A path worth paving

Step 1: Plan your path

Decide where your path will go and how wide it should be. A width of 900mm–1200mm is comfortable for one or two people to walk side by side.

Step 2: Mark out the area

Use stakes and string to outline the path. If you want curves, use a garden hose or spray paint to mark the shape before digging.

Step 3: Dig the foundation

Excavate the path to a depth of about:

This usually means digging about 180–200mm deep. Remove all grass, roots and loose soil.

Step 4: Compact the soil

Use a plate compactor or hand tamper to firmly compact the exposed soil. A solid base prevents future sinking.

Step 5: Add the road base

Spread around 100mm of crushed rock or road base.

Compact it well, ideally in two 50mm layers for maximum stability.

Step 6: Install edging

Secure edging along both sides of the path. Edging keeps the bricks from spreading over time.

Step 7: Add bedding sand

Spread 25–30mm of coarse bedding sand over the compacted base.

Use a straight board to screed the sand so it's perfectly level. Avoid walking on the finished surface.

Step 8: Lay the bricks

Start from one straight edge or corner.

Lay each brick firmly onto the sand, keeping consistent gaps of 2–3mm. Popular laying patterns include:

Check levels regularly with a spirit level.

Step 9: Cut bricks if needed

Measure carefully around curves or edges and cut bricks using a masonry saw or angle grinder fitted with a diamond blade.

Always wear eye, ear and dust protection.

Step 10: Compact the bricks

Once all bricks are laid, run a plate compactor fitted with a protective rubber mat over the surface to bed the bricks into the sand.

Step 11: Fill the joints

Sweep polymeric sand or fine paving sand into all joints until completely full.

If using polymeric sand, lightly mist with water according to the manufacturer's instructions to harden the joints.

Step 12: Final tidy up

Sweep away excess sand and inspect the path for any uneven bricks. Tap high bricks down gently with a rubber mallet and add more sand where needed.

Tips for a long-lasting path

With a solid foundation and careful preparation, a brick path can last for decades with minimal maintenance.