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Brick driveways enhance the look of the houses where they are installed. They blend in well with landscaping and offer ease of maintenance. The main reason to go with brick, however, is the advantage of being able to do it yourself, with a little help from some professionals. Follow these steps to install a brick driveway.

  1. Stake it out using wooden stakes and marking spray paint.
    • A string line tied between stakes can help guide you while laying out the shape and grade as well as during the actual construction. This will keep you on grade.
    • Be sure the driveway will be able to drain when completed.
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    • Because of the amount of digging and excavated material to be disposed of, it is recommended that you hire an excavation contractor.
    • The contractor will have the equipment, haul truck, experienced personnel and location necessary to haul off the waste.
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  3. You will need either stone screenings or pea-gravel, depending on what is available in your area. [2]
  4. Begin spreading the rock using shovels, a Wheelbarrow and a garden rake.
  5. The small rock will form a solid base once it has been compacted.
  6. The string line you stretched between the grade stakes in the beginning will help here.
  7. This will also keep the sand from shifting down through the stone.
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  10. Starting in the middle will ensure that the bricks on each side, or edge, are the same size. This provides a uniform look.
  11. Tap the wood with a rubber mallet to settle the brick into the bed of sand evenly as you install them.
  12. This will give you a herringbone pattern, similar to what you see on brick that has been laid on a house.
  13. This will also clean off the brick.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I seal a brick driveway?
    Sina Kamran
    Hardscape Specialist
    Sina Kamran is a Hardscaping Specialist and the Owner of Design Scapes, Inc. in Santa Monica, California. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in customized, site-specific hardscaping and landscaping design/build projects. He's a certified National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) designer, a certified installer with the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI), and a Rain Bird Certified Irrigation Professional. Additionally, Design Scapes, Inc. has many 5-star rated reviews.
    Hardscape Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Specialized brick sealers are available, some of which can impart a medium or high gloss to the surface. Initially, the brick driveway should be cleaned through pressure washing. Afterward, allow it to thoroughly dry for approximately two or three days. Subsequently, apply the sealer using a sprayer, roller, or applicator, depending on the type of sealer chosen. I highly advise working in sections, following the specific instructions provided with the sealer.
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      Tips

      • Use a stone chisel and hammer, a mason hammer or electric brick saw to cut the brick to length as needed.
      • The vibratory plate can be rented from a home improvement store that sells paver bricks.
      • A herringbone pattern is but one choice you can make. Try different patterns, including designs in the middle or edges, of the driveway.
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      Warnings

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      Things You'll Need

      • Wooden stakes
      • String line
      • Marking paint
      • 2 X 4 lumber the width of driveway
      • Stone screenings or pea gravel
      • Sand
      • Landscape cloth
      • Vibratory plate
      • Shovels
      • Garden rakes
      • 4 foot (1.3 m) level
      • Wheelbarrow
      • Brick pavers
      • 16 or 24 oz (0.5 or 0.68 kg) rubber mallet
      • Excavation contractor (optional)
      • Stone chisel
      • 2 lb (1 kg) stone hammer
      • Stonemason hammer
      • Electric brick saw
      • Masonry sand
      • Broom
      • Water hose

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about paths and paving, check out our in-depth interview with Sina Kamran .

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