How to Lay Landscape Bricks for Borders: One-Layer and Two-Layer Methods

Overview

Brick borders offer colorful, stable alternatives to wood, fencing, or concrete. Bricks come in many colors. Surface-laid works, but properly installed bricks create better weed barriers and stability.

One-Layer Border

Step 1: Mark and Cut

Mark path with paint or hose. Cut/remove sod to brick width.

Step 2: Weed Barrier

Soak soil with weed killer. Layer newspaper or weedblock over sand.

Step 3: Install

Fill path with sand. Lay bricks.

Two-Layer Border

Step 1: Deep Excavation

Prepare as one-layer Steps 1-2, but dig 6 inches deep.

Step 2: Concrete Base

Add 2 inches sand. Mix/pour concrete. Level with spade or 2x4. Let dry.

Step 3: First Brick Layer

Mix mortar (use within 15-20 minutes). Mortar brick bottoms; set on concrete. Butter ends; butt joints tight.

Step 4: Second Layer

Start with half-brick for overlapping bond. Mortar bottoms and ends; stack on first layer.