Brick Accents 8 - Edging and Step Stones

Lawn Edging

 

Brick edging around lawn and garden areas is both attractive and functional. An almost endless variety of earthy brick colors will enhance your greenery and simplify mowing and trimming chores. Brick edging is perhaps, the easiest of all outdoor brick projects.

With the flat-bladed spade, dig up the sod about 4" deep where the edging is to be. Make a continuous cut about 10" wide. Put down a layer of sand and place the brick units flat upon it. Slight curves may be made in the direction of the brick by fanning the units slightly; sharper curves will call for cutting a wedge shaped unit. When the job is finished, sweep sand between the units and in the trench between the brick edges and the sod.

Changes in weather may make the brick edging rise and fall. You can cope with this easily by removing affected units and smoothing out the gravel underneath.

Stepping Stones

 

 

 

Here is a brick project you can build in just a few hours that will add beauty and interest to your yard for years to come.

Stepping Stones are most conveniently placed about 4 inches apart. For each step, excavate a square hole 4 inches deep large enough to accommodate a 17 1/2" frame (outside dimensions) of redwood plank. Position the frame in the excavation so that its top is level with the grass line. Mix 1 part cement to 3 parts sand and spread 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches of this mixture, dry, in the hole. Tamp it down; add more if needed to bring it near the level of the frame. Lay the brick units on the cushion in the pattern shown; make sure they are flush with the top of the frame.

Courtesy of the Brick Institute of America