How To Lay A Brick Patio Without Cement

Why Should I Lay My Patio On Sand

So hang on why should you lay your patio on sand instead of using mortar? Well, if youre not securing your patio with mortar, then youll need to lay it on a bed of sand and gravel instead.

A sand base is cost-effective and doesnt require a huge amount of skill or experience to lay. The sand provides a solid, reliable base, and the gravel takes care of the drainage, making for an effective new patio.

Lay The First Row Of Bricks

Lay the first bricks, starting in one corner and running along the edging to complete a row. Alternate each pair of bricks so that two are horizontal, then two are vertical, and so on. Press the bricks gently into the sand, and put them together as closely as possible. Tap the bricks with a rubber mallet to settle them into the sand, if necessary.

Run a mason’s line across the first row, aligned with the leading edges of the bricks. Pull the line taut and secure it at the ends with stakes, or simply clamp them to the edging. Straighten the bricks in the first row, as needed, so all leading edges are even with the line.

Patio After Setting Pavers Over Concrete Patio Slabs

Family Handyman

Pavers dress up the patio and make it an attractive outdoor living space. A concrete patio is made for practicality, not beauty. It starts out looking plain and goes downhill from there. As craters, cracks and stains accumulate, it can go from dull to downright ugly in just a few years. But theres a simple solution, whether you want to dress up a bland patio or hide an aging one. Covering concrete with paver bricks is much easier than pouring new concrete or laying paving stones the traditional way. It requires less skill and less time, and its a whole lot easier on your back. Here well walk you through how to lay paving stones over concrete.

Assess your slab This project will work with most patios. Surface damage like flaking, chips and craters is no problem. But a few conditions make this method a no-go:

• A too-low threshold. Door thresholds have to be high enough above the existing patio to allow for the thickness of the border pavers, plus an extra 3/4 in. to allow for frost heaverising of the slab when the soil freezes.
• Expanding cracks. This method will work over most crackswhich grow and shrink with seasonal ground movement. But if you have a crack that has noticeably grown in recent years, this method is risky. The crack may eventually telegraph through the pavers, creating a hump or gaps.

Note:

Patios Require Good Drainage

If you have excellent drainage, you wont have to dig very deep into the ground. Those with optimal drainage will only have to dig a couple inches. The majority of drainage should be capable of handling 4 to 8 inches. Be sure to remove all rocks and roots from the area. Keep in mind that if you dig deeper than you need to, it will reinforce the stability of the area.

Proceed to line the perimeters edges with bender board. Keep it held in place momentarily with stakes. Then spray the area with a light amount of water. Fill in the bottom with a road base about 2 to 4 inches deep. You can also use crushed recycled cement or a ¾ inch gravel if youd like. Many people choose to layer this area with a weed cloth. Weeds can be pulled fairly easily without the cloth though. Also, if your pavers have multiple thicknesses, the weed cloth will make it difficult to set them evenly. Spray the area with the hose once again.

Next, add 2 to 4 inches of sharp sand. Set your pavers together with the desired gap in between them. If you let large gaps remain, youll have to fill the resulting cracks with decorative gravel, river rock or ground cover plants. Those who decide to use flagstone will need to shape and chip a lot in order for the stone to fit close together. Another light spray with the hose at this point is ideal.

Recent Posts

For A Paved Walk Or Patio Bricks Without Mortar

ONE of the simplest and most attractive ways to install a paved walk or patio is to use bricks laid on a bed of sand without mortar or cement. Installing a walk or patio in this manner is easier than using poured concrete and results in a more interesting surface, whose design can be varied by changing the pattern of the bricks.

In addition, you can correct mistakes as you go along, or pull apart and redo sections in the future.

Although some homeowners make the mistake of simply laying bricks on the ground, this seldom lasts long. The bricks tend to settle after a heavy rain, and there is almost always a problem with weeds and grass. Instead, the bricks should be laid on a bed of sand, as shown here, to provide a stable surface that will not allow the bricks to shift and to help insure proper drainage.

A base of sand also makes it easier to level the bricks as you install them and, in the case of a patio, to create a surface with the slight slope required to insure rapid drainage . Usually a layer about two inches thick is adequate, but in areas where temperatures drop HOME CLINIC below freezing during winter, and where the soil has a high clay content that drains poorly, it is advisable to put down a two-inch layer of gravel under the sand, as illustrated here.

How To Lay A Patio On Concrete

Its easy to turn a drab, concreted area into something more attractive and paved. If you already have a concrete base to work with youll simply need to apply your mortar and slabs directly onto the concrete after adding a cement-based primer to the back of the slabs. Be sure to sweep and clean your concrete base before starting, to ensure a smooth and even finish.

Installing Brick Pavers Over A Concrete Slab

If you are tired of your concrete slab,covering it with brick pavers could be a viable option for you. With brick pavers, you can lay them right on top of the concrete without having to take a jackhammer to it. It is a pretty simple process that can be done in no time. Here are the basics you need to know so you can install brick pavers over the concrete you are trying to conceal.

Measure the Concrete Slab

Take your tape measure and determine the dimensions of the slab. Take the length times the width to determine how many square feet of pavers you will need to purchase. You should also buy an extra 5% – 10% to account for waste.

Prepare the Slab

Make sure that you have the concrete slab clean and ready for installation. You should sweep the slab and remove any dirt or dust.

Install the Border

Go around the edge of the concrete slab and install a border of brick pavers. Use liquid nails or another suitable adhesive to make sure that they stick. Allow the adhesive to dry before you do anything else around the pavers. This outside layer will provide a level of stability for the entire project. Since the other pavers will be installed in the sand, it will help keep everything solid once it is installed.

Put in the Sand

Install the Pavers

Cut the Pavers

When you get to the edge of the concrete slab, you will have to cut the pavers so that they properly fit into place. Use a concrete saw blade to cut through the pavers. Take your cut pieces and put them into place.

Snap A Base Line And 2 Perpendicular Lines

directly in the sand is the best way to keep your bricks running straight. For the running bond pattern, youll only need a baseline and two lines perpendicular to the baseline, offset by half the width of a brick. Mark the rough center and snap a line at right angles using this method:

Start With The Correct Preparation

Make sure to identify a suitable area for your new patio. You want to choose a large, reasonably level area that doesnt suffer from drainage issues. Of course, you want it to be in a scenic, convenient location, but in this case, make sure that suitability takes priority over style. Get the gravel and sand foundation right, and your patio will last for years with minimal maintenance.

Double-check that you have all the correct equipment before you get started as well. Wheelbarrows, framing, spirit levels, spades, rakes, and screeding bars are the bare minimum youll need. But on top of that, garden rollers, tape measures, and string lines will all come in handy.

So once youve got all your tools, RF Paving patio slabs, your sand, and your gravel, these are the steps to follow when laying a patio on sand.

Ready To Order Supplies

Request A Quote

7. Setting the Pavers: 

After all the prep work is done start placing your pavers in the sand, using your straight edge as a guide. Butt the pavers close together. There should still be a thin joint line between the pavers that will be filled with sand later. Use a straight edge to ensure Paver are level. Use a rubber mallet to knock down any high pavers. Add more Diamond Sand and reset any low pavers. If you were diligent leveling the sand, you should only have a minimal amount of leveling at this stage.

8. Laying pavers over an existing slab:

First mortar your soldier pavers around the edge, keeping a consistent ½ joint. Then, lay a ½ of Diamond Sand in the field. It is imperative to lay a sand bed down to create a buffer between the pavers and the concrete slab. Pavers rubbing against concrete will eventually wear down and/or crack. This will also smooth out any imperfections the slab may have had. Laying pavers over an existing driveway is not recommended, no matter the size.

9. Brick Distribution:

If you are installing more than 1 pallet it is a good practice to pull Brick from several different pallets as you work through your project. If there are slight color variations, this practice will help to minimize any noticeable difference.

10. Cutting pavers:

11. Concrete Restraining Edge:

12. Laying pavers over an existing slab:

Sealing:

The Character Of The Stone Makes This Patio

Stone Options:

Stone varies greatly in color and texture. Visit a number of stone suppliers to see what’s available in your area and to check prices. We chose 3- or 4-in. thick stone intended for building walls, but any relatively flat stone that’s 2 to 4 in. thick will work. Because stone is sold by the ton , a thinner stone like flagstone would have been more economical, but it wasn’t available in the tumbled finish we wanted. If you use thinner stone, don’t tamp it with the compactor. It will crack. The stone dealer will tell you approximately how many square feet a ton of each type of stone covers. Order at least 15 percent extra to allow more selection when you’re looking for just the right shape.

Clay Pavers:

Concrete pavers are the most economical choice for paving patios. They are available in many sizes and colors. Traditional clay pavers have truer brick color and cost a bit more. Concrete pavers are available at home centers and landscape retailers, but you’ll probably have to find a brickyard to buy clay pavers. You’ll need about 4-1/2 bricks for every square foot, assuming an average sized 4 x 8-in. brick. It’s difficult to figure the exact amount of brick needed for an irregularly shaped patio like this, so order about 15 percent extra.

Prepare The Ground For Pavers

If the area is currently lawn or long grass, its worth cutting the turf into strips using a spade and then rolling it up. This way, you can save it to fill any gaps between the new patio and the lawn when youre done. 

Dig out an area 150mm deep that’s 10cm for your sub base, and 5cm for your mortar and paving slabs. If your slabs are very thick, allow a little extra depth. If you are laying directly next to the house, the finished patio should be at least 150mm below the damp proof course. 

Brick Path Layers: An Overview

Creating a successful path that can survive the elements depends on three things: the bricks, the border, and the base. For the bricks, choose ones that are rated for severe weather , often referred to as “clay pavers.” These will not only stand up to the seasons but will also take a lot of foot traffic without cracking.

How To Lay Pavers Brick Patio Stone And Stone Pavers

How To Lay Pavers, Brick, Patio Stone and Stone PaversBegin by assessing what is currently in the project area where you intend to lay your new pavers. If you have a lot of sugar sand, you are going to want to remove as much as possible. If the water table is high in your area, or you have water and/or flooding issues, the base material depth will have to change. In Florida, we live in dirt, sand, and if you are lucky you may have a lime rock bed under the area . Therefore, you must take precautionary measures to ensure your pavers will not fail over time. Follow the simple steps below to make sure your hard-scape lasts in our tropical climate.

1. Choosing your Pavers/Patio Stones:

, Patio Stones, Clay Brick, Turf Block, travertine, Natural Flagstone, Natural Keystone, Dense Oolite etc are available in a wide variety of colors, shapes, sizes, strengths, etc There are different products to match different applications. Here are a few rules to follow when choosing a hardscape for your project:

Thin pavers/brick are NEVER to be used for a driving surface. I dont care what you have heard, unless you have a specially engineered, high-strength, polymer product specifically designed to be driven on, you will ruin thin pavers/brick if you drive on them. No matter if they are all mortared to a concrete slab or have 12 of base under them, they will fail.

2. Mark the Project Area Dimensions: 

3. Grade Stakes:

4. The Dig Out: 

5. Base Materials: 

6. Sand:

Pavers Over Concrete: Assemble The Materials

The materials for this 12 x 14-ft. patio cost about $850, or $5 per sq. ft. Using less expensive pavers, you could cut the cost by almost half. Most landscape suppliers and home centers stock all the materials, but you may have to do a little hunting for the right combination of pavers. The pavers used for the border must be at least 3/4 in. thicker than the field pavers, which cover the area between the borders. That thickness difference will allow for a bed of sand under the field. A difference of more than 3/4 in. is fine; you’ll just need a little more sand. If you can’t find thick pavers you like, consider retaining wall cap blocks for the border. We used cement pavers for the border and clay pavers for the field.

To estimate how much sand you’ll need, grab your calculator. First determine the square footage of the sand bed. Then divide that number by 12 for a 1-in. bed or 18 for a 3/4-in. bed. That will tell you how many cubic feet of sand to get. You can have a load of sand delivered or save the delivery fee by picking up a load yourself with a truck or trailer. Most home centers also sell bagged sand. A 50-lb. bag costs about $3.

How To Lay A Patio Next To A Building

If you’re laying a patio next to your house, you will need to create what’s known as a fall  meaning that your patio will need to be slightly sloping to allow water to drain away from your house and not collect by walls. 

This is done by inserting wooden pegs in a grid where you sub base will go, ensuring that the pegs go in between 12 and 16mm deeper for every metre away from the house. Pre-mark the pegs with a marker to make sure your measurements are correct. 

Then, at the sub base filling stage, make sure the aggregate just covers the tops of the pegs. 

• How to lay decking for another spot in your backyard.

Flatten The Soil Surface

Lock The Bricks With Sand

Spread sand over the bricks, then sweep across the patio surface with a push broom to work the sand into the cracks. Sweep in multiple directions to reach all cracks, adding sand as you go until the cracks are filled. Gently spray the patio with a garden hose to settle the sand in the cracks. Spread and sweep more sand into the cracks, and spray again, until the cracks are completely filled and the sand is settled. 

Figure B: Border Layout

A Snap a chalk line parallel to the house to mark the location of the border decorative pavers. Remember to leave a gap of at least 1/4 in. between the border decorative pavers and the house.

B Lay out field pavers to locate the side borders. A simple row of pavers will work even if you plan to lay them later in a herringbone pattern as we did. The goal is to establish a field width that allows each course to end with a full or half paver, but not smaller pieces. That means less cutting, less waste and a neater look.

C Position the border pavers and mark their locations. It’s OK if the border decorative pavers don’t quite reach the edge of the patio, but don’t let them overhang. Nudge one border patio block outward by 1/4 in. to allow a little extra space for the field pavers.

D Snap a chalk line to mark one side border. To make this line square with the line along the house, use the 3-4-5 method.E Mark the other side border. Measure from the first side to make sure the two sides are parallel.

F Leave the final border unmarked and install the border after the field is complete. That open end makes screeding off the excess sand easier and lets you position the final border perfectly.

How Do I Lay A Patio On Sand

/ / How Do I Lay a Patio on Sand?

With every home DIY project, there are two key ingredients that make for success: planning and preparation. This holds especially true for patio projects, where so many different factors will quickly destroy all of your hard work. Lay a patio on the wrong foundation and youll have wasted a lot of time, effort and money.

When you lay a patio on sand, you need to make sure that youre using the correct tools and laying the optimum foundation. Weather conditions, drainage, surface area, and finish all need to be considered. Well explain why all of these details are so important, while also sharing the steps you should follow to lay your RF Paving patio on sand correctly.

Top Tips For Caring For Your Patio

One of the biggest benefits of a patio is how little maintenance it needs and how hard-wearing it is. If you want to keep yours  looking brand new for longer though, these top tips will help you to maintain its condition.

• Apply a sealant to prevent the colour from fading and to stop water seeping in.
• Regular brushing and washing can prevent staining from leaves, dirt and debris.
• Regularly check the condition of the pointing surrounding your patio slabs and refresh it when necessary to keep your slabs secure and to ward off the weeds.
• If youre going to be using a pressure washer to spring clean your slabs, its best to use it on a low pressure setting to prevent damage.

Laying Brick Over Concrete

• 100-750

If you have a concrete foundation already in place, laying brick over it becomes a much easier, quicker process. Building a brick wall, outdoor oven or barbecue with mortar requires a stable foundation. It is not something that can simply be done over loose ground. A concrete foundation must be laid before a wall or some other structure can be built. If you skip this step, the masonry work is put in jeopardy of collapsing or sinking into the ground. In this article, you will learn about the basic method of laying brick over concrete including the initial layout and the actual mortaring and curing of the joints.

Laying Out Brickwork

Laying Out the Second Row

With the first row of single bricks laid, you can finish out the first row by laying out the second column. Use the spacers and mark their position as before. When you are ready for the second row of bricks, lay the bricks crosswise in relation to the underlying row while at the same time staggering them so the middle of one brick is over the joint of the lower one. Continue in this pattern for the entire wall. At the corners, a common bond can be used which consists of 2 ¾-size bricks and 2 ¼-size bricks to join the sides.

Mortaring and Maintaining the Level

Spread Landscape Fabric And Gravel

Double-check your calculations for gravel and sand and arrange for deliveries. Then call the rental store and reserve a gas-powered plate compactor or tamper. This is a heavy beast; youll need a trailer or pickup truck and a couple of strong bodies to move it around.

After compacting the soil with the tamper and before you start filling the hole, roll out the landscape fabric, allowing it to extend at least 6 in. beyond the patio all around. Use spikes to temporarily hold it in place. Then we spread a 2-in. layer of gravel over the top.

Note: If your soil is soft or soggy, you might have to add more gravel fill to create a stable base. Ask your building inspector or a soil engineer to recommend the right base for you.

Installing Patio Pavers Is Not As Tough As You Think

Ive decided its time for a patio in my rear yard. After visiting a local business that sells a vast variety of patio pavers, Im ready to start. Do you think this is a real DIY job, or am I being too ambitious? After watching a number of videos on YouTube, Im more confused than ever about the best base material. Have you installed these patio stones, and what method do you recommend? Are there any hidden surprises with precast concrete patio pavers? Sue T., Racine, Wis.

You must have been in contact with my wife. She loves patios and has been wanting one for our New Hampshire home for a few years. I had constructed a huge brick patio for her many years ago at our last home and she misses it.

We did the same thing you did just a week ago. We went to a large local business that stocks just about any type of natural stone or precast concrete paver thats available. It was exciting for me to see how the patio paver industry has matured. I can clearly remember how limited the selection was many years ago when the first generation of this building material hit the marketplace.

Kathy decided to go with a stunning paver that has a textured top surface that resembles slate. This design creates a random texture with deep shadow lines that might fool some into thinking that its real slate. Be sure you visit several stone and paver suppliers to see all the different patterns, colors and textures that are available. Not every business stocks every precast concrete paver.