How to lay a path out of broken bricks. Laying out a brick garden path

Brick garden paths are a functional element of the suburban area. To make them yourself, you just need to study the issue and follow the recommendations.

Advantages and disadvantages

The choice of bricks has several advantages: laying will be simple, raw materials are available for sale, and are inexpensive, in addition, you can use both whole bricks and its fragments. True, such a design will not differ in durability and, under the constant influence of precipitation and temperature changes, after 2–3 years the parts will begin to crumble.

Use bricks to build a walkway on your property

To make the structure less subject to destruction processes, you can treat the masonry parts with a special moisture-repellent substance, take clinker bricks during construction or buy imitating tiles. In this case, the processing of raw materials must be performed by complete immersion in the substance, and repeat this stage at least 2-3 times. This will increase resistance to moisture and frost.

It is also important to remember that the life of moisture repellents is usually about 5 years. After this time has elapsed, the processing will need to be repeated. The effect of the varnish depends on how intensively the building is used.

Clinker stone is characterized by a high level of moisture resistance and therefore is little susceptible to destruction. It is more durable and more attractive in appearance, however, its price is higher than usual.

Video "Garden path with your own hands"

This video clearly shows the main stages of the construction of the track:

Preparatory stage

You can independently, even without having a lot of building experience, build a path in your country house. To do this, carefully follow all the instructions. When you understand what kind of track you want, you need to decide on materials and other nuances that are not directly related to construction work.

Localization and markup

When choosing a place, consider the following points:

1. The width and smoothness of the turns should be such that two people can easily pass each other or a loaded wheelbarrow can pass.
2. The route should be such that access to all parts of the yard is provided even in bad weather.
3. The building should be no closer than 2 m from the trees, since the root system can violate the integrity of the masonry.
4. It is necessary to coordinate the irrigation system so that water does not flood the surface of the trail, otherwise it will erode and collapse. If there is no possibility to coordinate, then you need to make a slight slope and ditches for water to drain.

To mark the future building, take wooden pegs, a tape measure and a rope. Place pegs at a distance of 3-4 m around the perimeter, and increase their number at turns.

When choosing raw materials for masonry, stop at one of these types:

• paving bricks or tiles;
• clinker;
• masonry ceramic;
• paving stones.

Keep in mind that broken bricks can be used for the pedestrian area, as long as it is in harmony with the rest of the design of the site.

When deciding on the parameters of the brick, rely on the type of pattern of the future track, as well as its length and width.

When determining the required type, be guided by the following principle:

• calculate the amount of materials that will fit exactly along the width of the structure when laying;
• similarly calculate the length;
• Calculate the optimal ratio of the dimensions of the raw materials so that after laying there is a minimum of unused raw materials, and the amount of debris required is minimal.

Taking into account all factors, draw up a design project, while trying to indicate all the parameters as accurately as possible. The correctness of the drawing will help to avoid shortcomings during the construction phase, and knowledge of the size of the future building and the size of the materials directly affects the aesthetics of the structure.

Process sequence

After drawing up the project, it's time to purchase raw materials and get tools.

So, in addition to stone, purchase cement, a waterproofing film (for example, geotextiles), stock up on sand and gravel.

Of the tools you will need:

• shovel;
• container for solution;
• hammer - ordinary and with a rubber knob;
• roulette;
• level;
• rope;
• Master OK;
• gloves.

Foundation preparation

The foundation of the building is done according to the algorithm described below. To begin with, by marking, remove the soil so that you get a recess 20–30 cm deep. At the bottom, make a sand cushion 2-3 cm in size and tamp. Next, cover the future path with waterproofing material. This is necessary to remove moisture and inadmissibility of plant germination at the base.

Hide the gravel under another layer of sand and cover with a new layer of geotextile. After - again a layer of sand or a dry mixture of cement and sand. The latter will increase the strength and stability of the masonry.

The resulting base should be carefully tamped using a wooden beam or a plaster rule, while taking into account the need to ensure the flow of water after laying the raw materials.

Finishing work

Before proceeding with the direct installation, you will need to select a pattern. Now there are many options for decorative masonry:

• herringbone with a right angle and 45 ° - the stones are placed at an angle;
• braided regular and double;
• alternation of vertical and horizontal row;
• offset rows - the joints intentionally do not match;
• masonry with geometric patterns - laying out squares, rhombuses, etc.

Sequence of work:

1. Remove some of the sand along the boards.
2. Fix the curb along the entire path in the recess. In this case, all elements must be tightly installed to each other and form a continuous line.
3. Now, starting from the edge in a row, start laying out the brick in accordance with the selected pattern. Each stone should be carefully fixed on the base with a rubber mallet.
4. Each subsequent row should be equal to the one already laid. The elements should fit tightly to each other so that there are no cracks and gaps, strive to assemble a monolithic masonry.
5. To prevent the formation of distortions, periodically check and check the evenness of the masonry using the building level. At the same time, remember about the need to create a slight slope of the entire surface to remove precipitation.
6. If defects nevertheless appear, fix them with a trowel or with the same rubberized hammer by hammering harder or, conversely, removing the coating elements. Then check the evenness of the line again and move on if the defect is corrected.
7. After completion of laying, cover the surface with a layer of sand mixed with cement. Carefully level it with a mop with a pile or a broom so that all the cracks formed are filled. So the loose mixture will fill the gaps, fasten the elements together and increase the strength of the masonry.
8. When the gaps are closed, sweep away any remaining sand from the surface.

curb laying

An important part of your walkway is the curb line. It can be made of concrete, plastic, stone or other materials. As we have already said, the curb is placed in a specially dug recess and fixed with cement mortar.

If you settled on a brick, you can lay it out in horizontal rows or teeth. To do this, you need to install them on the edge and tap with a rubber mallet. During laying out, it is also necessary to check the evenness with a level.

You can also take the material that is at hand for the border: glass or plastic bottles, glass or brick fragments.

To lay out a border of bottles, they must first be filled with sand, and the use of fragments allows you to make a mosaic pattern.

The subtleties of working with old material

If you need to save a budget, you can get by with low costs using broken bricks. The process of laying a garden path from fragments has some features. As a rule, parts of ordinary red brick are used.

So, for such masonry, in addition to the standard set of tools, you will also need a grinder with a diamond wheel to process uneven edges.

So, you will also need to fence the perimeter, set the stakes and make a recess of 25-30 cm. The process of creating the base is identical to the usual version. The most time-consuming part of this work is laying out the broken parts so that they form a flat, smooth surface. To do this, you need to choose larger pieces, with at least one flat surface and a rubber mallet, drive them into the base. In this case, the depth of such driving will be different. In this case, you will need to resort to the help of the building level more often. Try to keep the gaps between the elements no more than 2-3 mm.

After completion, also sprinkle the finished array with a mixture of cement so that all the cracks are clogged and sweep the remaining layer.

Building a walkway in the country with your own hands is a rather laborious process. Nevertheless, you can do this layer of work yourself and get a satisfactory result that will be both practical and design attractive. To do this, study the options for patterns, purchase the necessary material, draw up a drawing and follow the step-by-step instructions. And remember: in any job, your safety is paramount.

Each personal plot ideally has a system of paths and paths.

They must be clearly designed in advance, because it is the shortest path from one object to another that will make your stay on the territory as comfortable and cozy as possible.

At the same time, if the tracks are located correctly on the territory, then this can save a lot of personal time and effort.

When it comes to the beginning of work, most people immediately have a question about how to lay out the track, what materials to use, their main quality characteristics, how to correctly and competently make a breakdown. Therefore, everything should be told in order.

The main types of garden paths made of stone and brick

All paths, in a style decision, are of two types: landscape (that is, smooth, winding and rounded shapes, always asymmetrical) and regular (located in a straight direction or diagonally, symmetry in all directions is characteristic).

As for the materials that are used for their device, there are several main types.

Stone garden paths are one of the most popular, due to the many options for paving and device methods. Also, the decorative effect of such elements is very high.

Stone is considered a natural material. Due to its strength, the path will serve its owners for a long time. Due to some of its properties, such as special decorativeness, naturalness, beauty, strength and durability, this material has gained wide application not only for laying paths, but also in landscape design in general.

By texture, you can find a smooth surface, and rough, and quite rough. In the color spectrum, stone paving is widely represented (green, red, gray, black, and other colors). However, there are still disadvantages - this is the cost, weight. The most expensive include marble, granite, porphyry and basalt. For a budget option - sandstone and limestone.

If the cost of the second option is approximately 150-500 rubles / m 2, then the price of the first is on average from 1 thousand rubles / m 2, some copies can reach 14 thousand rubles / m 2.

Stone for paving paths can be of 2 types - processed or not subjected to such a process. Therefore, several types can be distinguished in shape: flat, round, decorative, due to the natural image. However, the tracks still turn out to be aesthetic and attractive.

Brick garden paths are constantly in competition with the first type in popularity, due to good technical and quality characteristics.

Brick for the device tracks has a specific name - clinker. Such material is generally not able to absorb moisture. And the laying technology is very simple, in three layers: pebbles, or crushed stone - concrete mortar - brick. All seams must be sealed with a special mixture. Lawn grass is often sown between them, which creates a special effect.

It can be argued that most people have such material in their plots. And therefore, using it, own funds will not be spent. A garden path made of old brick will last a long time, not succumbing to the negative effects of the environment. This option will also be very economical, from the financial point of view, and practical.

A path made of broken bricks requires laying out on a previously prepared sand cushion, followed by sealing all the cracks. Thanks to the presence of such material, you can not be afraid that on a rainy day it will become slippery and uncomfortable. Therefore, safety for movement in any weather will be ensured.

Concrete paths for the garden conquered their owners with strength and durability.

But aesthetics remains almost in last place, which indicates low performance, and additional work to decorate the element itself. This can be done by pressing various stones, glass pieces, resulting in a beautiful mosaic.

Combined garden paths allow you to make the site even more diverse and beautiful. This is achieved by combining several materials. For example, colored tiles with gravel, paving stones with bricks.

The number of options and combinations in paving garden paths is simply amazing. Therefore, any owner of a summer cottage will be able to make a path with his own hands, either from bricks or from stones. It will only be necessary to choose the right materials. The main thing is fantasy and skill.

Interesting design ideas:

Dry stream - this design is achieved by giving the path a winding and smooth outline. You can use gravel as a cover, and perennial flowering plants, cereals or some shrubs will look beautiful around.

Patterned path - you can create a design idea using multi-colored stones laid out in certain ornaments and patterns.

An interesting option is a garden path made of stones, neatly laid out, between which backfill is used (pebbles, wood chips, lawn grass can be sown, etc.).

Self-laying paths in the country

Some do not even realize that laying a path in the country can be a completely independent process that does not require a lot of time and effort. The main thing is to know the specific steps for improvement that will help to cope with this task.

Consider such a process using the example of paving stone paths. The most popular material is sandstone, which looks decent and its price is considered one of the most attractive. The main characteristics are frost resistance, density, durability and strength.

The appearance of the material is represented by plates of torn shapes, of various sizes. In addition, the following products are made from sandstone: paving stones and flagstone.

In order to get a beautiful stone path in the garden, you will need the following materials and tools: a rubber mallet, a cord, a shovel, a building level, a trowel, sand and gravel.

Stages:

1. From the very beginning, the contours of the future track are drawn, which is done with the help of a cord that beats off the boundaries.
2. Digging up the earth on the bayonet of a shovel.
3. The gravel is backfilled and compacted.
4. Sand is poured on top, on which paving stones are laid, at the same time adjusted with a hammer.
5. And only then is the building level used, which checks the evenness of the almost finished garden path.
6. At the very end, everything is covered with sand to fill the cracks.

Here the path is ready, and in the presented video, you can learn more about the stages in the construction of a flagstone garden element:

The stone path in the garden, as well as brick, concrete, are the most popular, integral parts of any backyard territory. Therefore, its organization and arrangement requires a reverent and attentive approach.

After all, it is worth constructing this element in the wrong place, at the wrong angle, as discomfort and inconvenience will immediately be felt. This also applies to the choice of building material, which will have to deal with for quite a long time.

If you apply all your ingenuity and creativity, then even the most modest summer cottage can turn into something unusual, fabulous and very beautiful.

Making paths in the country can greatly affect the design of the site. Therefore, it is so important to pay attention to creating beautiful tracks.

Moreover, you can make an interesting path from various materials, for example, a brick path will look elegant, and a path made of round logs of natural wood will add mystery to the country design, a path made of river pebbles looks stylish, emphasizes the original design and makes it brighter path made of plastic corks.

In addition, there are also ready-made removable panels that can be laid out every year to your liking.

country path project

Before you start laying the path, you need to create a terrain plan in which to designate all the buildings, garden plantings, flower beds and schematically designate the path. Ancillary objects, such as an irrigation system, must also be present on the drawing.

When creating a plan, it is necessary to take into account all the nuances, so you should be as comfortable as possible, getting to any place in the garden. In addition, you must take into account the fact that you need to walk around your territory in any weather conditions, and at any time of the year.

Now the drafted project must be applied directly to the site.

It will be easier to determine the width of the path and its direction if you apply markings directly on the site, which is especially important for a path made of paving slabs or bricks.

It is best to make markings with pegs, which you must first drive in, and then pull the rope along them. Also, for convenience, the side border of the track can be marked by sprinkling it with lime.

At the same time, it is important to take into account that the removal of the top layer of soil for laying the path should be wider than the path, because for reliability and durability it will need curbs made of such durable materials as concrete or stone.

Preparatory work

In order for the garden path to serve you faithfully for many years, thorough preparation will be required.

So, you need to take into account that the path should be with a slight slope, and in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe slope you need to make a drainage trench. This is necessary so that rainwater flows off the path, and excess moisture would not damage the coating.

The thickness of the removed soil should be 15 ÷ 200 mm. After that, in order for the edges to remain even, it is necessary to install boards along the entire perimeter of the dug hole from the side of the sides.

Then a “pillow” is made for this, gravel is poured into the pit along with cement and everything is compacted and moistened. "Pillow" should have a thickness of 50-100 mm.

Types of garden paths

There are a lot of materials, thanks to which you can make an excellent country path.

Brick path. Such a path is reliable, durable and looks very elegant in appearance.

Wooden path. Such a path looks beautiful and even mysterious, the round timber, laid out in the form of an ornate path, resembles a fairy-tale path.

Stone path. Those who want to see a stylish and elegant garden path on their plots can try a mosaic version of river pebbles.

Cement track. This trail is durable and safe. To make it attractive, you can use special curly molds, thereby you can get the effect of a paved path.

Garden path made of plastic covers. A rather unusual, but at the same time bright version of the path in the form of a mosaic of multi-colored caps from plastic bottles.

The presence of a large number of colors and the availability of material allow you to create a path with a variety of patterns that will make the landscape of your site a real work of art.

Plastic track. This type of track can be quickly and easily installed and, if necessary, changed and even removed.

Thanks to the relief surface of the plastic panels, it is convenient to walk along the path, because it does not slip, even if it gets wet. A wide range of plastic products will allow you to choose a garden path of any color and shape.

In addition, with the help of plates, you can make a track of any shape and width. The plastic design allows you to organize a path in any part of the site.

The advantages of such a path include the fact that, due to its structure, it will not be on it, moisture accumulates, water will flow out through special holes.

Path from a garden parquet. This material is among the expensive ones, but its advantages outweigh the desire to save money.

So, “garden parquet” can be easily assembled and disassembled, wood treated with a special solution is not subject to moisture, fading, temperature changes, has strength and durability, and besides, such a path will look luxurious.

Photo of garden paths on the site

When dismantling old buildings, secondary building materials are formed, which can be successfully used for the construction of utility rooms or for the improvement of a suburban area. With careful disassembly of brickwork, the structure of the material is preserved. And when you break the walls, you get a broken brick, fragments of various fractions. Regardless of size, all these fragments can be used to improve a garden or summer cottage: filling holes, creating flower beds, making paths.

Advantages, disadvantages and types used

In favor of building a walkway from used bricks, the following speaks:

• the ability to free the territory from the remnants of construction;
• cheapness;
• ease of installation, allowing you to perform the necessary work without the involvement of professionals;
• environmental friendliness;
• good drainage properties;
• ease of dismantling if necessary and quick restoration of the surface of the site.

However, with all this, a brick is for the most part a wall material, which means that it will collapse under the open sky, being exposed to moisture and frost. To extend the life of a broken brick walkway, it is recommended:

• if possible, use silicate brick;
• treat the stones with a hydrophobic solution or waterproof varnish;
• if clay bricks are used, then before laying, the bricks should be treated with a hydrophobic solution twice, immersing each fragment in the solution.

The purpose of this treatment is to give the stone frost resistance and resistance to moisture. The validity of the water repellent is 5 years, at the end of this period it is necessary to update the treatment.

When paving a garden path with your own hands, simple laying methods are recommended:

• longitudinal layout;
• transverse layout with the location of the seams perpendicular to the direction of the track;
• chaotic layout (in the presence of multi-colored elements) with any way of laying relative to the direction;
• herringbone laying, when the paving elements are located at right angles to each other, while the pattern is often oriented along the direction of movement;
• wickerwork (a pattern imitating weaving is formed by alternating longitudinal and transverse elements);
• alternating horizontal and vertical lines.

Rectangular stones are easiest to lay on straight sections and along the curb. On curved sections, laying is done with wedge-shaped seams.
If desired, you can organize a spectacular pattern of small fragments and whole bricks. If the old bricks used are of different shades, this will also help create an interesting compositional solution for the track.

We plan the location of the track and the scheme of work

A garden path made of old brick will last a long time if important points are taken into account when planning its location:

1. Do not place it in the watering area.
2. Consider the location of the water supply and electrical cable.
3. Take into account the degree of flooding of the site with rain or melt water (when laying the path, it is advisable to choose the driest and most elevated places).
4. Do not lay a path in places where the roots of trees, when growing over time, can destroy it. Branches should also not interfere with walking along the path.
5. Make its width sufficient for the passage of a garden wheelbarrow.

A do-it-yourself brick path will not require much labor with proper planning and good tool handling skills. The work plan should contain the following steps:

1. Place track.
2. Prepare the instrument.
3. Make a base for a brick surface. Build a border.
4. Lay out the brick in the chosen way.
5. Perform finishing work.

Schematic representation of laying bricks in the garden methods of paving garden paths from bricks diagram of laying a brick path in a section

Required materials and tools

For the construction of a brick path, the following materials will additionally be needed: boards, sand, crushed stone, cement, edging bricks, geotextiles.
A set of tools that will help you make a track: a cord and pegs for marking, a tape measure, a bucket, a shovel, a rammer, a rubber or rubberized hammer. Rammer can be both manual and electric (gasoline). A grinder may be needed to trim the sharp edges of bricks or to fit them to the desired size.

markup

The marking of the contours of the future track is carried out using a cord and pegs. If such a path is being built in a country house or in a garden, then a width of 80-100 cm will be sufficient. Turns are made smooth to simplify the passage of a wheelbarrow.
When arranging the stakes, it is desirable to reproduce the shape of the track as accurately as possible and increase the number of pegs at the turns. The cord should not sag so that the geometry of the track is not distorted in the future.

Substrate preparation and curb installation

Excavation
excavation for a brick garden path sand leveling

The next step after marking is the preparation of the base on which the brick mass will be laid. Preparation is carried out according to the following scheme:

1. The trench is dug to a depth of 20-25 cm, after which its bottom is leveled and rammed so that there are no holes and bulges.
2. Sprinkle for leveling with a layer of sand 2-3 cm thick and cover with geofabric. It will divert water from above into the deeper layers of the base and prevent weeds from germinating. The geotextile layer is positioned so that it also covers the walls of the groove. Geotextiles serve to increase the strength of the path, giving additional protection against deformation. The cost of this material is low, and its use will not cause a significant increase in costs.
3. After that, a temporary side from the board is installed. If the path will lie on the same level with the soil, then the upper end of the board should coincide with this level. To drain water from the surface, it is recommended to make a slope, in this case, the sides on opposite sides of the track are made with a height difference of 10-15 mm.
4. A layer of sand 2-3 cm thick is again poured over the geotextile, and a ten-centimeter pillow of crushed stone or gravel is placed on it. This layer will act as a drainage for incoming moisture, and will prevent erosion of the base of the track. Sand is necessary to prevent damage to the integrity of the geotextile due to the sharp edges of the rubble.
5. The drainage layer is once again sprinkled with sand and covered with geofabric.
6. A mixture of sand and cement is poured from above in a ratio of 1: 5, about 50 mm thick, leveled and rammed. The base for laying bricks is ready.
7. The perimeter of the trench is framed with a border. Its presence gives the path a complete look. You can install ready-made curb elements or independently pour a concrete curb into the formwork. If a curb is chosen from ready-made concrete or metal elements, then you need to think in advance and deepen the fasteners under the sidewalk. The plastic curb does not require foundation preparation and special fasteners.

The border carries a large load, so it is advisable to use the most durable material as this. But its acquisition will make the structure more expensive, so for a simple country or garden path, you can limit yourself to the remains of a brick.
A brick curb is laid along the guide board on a cement mortar, or the bricks are hammered into the sand with a rubber mallet. In this case, there is no need for decorative laying (a protruding border will make it difficult to mow the grass). Therefore, the brick is placed on the edge at ground level.

brick laying

Between the manufactured borders, stones are laid out on a prepared pillow. They are pressed into the sand in accordance with the selected pattern and hammered with a mallet, controlling the laying plane. If any element is lower than the others, a little sand or gravel should be poured under it. If higher, you should reduce the layer of sand cushion under it. With a sidewalk width of more than a meter, laying can be carried out according to the level. To set the level, you need to pull the cord between the pegs on opposite sides of the track.
A small gap is left between adjacent elements. There is no need to fix the brick with masonry mortar.
When the masonry is completed, the surface of the track is covered with sand or a mixture of cement and sand. This material is rubbed into the seams with a mop or broom and the path is abundantly spilled with water. After that, you can repeat the filling of the seams one or more times, alternating with watering.

After a few days, the guides are removed. The resulting voids can be filled with a cement-sand mixture or covered with excavated soil.

Conclusion

The benefits of having paved paths on the site are beyond doubt. They provide access to all areas of the suburban area, even after heavy rain. The dacha, equipped with high-quality paths, looks organized and well-groomed.
With the rational use of the material and the observance of the laying technology, an old brick pavement can become not only a functional part of the site, but also its spectacular detail. And the financial costs are minimal.
According to the characteristics of the paths made of wall material, they are inferior to special materials intended for paving. But with a well-made foundation and proper care, they will serve the owners of the site for at least ten years.

For the construction of do-it-yourself paths in the country, not only special materials intended for paving are often used. A favorite way to improve the garden plot is to use the surplus materials left over from the construction of the house. In particular, wall bricks are often used to create platforms and paths.

What types of bricks are suitable for paving

The attractiveness of the idea - to pave the paths in the country with bricks, is due to a number of reasons:

• such material often remains after construction is completed, that is, it is practically “free”;
• the modular dimensions of the bricks are convenient for carrying and doing the work yourself without partners;
• to the uninitiated eye, the brick pavement seems to be reliable and durable.

In fact, the strength characteristics of tracks made from ordinary wall grades of bricks leave much to be desired. It does not depend on the choice of its variety: silicate or red (it does not matter if it is hollow or full-bodied). The desire to save money and make paths out of brick can lead to disappointment after the first winter. Under the influence of water and frost, brick blocks delaminate, split into small pieces. The porous structure of baked brick clay is saturated with moisture and becomes fragile. Therefore, it will be possible to use cheap material only in dry, elevated areas with good drainage, or completely protected from precipitation.

The easiest way to lay out a brick path:

Many reliable modern materials specifically designed for paving are made in a form that allows you to imitate brickwork:

1. Paving stones. Produced by vibrocasting or vibrocompression. Vibropressed paving stones have a higher quality and strength. The addition of concrete dyes makes it even more brick-like. Different thickness of products (from 4 to 8 cm) allows you to choose paving stones for a summer residence, depending on future loads - from paths between beds to a parking area.
2. Clinker brick. High-strength and very beautiful material has long been popular in Europe, is gaining more and more fans among summer residents. Of course, its price is higher than that of most varieties of paving stones and is close in cost to natural sawn stone. But the assortment of clinker allows you to choose the color and texture of the surface that satisfy the most demanding taste. Clinker bricks are extremely durable. If you get diamond wheels for a grinder that allow you to make the necessary cuts, each craftsman can easily lay out a path of clinker bricks in the country with his own hands.

Preparatory work

Having outlined the location of the path network on the plan, they begin to mark it. It is convenient to do this with the help of pegs and a cord. In the process of laying out, it is determined in which direction to create a slope of the roadway for the flow of water and melted snow. Sufficient slope parameters are 1-2º per linear meter.

As with most other methods of building paths in the country with your own hands, within the marked boundaries, you need to dig a foundation pit for the foundation. It consists of a tightly compacted layer of crushed stone (20 cm) and a leveling layer of sand (about 5 cm). Compaction of crushed stone is carried out with a vibrating plate or manual devices. For better compaction, sand is shed with water.

Using a flat board or building rule level the surface of the sand, not forgetting the slope. Bricks are laid either on sand or on a dry cement-sand mixture in a ratio of 1:4.

Arrangement of curbs and laying bricks during the construction of the path

Since the size of the brick module is small (usually 10x20 cm), without installing limiters along the edges of the track, it may not stay within the allotted boundaries and spread. This can happen both during installation and afterwards. To prevent this from happening, use ready-made sidewalk curbs. In their absence, the role of limiters is played by bricks placed on edge and fixed with mortar.

A border of bricks is fixed at the border of the track with mortar

In the process of self-construction, the paths also use temporary boundaries made of durable boards, which are then removed. A well-packed base and neatly and accurately set curbs will serve as a guarantee of the reliability of brick paving done by yourself.

Starting paving, they begin to lay bricks one by one on sand or a dry cement-sand mixture and punch them with a mallet. The horizon is leveled with a manual bubble level. The stacked rows are pushed closer to each other, hitting the board applied to the side with a mallet.

Choice of paving patterns

Depending on the general design and style of landscape design of the dacha, various types of brickwork are used:

• straight, with row shift;
• diagonal;
• parquet;
• circular;
• scaly (Venetian masonry) and their numerous varieties.

An example of straight masonry with a shift of half a brick

Additional effects are created by ornaments of several colors or a selection of shades of bricks with different firing intensities.

The final stage of creating a brick path. Bug fixes and repairs

After the masonry is finished, it is necessary to fill the gaps between the bricks. Most often, ordinary sand is used for this, since the cement-sand mixture can leave ugly whitish stains on the surface. A layer of clean sifted sand is poured onto the path and swept into the cracks with a brush. The operation is repeated several times, alternating with the passage from the hose.

Filling cracks with sand

After winter, defects may appear on the surface of the track: subsidence, bulging, bricks destroyed or spread to the sides. You can start fixing them with your own hands, waiting for the soil to dry. The coating from the defective area is removed and the base is leveled. Then the paving is restored.

Clinker paving. Effectively matched shades of terracotta of different degrees of firing