How to Install a Brick Driveway

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Lay out the driveway in the shape you want it.

   Stake it out using wooden stakes and marking spray paint.
   
   A string line tied between stakes can help guide you while laying out the shape and grade as well as during the actual construction.
   
   This will keep you on grade.
   
   Be sure the driveway will be able to drain when completed.
2. 2

   Step 2: Excavate the area for the driveway to a depth of at least 12 to 14 inches (30 to 36 cm) and compact the raw sub-grade.

   Because of the amount of digging and excavated material to be disposed of, it is recommended that you hire an excavation contractor.
   
   The contractor will have the equipment, haul truck, experienced personnel and location necessary to haul off the waste. , You will need either stone screenings or pea-gravel, depending on what is available in your area. , Begin spreading the rock using shovels, a Wheelbarrow and a garden rake. , The small rock will form a solid base once it has been compacted. , The string line you stretched between the grade stakes in the beginning will help here. , This will also keep the sand from shifting down through the stone. ,,, Starting in the middle will ensure that the bricks on each side, or edge, are the same size.
   
   This provides a uniform look. , Tap the wood with a rubber mallet to settle the brick into the bed of sand evenly as you install them. , This will give you a herringbone pattern, similar to what you see on brick that has been laid on a house. ,,, This will also clean off the brick.
3. 3

   Step 3: Bring in the stone base that will double as support for the brick and drainage.

4. 4

   Step 4: Dump the stone in small manageable piles on the sub-grade.

5. 5

   Step 5: Install the stone in at least 2 or

6. 6

   Step 6: better

7. 7

   Step 7: 3 lifts using a plate vibrator to compact it together.

8. 8

   Step 8: Hold the last lift of stone to a grade that allows for 2 inches (5.1 cm) of sand and the 3 inch (7.6 cm) brick paver.

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   Step 9: Cover the stone with landscape cloth to stop weeds from coming up between the pavers.

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    Step 10: Place 2 inches (5.1 cm) of sand over the cloth to bed the paver block in.

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    Step 11: Set the plastic brick edge retainer in place following manufacturer's instructions.

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    Step 12: Begin at the center of the end of the driveway and work out toward the edges using brick spacers to keep even spacing.

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    Step 13: Use a 3 foot (1 m) length of 2 x 4-inch (5.1 X 10.2 cm) wood to lay across the bricks every couple of feet.

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    Step 14: Start on the second row

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    Step 15: centering the brick over the joint of the 2 bricks in the middle.

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    Step 16: Continue the previous 3 steps to the completion of the driveway.

17. 17

    Step 17: Use masonry sand to fill the joints between the brick by spreading it out over the brick sweeping it into the joints.

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    Step 18: Spray water from a hose over the brick to settle the sand into the joints.

Detailed Guide

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