Patio bricks can be laid in a variety of different patterns. The pattern is strictly for looks, and the brick surface will perform the same regardless of the pattern. For beginners, it makes sense to use a simple pattern that requires little or no cutting of bricks. Perhaps the best option is the basket weave, which is decorative and eye-catching but also very easy to install. And if you choose to build a square or rectangular patio and size it to fit the bricks, you shouldn’t have to cut any bricks at all.
The best bricks to use for this project are paving bricks or brick pavers. These are about 2 inches thick and have smooth, solid faces to create a nice walking surface. For a basket weave design, which has a checkerboard pattern, you want the widths of two bricks to equal the length of one. Therefore, an ideal size of paver is 4 inches wide by 8 inches long.
The easiest way to install a brick paver patio is the sandset method. The bricks are laid on the ground, over a layer of compacted gravel topped by landscape fabric and a smooth layer of sand. After the bricks are laid, you sweep sand into the cracks between the pavers to lock them in place.
Codes and Regulations
Call your city office to learn about all building code requirements, zoning laws, or land use restrictions that may apply to your project. In most areas, you do not need a building permit for a simple paver patio, but zoning and land use rules may come into play. If the proposed patio is located near a property line or an easement or right of way, the city may require a survey of the property and possibly other documentation before you can build.
Tip
If clay bricks are kiln-fired, they are harder than concrete.
Source: The Spruce
