Brick Warm, earthy brick is a classic material that blends readily with many styles of houses. Its durability makes it a favorite material for outdoor use, and its modular shape is ideal for building many structures, such as patio floors, planters, and garden walls. It comes in many colors and sizes, is moderately priced, and is readily available from home improvement centers, landscaping retailers, and masonry suppliers. Types of Brick Brick for exterior use comes in many grades and styles. The terms used to describe grades may differ from region to region; however, two of the most common grades are moderate weather (MW) and severe weather (SW). MW bricks are the less expensive option, although they are more porous and less uniform in size. A porous brick absorbs water. If exposed to low temperatures, the absorbed water can expand as it freezes, causing the brick to chip or break. Although the material is still durable, the freeze/thaw cycle can take its toll over time. In damp conditions, such as perpetually shaded areas, MW brick encourages the growth of moss, a feature some people find charming. As the name implies, Stamped concrete bricks design patios are made to withstand temperature extremes and high moisture conditions. They are also more resistant to stains caused by accidental spills of beverages or oily liquids. Here are other kinds of brick: Common brick is a general-purpose material that has many uses. Although it is used primarily for walls, it can be used for patios that don't get a lot of foot traffic, and for patios in mild climates that do not have temperature extremes. Common brick can be "wire-cut," meaning it is uniformly square and has a rough texture on its face and smooth edges. "Sandmold" brick often is uneven in shape but has a smooth face that is easy to clean. Paving brick is made with a dense clay and is fired at extremely high temperatures to produce a product that is especially hard and resistant to moisture. Paving brick is the most durable brick and is a good choice for patio surfaces. Used brick is salvaged from demolished buildings. It has a worn, rustic character that many people find attractive. Because of the added labor of salvage work, it usually costs more than other types of brick. Because old brick usually has had many years of exposure to the elements, it might not be as hard and durable as newer ones. One strategy for using older brick is to buy enough to have replacements if individual bricks crumble or break. Another idea is to make ancillary structures, such as walls and planters, from used brick and buy a paver of matching color for use throughout the patio field. Used brick might not be uniform in size, and it will vary in thickness from 2 1/2 inches to 3 inches. Clinker bricks have imperfections caused by improper firing methods. Defects include irregular shapes, scorch marks, and pitting. Some suppliers offer inexpensive clinker bricks for use as decorative borders or as accents distributed randomly through a field of normal bricks. Brick Pattern The modular shape of brick is ideal for forming patterns. Over the years, many classic patterns have been developed that are familiar to installers. Some patterns, such as the pinwheel pattern shown at center right, require the time-consuming cutting of individual bricks. For the most part, the layout and installation of various patterns is straightforward. Patterns also can be mixed to create custom decorative layouts. Irregular shapes and curves usually add to the cost of any patio project. Curves mean cutting bricks, which adds to the time required for construction. Bricks and other types of masonry can be precisely cut with a water or tub saw--a large, circular blade made especially for slicing masonry. A flow of water onto the blade helps reduce friction and dust during cutting. Do-it-yourselfers can rent a water saw at a rental shop. 1. Wearing safety goggles and rubber gloves, remove dirt or loose concrete using a wire brush or masonry chisel and hammer, then power-wash the entire slab with a pressure washer or a garden hose fitted with a high-pressure nozzle. 2. Following manufacturer's directions, wash the patio with a concrete etcher to rough the surface so the stain adheres. Rinse thoroughly and let the concrete dry for 72 hours. 3. Have a clerk at the paint store add and mechanically mix slip-resistant additive into the base color of concrete stain. Use a long-handle roller to apply the base coat (grout color) of stain (this patio uses light taupe), in small areas at a time and work stain into the concrete surface from two directions. Base-coat the entire slab. Let it dry for at least 24 hours. 4. Measure and tape off a 6-inch-wide course of "blocks" along the outer edge of the slab. Then measure off 8-inch intervals and apply tape the length of the slab. Tape off the individual rows of "blocks" according to your desired pattern. 5. Using the same technique as for the base coat, roll the block-color stain (the pattern shown uses medium gray) over the slab. Let dry for 24 hours, then remove tape. 6. Use a small paintbrush or rag to lightly dab water-thinned stain on the bricks. Use contrasting darker (black or dark brown) and lighter (ivory or buff) colored stains for a textured effect and to soften the crisp grout lines. Planning your Patio >>
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