Lay a Classic Brick Garden Path: Flexible Design with Sand-Set Bricks

Bricks let you create almost any walkway shape—straight and formal or meandering. Patterns offer design versatility. Sand-set bricks are less stable than mortared, but the gentle undulations of a well-worn path are part of its charm.

Before You Start

Calculate total path area. Tell your supplier the patterns you'll use for accurate material estimates. Path width: at least 36 in. for two people side by side. Lay out with hardboard forms for curves (one form on one side initially; the other added after most bricks are laid). Gather tools: carpenter's level, tape, shovels, rake, hand tamper, goggles, gloves, brickset, baby sledge.

What You Need

• 4-in.-wide ¼-in. hardboard strips
• 2x2x12-in. stakes
• Coarse sand
• SW (severe weather) bricks
• Weed barrier: PVC sheeting or weed-block fabric
• 1-in. deck screws

Step 1: Prepare Base and Edging

Excavate 5 in. deep and at least 4 in. wider than finished path. For upright brick edging, dig a trench along each side 1 in. deeper than brick length. Pound in 2x2 stakes, level hardboard, fasten to stakes with 1-in. deck screws, add wood shims to even the form. Install edging bricks along one side (other side later). Use sand to bring them to desired level. When edging is done, smooth excavation bottom, lay weed barrier, add sand so bricks sit even with edging. Rake and tamp sand.

Step 2: Fill In and Finish

Using edging bricks as guide, level each brick by adding sand or tapping with rubber mallet. Lay path with a slight crown in the center. Once full width is laid, add second edging. Sweep sand into joints, moisten. Fill, sweep, moisten three times. Remove forms, backfill along walk.