Q&A for How to Lay a Brick Patio

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Can you lay pavers directly on dirt?

Scott Johnson
Landscape & Design Consultant
Scott Johnson is the Owner and Lead Design Consultant for Concrete Creations, Inc., an award-winning landscape and design company based in the San Diego, California metro area. He has over 30 years of experience in the pool and landscape construction industry and specializes in large estate outdoor environment construction projects. His work has been featured in San Diego Home & Garden Magazine and on Pool Kings TV Show. He earned a BS degree in Construction Management with an emphasis in Architecture and CAD design from Northern Arizona University.

Scott Johnson

Landscape & Design Consultant

Expert Answer

No, you really don't want to do that. You need to excavate the area and lay a road base on the soil. Then, you pour a layer of sand over the road base. The pavers go on top of the sand. If you don't do this, the pavers will shift over time.

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Question

I'm using surplus bricks with scalloped edge. Are there any concerns I should watch out for?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

You should be fine! Just make sure there are no protruding edges that could cause tripping hazards.

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Question

How do I calculate the amount of paver for area?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

First, measure the area of one brick by multiplying its length by its width. Add about 10% extra for cuts or broken bricks. Then divide that by the square area of the location of your patio.

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Question

Do you have to use half bricks, or can you use whole bricks?

Community Answer

Whole bricks.

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Question

Do I need a certain type of sand for the base, and can I use the same sand for between the bricks?

Community Answer

What sand to use for bricklaying? Sharp sand is a course and gritty material, normally used with other aggregates for making concrete and floor. Bricklayers always use soft sand known as builders sand, it has a finer grade than sharp sand and is mixed with cement to produce mortar.

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Question

We have a concrete patio already but are considering laying brick pavers on top for aesthetic reasons. Should there be any concerns, like drainage, that we need to worry about?

Community Answer

As long as you do it correctly, there shouldn't be any issues. You can fill any gaps with silicone.

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