Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 5:35 pm
I just wanted to get an opinion on the use of clay bricks on a pedestrian pathway. I recently inherited 800 wire cut face bricks that have 8 perforations in the middle. I was wondering if you could advise me on the pitfalls of using this brick on a pathway before I invest alot of time putting it together.
I will lay it on an old concrete sidewalk with about 3 inches of sand for drainage and leveling. It will stay on it's side (2 1/4 inches x 7 1/2 inches) with the wire cut side up(just like if it was on a wall). It will be dry laid into the sand (patio area) bordered around the perimeter with large limestone blocks ( to keep from shifting). The area will only be for light pedestrian residential use and is flanked by pine trees on one side (frequent pine needles and sap droppings) and a house on the other. I am in zone 5, in gardening terms (freeze/thaw cycles).These new bricks were also used in a commercial building in my area so I assume that it meets standards for the severity of weather conditions for the midwest(USA).
My main concern is the possible durability of the perforated bricks as a patio material. Other concerns is the eventual effect of sap sticking and removal. The combination height of sand and brick was calculated to meet the height of an adjacent landing.
I think my plans are feasible but need reasurrance from more experience builders that I will not be wasting my time on an ill concieved project. If I am wrong I will use the bricks for more suitable applications in another project.
Thanks in advance for the advice!
I will lay it on an old concrete sidewalk with about 3 inches of sand for drainage and leveling. It will stay on it's side (2 1/4 inches x 7 1/2 inches) with the wire cut side up(just like if it was on a wall). It will be dry laid into the sand (patio area) bordered around the perimeter with large limestone blocks ( to keep from shifting). The area will only be for light pedestrian residential use and is flanked by pine trees on one side (frequent pine needles and sap droppings) and a house on the other. I am in zone 5, in gardening terms (freeze/thaw cycles).These new bricks were also used in a commercial building in my area so I assume that it meets standards for the severity of weather conditions for the midwest(USA).
My main concern is the possible durability of the perforated bricks as a patio material. Other concerns is the eventual effect of sap sticking and removal. The combination height of sand and brick was calculated to meet the height of an adjacent landing.
I think my plans are feasible but need reasurrance from more experience builders that I will not be wasting my time on an ill concieved project. If I am wrong I will use the bricks for more suitable applications in another project.
Thanks in advance for the advice!