It's time to go on with the next type of product that you can use for your paving project on the patio, and that is with brick pavers. Bur first, a quick review.
There are several types of brick pavers available on the market today, but for time consideration, we'll cover what is available on the local market. First, you have clay brick pavers and concrete pavers, which we will cover in more detail later on. Suffice it to say that concrete pavers are also called interlocking pavers, and they are generally classified by thickness, either 60mm or 80mm. This thickness determines the application used. 60mm pavers are used in common DIY applications of driveways and walkways, where 80mm pavers are found in industrial and heavy-duty use and are generally a special order item. 60mm pavers are sold in many places, but should never be used where there will be heavy usage. So, you will always want to be aware of the thickness.
Brick pavers are made of clay, and come in two different categories. First is the Split-Paver, which generally is about 1 to 1 and a half inches in thickness. Use this paver in light-duty applications, or if you are going to lay them on a floor with a sturdy sub-flooring underneath them. Decks, patio and home entry and fireplace hearths are common applications. The other brick paver is about the size of a full-sized brick, generally averaging 2 to 2 and three-fourths inches in thickness.
Now what makes a patio paver a patio paver? It's the outside dimension. Normally, a true patio paver is 4"x 8" outside dimension. This will let you lay them together without spaces in between the joints; otherwise, you would have to use mortar to keep them on this nominal sizing. Now let's say that you find the perfect brick for your patio, and it is not a patio paver is size, but a regular brick; what do you do? Well, see those brick patterns on the bottom of this article? Use the ones that keep the brick running in the same direction. This is called a Running Bond pattern. Now you can use other patterns, but again, plan on using mortar to fill in between the joints.
A key to using brick pavers successfully is having a saw available for cutting. Brick normally cuts very easily if you use the right equipment, so I would recommend that you contact your local rental yard and rent a masonry saw with a diamond blade.The other option is using a 7-inch masonry blade with your saw. Again, if you use this type of blade, never force it through the brick, but let it cut it at its own speed, otherwise the blade, which is made of carborundem will melt and make the cut even more difficult to do. You can also use a hammer and chisel. If you do decide to use this, then purchase a 4-inch Brick Set chisel.
Now, before we go into any more detail, I am going to include a series of pictures that will show you the types of brick patterns. Next week, we'll go into how to use them in your planning. So until next week, see ya'!
Originally published inthe Daily Courier July 8, 2000