Brick pavers are used to dress up landscapes all over the world. They can be the perfect way to add a little definition to outside spaces. They are ideal for some many outdoor projects. They are durable and easy to install. Many folks use them as a point of interest in their landscaping endeavors.

These pavers are not only beautiful but they are very functional. They can be used to make driveways pop; walkways stand out and generally bring interest to any area that needs it.

The Driveway

Having a great driveway in front of your home really can increase the value of your home, by increasing the curb appeal of the home. Using brick pavers to line your driveway or to completely create your driveway is an excellent way of adding some curb appeal to your home.

Installing the pavers is simple but a bit of hard work. Installation will require that the ground is level. This can be achieved in several ways, the easiest way is to have a sand base that has been tamped down using an earth tamper, and if an earth tamper is not available a walk behind steam roller will do the job nicely.

Brick pavers do not have to be mortared down they can simply be laid and have a thin layer of sand poured over them to fill the spaces in between the pavers. It is actually cheaper to install the pavers this way.

There are several designs that can be used to lay the pavers. A favored design that looks rather elegant is the herringbone design.

Sidewalk

Brick pavers can be used to make a great sidewalk. The process is the same as building a driveway, of course on a much smaller scale. The process is very simple and actually can be completed in one day if there are at least two people involved in the process.

Types

There are several different color choices and shape choices when it comes to these pavers. The favorite type is the square shaped or rectangular shaped brick pavers. The range of colors is from brick red to cream colored.

These pavers can be chosen to match the color of the home.

Costs

The cost will vary, depending on whether they are new or reclaimed bricks. You can expect to pay anywhere from less than a dollar per paver to over three dollars per paver depending on how thick the paver is and color, texture of the brick.

Brick pavers are one of the simplest ways to give the outside of your home a little flair. Whether you have a brick house or one made of another material, you are sure to find some use for attractive pavers.

One of the great benefits of brick pavers is the relative ease in which you can replace cracked, chipped, or stained bricks. While concrete brick pavers are very strong and should last a lifetime if sealed correctly, accidents do happen. An unsightly oil stain on your new driveway or a chip caused by a dropped item can drive you crazy if not repaired.

When a paver does need to be replaced here is a step by step guide for replacing the damaged brick.

If you are replacing several bricks be sure to mark the bricks first to ensure that you are replacing the correct size brick in the correct spot. This is especially important if you used a complicated pattern in your paver layout. If you are replacing loose bricks it is good to get the correct bricks back into the original slot.

Once the pavers are removed be sure to clean any debris from the cavity. A thoroughly cleaned area will ensure that the bricks fit back properly while leaving the proper gap between the existing brick pavers.

Put a layer of sand down next. Use a wooden masonry wood float, taking the time to push sand into all the corners. Use the float or your foot to compact the sand down thoroughly. Check the level of the sand with a level.

It is now time to place the new brick paver into position. Use the marks you made to match up the correct position. Use a screwdriver to make sure the gap is even on all sides.

Finally, pour sand on top of the new bricks, filling all the gaps evenly. A mallet can be used to tap the new brick pavers into place.

If all is done well your new bricks should fit in seamlessly with your existing layout.

To learn more about brick pavers and see some samples of beautifully designed and installed systems check out http://www.outbackcontractors.com.