Laying bricks on sand

Laying bricks involves very much the same technique as used for slabs.Prepare the base of rubble topped with building sand in exactly the same way.The bricks can be secured in place with blobs of mortar,as shown for paving slabs,except that two blobs of mortar are enough for a brick.However,since bricks are smaller and thicker and less likely to slide about or rock than slabs,they can be laid loose and directly onto the sand.This is a good idea if you think you may want to move them later-perhaps remove some to open up beds or alter the shape of the paved area.It is also rather quicker to make a hard surface in this way than when using mortar,but the result is not quite as durable.Bricks laid straight into sand are more suitable for surfacing a paved area that will not get a lot of  heavy traffic  over it.Since the bricks are not held in place ith mortar,it is also a good idea to check them periodically and re-sit any that seem to have sunk or become uneven.This is most likely to happen in high rainfall areas or where heavy wheelbarrows,etc.,are frequently pushed over the area and the weight bears unevenly over the bricks.However,used as intended,it is a perfectly goo surface.

Laying bricks on mortar

A frequently used patio or path needs a hard surface that stays firm in all wheathers,is non-slip when frosty or wetand will not sink or tip.It should be strong enough to whithstand the weight of a wheelbarrow ,patio furniture ,etc.-although it will not need the deep foundations required to support the weight of a car.Some of the most popular surfacing for such areas are paving slabs and bricks bedded into mortar.Bricks create a more interesting texture than many inexpensive types of paving.You can reuse secondhand bricks from old buildings for paths and paved areas ,after chipping the old mortar from them,but it is also possible to buy new bricks that resemble the old ones.these are useful to create the traditional look of a cottage garden path or paving.Modern bricks are available in a variety of styles and colors to suit other schemes.Bricks can be laid in a wide range of patterns-books and magazines will give you plenty of ideas-but whichever you choose,practice first.With some patterns,even aparently simple ones,it is surprisingly tricky to place adjacent bricks right the first time,especially when you are anxious to get them down before the mortar starts to rest.For peace of mind,do jobs that involve creating during spells of mild weather when it is unlikely to rain;extremes of heat or cold will affect concrete.Mortar is available in bags ready to use-just mix it with water.A slightly wet mix is easier to work with and gives you marginally longer to work before it starts to set.

 

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