How to Make a Brick Garden Rug
- 1). Gather or purchase bricks. Often you can salvage old bricks from buildings that are being torn down. Bricks are available for purchase at home building supply stores or from construction salvage yards.
- 2). Determine the size and location where you wish to place a brick terrace or garden rug. Calculate a pattern and the amount of bricks you will need. Draw out a sketch of how you wish to design the brick rug.
- 3). Stake out the corners of the area you are going to cover with brick. Tie strings between the stakes, making sure they are level with the adjoining foundation, steps or garden surface. Excavate the area to the depth of the bricks plus 2 to 3 inches. Break up all dirt clods and remove rocks and roots. Level and rake the area. Cover the entire area with heavy black landscape cloth to prevent weeds from sprouting up.
- 4). Cut 2-by-4 cedar or other treated boards. Frame up the area with the boards to create an edge and boundary for your brick layout. The top edge of the frame should be the same level as surrounding ground cover or lawn. If you wish to create a curved edge to your brick rug or patio, use flexible rubber garden edging instead of wood framing. Stake the edging solidly into the ground using 10-inch metal tent stakes or pegs.
- 5). Fill the frame with 1 to 2 inches of sand. Rake to level and water with a garden hose to allow the sand to settle. Add more sand and level until the sand layer plus the height of the bricks is level with the edging. The sand will settle some more, so adjust to place the brick so they will be level with the top of the edging.
- 6). Place and position the bricks in the design or pattern of your choice. Place the bricks from 1/8 to 1/4 inch apart. Tap in place and level by tapping with a rubber mallet.
- 7). Pour more sand on top of the complete brick surface. Sweep the sand until it settles into the cracks. Water lightly with a garden hose. Allow to settle. Add more sand to fill in any low spots.
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