Tools you will need:

Hammer
Shovel
Rake
String level
I-Beam Level
Measuring tape
Plate compactor
Broom
Circular saw or angle grinder

Materials you will need:

Bricks
Crush base
Sand
String
Wooden stakes
¾” metal pipes
Plastic edging
Landscape spikes
Polymeric sand

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ground

Remove any rocks, plant material and debris from the area. Next, smooth the ground with a shovel.

Step 2: Indicate Edge Location

Use a hammer to set wooden stakes in the ground to mark the corners of the walkway. Run a string between the stakes to indicate the edges, leaving enough room under the string for a shovel to fit.

Step 3: Mark Edges

Use the tip of a shovel to define the edge in the ground directly under the string.

Step 4: Level the Ground

Use the string level to make sure the string is horizontal. Use measuring tape to find the distance between the string and ground. Dig out the base of the pathway to the depth of your bricks plus an additional two inches for the crushed stone base layer. This measurement will guide you as you excavate the ground with a shovel to establish a consistent, level surface.

Step 5: Add the Crushed Stone Base Layer

Fill the area with crushed stone base and rake it approximately two inches deep.

Step 6: Lay Pipes

Use the claw of your hammer to dig a trench for a metal pipe on each side of the walkway. The pipes serve as guide rails to create a consistent 2″ deep crushed stone base layer. Lay the pipes in the trench. Use the string level and measuring tape to keep the top of the pipe exactly two inches above ground level and beneath the crushed stone base layer.

Step 7: Smooth Base Layer

Scrape along the top of the pipe with a brick to smooth the edges of the crushed base layer. Remove the string and wooden stakes.

Step 8: Smooth Walkway Area

Smooth the walkway with a rake and a level. Add or take away the crushed stone base material as needed and use the level as a screed between the metal pipes.

Step 9: Compact the Surface

Use a plate compactor to compact the surface.

Step 10: Fill Trench

Carefully remove the pipes and fill the trench with crushed stone using a shovel.

Step 11: Replace Stakes and String

Replace the wooden stakes and string to act as a precise guide for the edges of the brickwork. The string should be one brick width inside the outer edge of the walkway.

Step 12: Lay Bricks

Start laying bricks in your desired pattern using the string as your guide to keep the pattern straight. Wait to place any cut bricks and any bricks on the outer row.

Step 13: Install Edging

Install the plastic edging into the compacted ground with landscape spikes. Leave enough room for your final row of bricks or desired edge detail.

Step 14: Lay Outer Row

Cut bricks to fill in gaps with a circular saw or angle grinder and complete the final row of bricks by fitting them snugly against the edging.

Step 15: Compact Brick Pathway

Set the brickwork with the plate compactor.

Step 16: Add Polymeric Sand

Scatter polymeric sand over the surface of the bricks with a shovel. Use a broom to sweep the polymeric sand diagonally across the bricks in both directions to force the sand into the seams.