Brick walkways enhance the look of the house they are installed in. They integrate into the landscape and require little maintenance. The main reason for using them, however, is the possibility of self-building them with the help of some professional. Follow the steps to learn how to build your driveway.
Steps
Step 1. Mark the driveway in the desired shape
Place wooden stakes and make marks with a can of spray paint.
- A rope tied between the posts will help you draw the lines and place the bricks.
- Check that water drainage is ensured.
Step 2. Dig the bottom of the driveway to a depth of 30-36cm and compact the bottom
- You may want to rent a bulldozer if you have to move a large amount of material.
- A professional will have the necessary equipment for excavation, a truck to move the earth, qualified personnel and a place to dispose of the resulting earth.
Step 3. Get the concrete or gravel base that will be used to rest the tiles and ensure water drainage
The material used will vary depending on availability in the area.
Step 4. Roll out the bottom
If you use prefabricated concrete bricks stack them one on top of the other, if you use gravel spread it out with the help of a shovel, a wheelbarrow and a rake.
Step 5. Lay the prefab bricks into 2 or 3 unit stacks and use a vibrating plate to compact them
This way you will get a solid and compact base.
Step 6. Leave 5cm on the sides to fill with sand, plus another 7cm that will be covered by the tiles
Help yourself with the wire previously pulled between the posts.
Step 7. Cover the bottom with mulch to prevent weeds from growing between the tiles
The sheet will also prevent the sand from sinking to the bottom.
Step 8. Spread 5cm of sand on the tarp before placing the tiles
Step 9. Install the plastic border to block the tiles
Follow the instructions on the package.
Step 10. Begin placing the brick siding starting at the bottom of the driveway
Start in the center and work your way to the sides, using the crosses between the tiles to maintain even spacing. Starting from the center you will be sure that the tiles on both sides will all be the same length. This way the driveway will have a uniform appearance.
Step 11. Every 50cm place on the tiles a wooden board of 5x10cm section, one meter long
Tap the plank with a rubber mallet to fix the tiles in the sand bottom evenly.
Step 12. Begin placing the second row of tiles, centering them on the joint of the previous row
This way you will get a herringbone texture.
Step 13. Repeat the last three steps until the driveway is complete
Step 14. Fill the joints between the tiles with sand
Cover the tiles and then sweep away the excess sand.
Step 15. Wet the sand with the water hose and a spray bottle to compact the sand between the joints
This way you will also clean the tiles.
Advice
- Use a hammer and chisel, or a hammer with tails, or a circular saw to cut the tiles to the required length.
- The vibrating plate can also be rented from a construction center.
- The herringbone texture is just one of many possible. Try different textures, inserting motifs in the center or on the sides of the driveway.
- Using a driveway-wide board with a bubble will allow you to check the level both when digging and laying the tiles, ensuring rainwater drainage.
Warnings
- Check with your local authorities before starting work, you may need a permit.
- Always wear protective eyewear when cutting tiles.
- Wear knee pads when laying tiles to avoid knee abrasions.
