete patio, note that many patio problems can be fixed by the average person. However, without the right tools, you can’t achieve good work or a good finish on complex problems. Fixing patio cracks requires the following tools and materials:

• Putty knife
• Funnel
• Vacuum
• Wire brush 
• Hammer 
• Chisel
• Utility knife
• Level

Materials Needed 

• Solid crack filler
• Polymer-based concrete crack filler 
• Crack filler applicator
• Backer rod 

How To Fix Cracks In A Concrete Patio – 7 Steps to Follow

If you have noticed small cracks in your concrete patio, you don’t need to fret. These cracks can easily be repaired as a DIY project. In cases where the cracks have gone out of control and have significantly widened, you may require the help of a professional who can handle more complex damages. Here’s a step-by-step DIY guide to get started on fixing cracks in concrete patio: 

1. Clean around the crack

Clear out dirt, debris, leaves, and any other object that can obstruct your work. If you are dealing with a small crack, you don’t have to remove all the furniture from the patio. However, if the cracks are spread across your patio surfaces, you might have to do some shifting. Remember that crack fixing is dusty work, and you should be able to mask up and wear protective gear. 

2. Widen the crack

If you want your crack fillers to stick better, you must widen the crack and create more space with a hammer and a chisel. Knock away any loose or crumbling concrete from the surface of the crack. 

3. Remove processing residues of the crack

Before you start repairing the cracks, you must remove all processing residues of the cracks and scrub the surface with a wire brush. Scrubbing will help you dislodge any debris or particles surrounding the cracks. After using your wire brush to dislodge particles, use a shop vacuum to remove dust and debris from the crack. 

4. Apply the solid crack filler

You only need a solid crack filler when working with deep cracks. Ascertain the depth of the crack, and with a funnel, dispense some sand into the crack until it has leveled up. A backer rod is another option if you don’t want to use san.d as a solid crack filler. A three-quarter-inch backer rod is designed to fit perfectly into half an inch crack. Fit it in carefully, and cut off the backer rod when you get to a height that doesn’t need a solid filler. 

5. Add the concrete crack filler

Now that you’ve gotten to this step, shake the crack filler container to mix the settled part of the solution well. With your crack applicator, fill up the crack slowly. Allow the filler to settle into the crack. Do this to all parts of the crack and ensure you cover the entire surface before leveling. How to fix cracks in concrete patio doesn’t get easier than this

6. Flatten the filler

Learning how to fix cracks in concrete patio ends with flattening the filler. After applying the crack filler, you need to flatten high areas and ensure they are equally leveled and the finishing is perfect. For surfaces that appear low, you can add more patch compounds to the area before leveling. 

7. Protect the fixed patio for 24hrs

Once you are done fixing your patio cracks, you need to protect the fixed area from dirt, water, or from pets. Allow the patch material to dry for at least 24 hours before considering painting, sealing, or even stepping on it. 

6 Extra Tips & Tricks to Maintain the Patio Final Result 

Fixing your crack is not enough maintenance to keep it in good shape. You must learn to practice other tricks and strategies to preserve the integrity of your patio surface and keep your home in good shape. Here are a few tips we recommend; 

1. Do not use anti-icing products: 

Ice melting product helps clear off snow from your concrete driveway. At the same time, deicers or ice melts are harmful and degrade your concrete patio rapidly. To preserve your patio for a prolonged time, you should allow the ice to melt naturally.

2. Install an awning: 

A patio awning will help preserve the life of your concrete by preventing the sun from hitting the surface of your concrete driveway directly. Installing an awning will help you maintain your concrete patio and create an extra living space.

3. Avoid cleaning with aggressive products: 

There are many cleaning solutions you can use on your concrete patio, but some of these products can destroy your concrete surface or weaken the entire area. This is why we recommend using a cleaning solution that is specifically formulated for concrete patios.

4. Do not place heavy materials: 

Each time a heavy weight is placed on your patio, it weakens the strength of your concrete surface. Rather use furniture that are light weighted as they add little weight to your concrete, which is insignificant.

5. Install a pergola: 

A pergola is a roof covering that provides you with a relaxing patio space. Pergola provides protection against the rays of the sun and protects your patio surface from extreme weather conditions.

6. Set up an umbrella: 

Extreme weather conditions easily weaken patio surfaces and cause a lot of damage. Installing an umbrella when it’s sunny, snowy, or when there is  heavy rainfall will help you preserve your patio area. Also, preventing moisture from gathering on your patio surface will reduce damage. 

Further Reading: How to Repair Cracks in Concrete Driveways – Best Crack Fillers 

Is Fixing Cracks In The Concrete Patio Still Not Working?

It’s possible to fix cracks on your patio and still notice new cracks in fresh areas. Sometimes even the fixed cracks can open up and refuse to close no matter how much you try. Here are some of the reasons your crack repair process keeps failing; 

1. Old and worn-out patios:

When you have had your patio installed for the longest time, it needs to be resurfaced. Old patios don’t look appealing and have less strength. They are usually weak and prone to cracks. And even when you try to repair the cracks that have appeared, they don’t last long because the surface has lost its integrity. 

2. The crack keeps opening: 

Cracking occurs under the weight of the concrete or as a result of heavy loads. When you don’t let your patch surface cure well and dry before you use it, you might experience some challenges fixing your cracks. Each time you fix a crack, ensure you allow the area to cure before you place any heavy patio furniture or objects on the fixed area. 

3. More cracks have formed:

More cracks will tend to form if your patio surface is weak and worn out. This is a sign that you need to resurface, seal or do a thorough repair of your concrete patio surface. 

4. Call a professional to fix cracks in the concrete patio

Cracks on concrete surfaces can be repaired quickly. However, when it’s become too difficult to fix your cracks, it is a sign that something more challenging is wrong with your patio. You need to call a professional immediately to fix cracks in your concrete patio. 

Further Reading: How To Repair Cracks in Asphalt Driveway – Best Crack Fillers

Conclusion 

With the right tools and DIY guide, you can master how to fix cracks in concrete patio in no time. Fixing cracks by yourself will also save you money. However, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact a professional contractor when your patio cracks are getting out of hand.