How To Make A DIY Brick Patio

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A reclaimed brick patio is a beautiful and sustainable addition to any backyard or outdoor space. Using reclaimed bricks not only adds character and charm to your patio, but it’s also an eco-friendly option that repurposes materials that might otherwise go to waste.

Building a reclaimed brick patio can be a DIY project that adds value to your home and creates a warm and inviting space for entertaining or relaxing. In this guide, we’ll share some tips and tricks on how to make a DIY reclaimed brick patio and answer some frequently asked questions about the process.

DIY Reclaimed Brick Patio

This was Stage One for this space. Stage Two will be a large freestanding fireplace. I’m not going to say the project was easy but it also wasn’t the trickiest when we have taken on. It was just a lot of grunt work. We found our salvage bricks on Kijiji and lucked out to get about 1800 in one go. 

Purchasing an old house comes with many pros and cons. Some old homeowners choose to hire out the bulk of the home renovations, others choose to DIY the projects themselves. If keeping the aesthetic and appearance of an old home is important to you, using reclaimed or recycled materials may be a great option for your next home renovation. As an added bonus, it is usually more cost-effective! Enjoy this step-by-step tutorial on how to make a DIY reclaimed brick patio using recycled bricks!

Pros And Cons Of Using Reclaimed Bricks For A Patio

Using reclaimed bricks for a patio can be a great option for those who value sustainability, character, and cost-effectiveness. However, it’s important to consider the potential challenges and limitations before embarking on a DIY project with reclaimed bricks.

Pros:

• Sustainable: Using reclaimed bricks is an eco-friendly option that repurposes materials that might otherwise go to waste.
• Character: Reclaimed bricks have a unique character and charm that can add warmth and personality to your patio.
• Cost-effective: Reclaimed bricks are often less expensive than new bricks, making them a cost-effective option for a DIY project.
• Durability: Reclaimed bricks are often older and more durable than new bricks, making them a long-lasting option for your patio.

Cons:

• Limited availability: Reclaimed bricks may be more difficult to find than new bricks, and the quantity and quality may vary.
• Time-consuming: Cleaning and preparing reclaimed bricks for use can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
• Inconsistent sizes and shapes: Reclaimed bricks may be slightly different in size and shape, which can make it more challenging to lay them out in a uniform pattern.
• Potential for damage: Reclaimed bricks may have cracks, chips, or other damage that can make them less durable and more prone to breaking.

 No matter what project we took on in this old house, it was important to us to make it look like it had been here for years! Using reclaimed products for DIY projects was not only cost-effective, but it will also give an aesthetic and appearance that is more true to the age of the home.

This old house is going to take us years to get to where we want it to be but it is slowly becoming the house of our dreams. It’s amazing to think of where we’ve come from this being nothing more than a gravel back driveway to now having one of the best patios in town.

How to Make A DIY Reclaimed Brick Patio

Tools:

• Shovel
• Wheelbarrow
• Tamper
• Level
• Tape measure
• String line and stakes
• Brick saw or chisel
• Rubber mallet
• Broom

Materials:

• Reclaimed bricks
• Sand or gravel or Polymeric Sand: Used to fill the gaps between bricks, adding strength and stability.
• Concrete mix (optional)
• Weed barrier fabric (optional)

Instructions

Here are the steps we took to make our DIY Salvaged Brick Patio:

1. Choose the location for your patio and mark the area with stakes and string lines.
2. Remove any grass, weeds, or debris from the area using a shovel and wheelbarrow.

3. Level the area with sand or gravel and use a tamper to compact the base.
4. Pour a layer of concrete mix over the base and use a trowel to spread it evenly. Allow the concrete to dry completely.

5. Lay out the reclaimed bricks in the desired pattern. Use a level to ensure that the bricks are even and square.
6. Use a brick saw or chisel to cut the bricks to fit around corners or edges.
7. Once the bricks are in place, use a rubber mallet to tap them into position and ensure that they are level.

8. Fill the gaps between the bricks with sand or gravel or polymeric sand to prevent weeds from growing and to improve drainage and stability. If you use polymeric sand, be sure to wet the surface after application.
9. Use a broom to sweep any excess sand or gravel from the surface of the patio.
10. (Optional) Lay a weed barrier fabric over the base layer before adding the sand or gravel to further prevent weeds.

Your DIY brick patio is now complete! Enjoy your new outdoor space for entertaining, relaxing, or dining.

Tips and Tricks For A Brick Patio

• Choose the right location for your patio. Consider factors such as sun exposure, drainage, and proximity to your home.
• Prepare the ground properly by removing any grass, weeds, or debris and leveling the area with sand or gravel.
• Use a string line and stakes to ensure that your patio is level and square.
• Choose reclaimed bricks that are in good condition and similar in size and color for a uniform look.
• Use a brick saw or chisel to cut the bricks to fit around corners or edges.
• Fill the gaps between the bricks with sand or gravel to prevent weeds from growing and to improve drainage.

I hope you have enjoyed my DIY salvage brick patio post. Would you use salvaged bricks for a project? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Now find out how to style your patio like a pro with these unique patio decor ideas

Frequently Asked

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