Old brick gazebo project

[slowp0ked]

Old age but still gunning. Took on a project my son in law got me, its a gazebo in the backyard and I'm to install 1500 square feet of different sizes of bricks over a slab. Now I need some advice on laying a basketweave pattern. First of all what is the best way to handle the size differences with this pattern? Second, how should I lay it all out? I assume I'll need wider mortar joints to compensate for the inconsistent brick dimensions? And lastly, what's the correct sand to mortar mix ratio for laying brick pavers?

 

[sauvignon 101]

Off topic, how much are you charging for the project?

 

[BLK153]

Old age but still gunning. Took on a project my son in law got me, its a gazebo in the backyard and I'm to install 1500 square feet of different sizes of bricks over a slab. Now I need some advice on laying a basketweave pattern. First of all what is the best way to handle the size differences with this pattern? Second, how should I lay it all out? I assume I'll need wider mortar joints to compensate for the inconsistent brick dimensions? And lastly, what's the correct sand to mortar mix ratio for laying brick pavers?

For inconsistent size then try laying bricks in pairs and use the smaller bricks to fill gaps. And yes you need half inch joints for the size differences. 4 parts sand to 1 part mortar should do.

 

[Thanos]

I do feel basketweave's overrated, it just a way to hide poor planning with charm. If your bricks ain't uniform, ditch the mortar and dry-lay with polymeric sand, it looks cleaner, less mess, fewer regrets.

 

[TheStoneBuilder]

Old age but still gunning. Took on a project my son in law got me, its a gazebo in the backyard and I'm to install 1500 square feet of different sizes of bricks over a slab. Now I need some advice on laying a basketweave pattern. First of all what is the best way to handle the size differences with this pattern? Second, how should I lay it all out? I assume I'll need wider mortar joints to compensate for the inconsistent brick dimensions? And lastly, what's the correct sand to mortar mix ratio for laying brick pavers?

Hey, good on you for still getting after it! A basketweave pattern can be a bit tricky, so when dealing with different sizes, the key is sorting your bricks beforehand. You'll want to lay out your pattern using bricks of the same size within each "square" of the weave. This method helps maintain a consistent, tight-looking pattern. If the size differences are small, like a quarter-inch, you can hide it in the mortar joints without it being noticeable.

To keep your pattern straight and square, use chalk lines. Snap a main control line down the middle of your work area, then use a square to snap perpendicular lines every few feet. This will give you a grid that helps you keep the pattern tight and uniform as you work. You're right that you'll need to be flexible with your mortar joints. It's good to aim for a joint thickness between 3/8 and 1/2 inch. Going much wider than that can compromise the strength of the bond and won't look as clean. As for the mix, a standard ratio is 3 parts sand to 1 part Portland cement. If you're using a premixed mortar, just follow the manufacturer's instructions. Good luck with the project!

 

[green_cardigan8]

Hey, good on you for still getting after it! A basketweave pattern can be a bit tricky, so when dealing with different sizes, the key is sorting your bricks beforehand. You'll want to lay out your pattern using bricks of the same size within each "square" of the weave. This method helps maintain a consistent, tight-looking pattern. If the size differences are small, like a quarter-inch, you can hide it in the mortar joints without it being noticeable.

To keep your pattern straight and square, use chalk lines. Snap a main control line down the middle of your work area, then use a square to snap perpendicular lines every few feet. This will give you a grid that helps you keep the pattern tight and uniform as you work. You're right that you'll need to be flexible with your mortar joints. It's good to aim for a joint thickness between 3/8 and 1/2 inch. Going much wider than that can compromise the strength of the bond and won't look as clean. As for the mix, a standard ratio is 3 parts sand to 1 part Portland cement. If you're using a premixed mortar, just follow the manufacturer's instructions. Good luck with the project!

Thanks for the advice! I'm building a small patio with a basketweave pattern and using old bricks and some are slightly different in size. How much size difference is okay before it starts to look messy? Also, does the 3 parts sand to 1 part cement mix stay strong in rainy weather, or should I change it to make it last longer? It'll be outside all year.

 

[mix&fix]

Appreciate the solid tips. Organizing by size and using chalk lines really helps. I'll definitely stick with that 3:1 mix and make sure the joints are tight for a nicer finish.