Landscaping Bricks Against House Foundation: Safe Practices

A homeowner wants to install a single course of decorative bricks flush with the siding bottom to create a mulch/planting bed along the foundation without soil contact.

Siding Material Determines Safety

• Brick or Stucco Siding: Generally safe with brick-to-brick or vapor barrier/mastic for stucco
• Wood/Composite Siding: Avoid direct contact. Building code requires 6-inch gap between soil/mulch and wood to prevent rot/termite entry

Design Solutions

Preferred: Create a walkway between house and planter—pavers up to foundation sill plate with drainage away from structure.

• Examples with flashing/moisture barriers
• Pavers to sill plate with proper drainage
• Planter below sill plate, pavers to foundation

What to Avoid

Piling soil against siding—traps moisture, causes rot, invites pests.

Always ensure positive drainage away from the foundation, regardless of edging material.