DIY Brick Driveway
- 1). Excavate the driveway area down to a depth of about 11 inches to allow for a gravel bed of 8 inches and a sand foundation of 1 inch. Also dig the area to be paved approximately 6 inches larger around the entire perimeter. Slope the excavated area approximately 1/4 inch for every 1 foot to allow for proper drainage.
- 2). Place gravel or crushed stone in the excavated cavity in a layer measuring approximately 8 inches in 2-1/2 inch increments. After every layer, compact with a vibrating plate tamper to create a flat and stable base.
- 3). Trench around the perimeter of the excavated cavity deep enough to install edging even with the top of the brick pavers. Use edging material such as wood wedges or rigid plastic to construct a framework around the driveway.
- 4). Place sand on top of the gravel layer. Use a straight two by four to level the sand bed to a layer of 1 inch thick. The laying of the brick pavers serves to compact the sand bed. Cover the sand bed with plastic sheeting to keep it moist. It may be necessary to hose it down from time to time during the brick-laying process.
- 5). String a line across the framework to keep the bricks in alignment. Going from edge to edge, lay the bricks in a pattern that you have designed in advance. As you progress through the rows, it may be necessary to cut or trim a brick to fit the pattern around the edges. Use a masonry saw to adjust the size of the brick ensuring that none are smaller than 2 inches in width.
- 6). Fill in the joints by spreading a fine coating of dry sand over the top of the brick pavers. Check to make sure all joints are completely filled to the surface of the brick pavers to create more stability and strength to the brick driveway. Sweep away any excess sand and the project is complete.
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