Clay Brick

A staple of traditional hardscaping, clay bricks provide a nostalgic, warm aesthetic with rich colors that are kiln-fired into the material, ensuring they never fade even after decades of sun exposure. While these paths and patios are exceptionally durable and slip-resistant, they require a meticulously leveled base to prevent the bricks from shifting or “heaving” over time.

Notes:

• Brick edges can be clean and crisp or tumbled for a distressed appearance.
• Bricks offer a lot of flexibility in patterning and arrangement.
• Compaction and cutting equipment is necessary, but easy to rent.
• Bricks and base materials can be delivered, eliminating the need for a truck and trailer
• Excavating 7-9” down is usually needed to prepare the base materials properly. Plan on using the removed soil in another part of your landscape if possible.

Potential tools needed:

• Wet saw or some way to cut bricks
• Plate compactor
• String line to ensure straight courses