When it comes to brick paver patterns for a patio or walkway, there is almost no limit to what can be created. With use of a variety of brick colors, and pattern techniques some paving projects become veritable works of art.
But even with straightforward utilitarian projects – such as a driveway or a walkway – the design alternatives can be dizzying. Here’s how to narrow down the options.
Best Brick Paver Pattern Brick Designs are the Classics
Some of the simplest and most elegant designs are also the oldest. The 300-page classic book on paver designs, Brick Pavement and Fence Walls by Peter Joel Harrison, reveals a plethora of historic pattern styles used in the colonial period of America, including running bond, herringbone, stacked, basket weave, Spanish, whirling and diamond, with tips on how to detail corners and entry walks.
Patterns should be chosen for not only for its looks, but to serve a functional purpose depending on whether the space will be used by pedestrians or vehicles; if the space needs to be visually enlarged; or to lead the eye to a focal point, like a sculpture or fountain.
Is the Project for Vehicular or Pedestrian Traffic?
The types of pavers also will change according to the size of a project and its purpose.
- For cars or other vehicular traffic, a herringbone pattern is the best bet. This type of pattern allows the loads to be transferred and evenly distributed more effectively than any other pattern.
- Designs for pedestrian traffic such as walkways, terraces, patios, courtyards, garden paths and surrounding a pool or pond are often not limited by load considerations; so virtually any pattern can be used. But the more elaborate the pattern will mean more cuts, which will raise the labor time of the project.
There are three basic patterns of brick design for walkways and driveways:
- Running Bond & Stack Bond. The running bond is a simple but attractive pattern that requires next to no cutting. This is also the most common pattern used on the façade of brick buildings. This pattern is best used for outdoor patios. Stack bond pattern is the simplest of all paving patterns, since pavers are simply stacked or laid side by side, but can be laid at a 45 degree angle for more interest. Stack bonds can stand up to more foot traffic than the running bond, so it is ideal for walkways.
- Basketweave. The basketweave paver pattern is also called a “parquet” pattern. This design is a checkerboard type of pattern hailing from old European courtyards. This pattern is very attractive and pleasing to the eye; but it looks more complicated than it actually is to install.
- Herringbone. The herringbone paver pattern can consist of various shaped pavers laid at either 45 or 90 degree angels. It is the strongest of the three patterns; the angles of the pavers create the greatest interlock between the pavers which makes it ideal for driveways that require a sturdy surface.
Steps to Brick Walkway or Driveway Success
To create a successful paver project, get inspiration from looking at various pattern designs – both in magazines and books, as well as around your neighborhood or town.
Once you know what pattern you’d like, make sure that it is the right strength for the type of project (for a driveway or foot traffic). You can also select from a variety of brick colors and styles (antique, European, colonial and more) which range in color from brick red to rose to purple.
Last, make sure you know the right way to install brick walkways or driveways. For do-it-yourself instructions visit: HomeTips: How to install a Brick Path and This Old House: How to Lay a Brick Path, Step by Step
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