When it comes to designing the perfect landscape, masonry is always at the forefront. Brick has been a fixture of homes for millennia. Brick has been used to build paved surfaces and structures with strength and beauty. Brick makes an incredible addition to your landscape, so be sure to look at these 7 ideas to choose brick paving in your landscape design in Woodhaven and Flat Rock, MI.
Related: 5 FAMILY-FRIENDLY IDEAS FOR A PAVER PATIO THAT WILL BE USED OFTEN IN GROSSE ILE AND FLAT ROCK, MI
Large Patio: Running Bond
The most common pattern in brick laying is the running bond pattern where the bricks are laid in parallel lines that are offset halfway in each level. This simple pattern pairs equally well with traditional or contemporary homes. The running bond pattern can visually lengthen or broaden a space depending on its orientation. Running bond is also the ideal pattern to use for curved applications such as walkways.
Front Walkway: Basketweave
The basketweave pattern is used to create charming spaces. This pattern places two bricks of equal width and length next to one another to make a square. Two other bricks are turned 90 degrees and set next to the first pair. The opposing orientation of the basketweave pattern makes for an interesting paved surface for any location where you want people to slow down and take life at a less hurried pace. This makes the pattern a welcoming choice for a front walkway.
Driveway: Herringbone
The herringbone pattern is an incredibly durable surface that locks bricks together with virtually no shifting or movement. It involves laying two bricks perpendicular to each other in order to create a V-shape with four directions of lines: up, down, and two diagonal directions. It can help to direct water off the driveway during a rainstorm with its directional pattern.
Hot Tub Deck: Stacked Bond
Another popular brick pattern focuses on simplicity and a robust look. Stacked bond uses equal-sized bricks stacked next to one another, arranged in equal columns and rows. The repetitiveness creates a strong linear pattern, which could be perfect for a sophisticated hot tub area.
Mixed Patterns for a Dynamic Space
Creative use of several patterns can create a visually interesting space. Any brick surface needs a sturdy border, which is an opportunity to use a row of stacked bond bricks along the outer edge; and an interesting pattern such as herringbone in the center.
Inlays
Brick can be used to create outdoor “area rugs”. Achieve a subtle look by using the same materials in a different laying pattern; or a dramatic look by using a different material, color, and laying pattern.
Embracing the Creative Potential of Jointing Materials
Bricks are often joined with mortar or with polymeric sand which hardens into a concrete-like substance. In moist and shady areas, you might experience some moss growth on brick which can add to the timeless charm. Use lighter-colored mortar or jointing sand to create a more dynamic visual texture, and darker-colored materials for a more uniform visual texture.
While most brick surfaces use mortar or polymeric sand as the jointing material, you could use gravel in areas where you need the surface to drain more effectively. Gravel allows for the indetectable shifting of bricks in a pattern. Gravel allows for water to seep through the joints in your brick surface, protecting the bricks from freeze-thaw cycles and preventing water from pooling on the surface. Gravel can also be lighter or darker than the brick, to either enhance or minimize the visual texture.
