Re-laying brick/paver walkway in backyard, need advice!
Austin Kuhn
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
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sheloveslayouts
6 years agoRelated Discussions
Can I install pavers on top of concrete patio and walkway???
Comments (3)The contractor surely is suggesting to lay them in a mortar set over the existing concrete right? If so, it works but better be done properly or else one stone coming loose will be very difficult to repair. The surface joints too would need to be well mortared and sealed to prevent any moisture from entering, and don't forget expansion gaps. Laying a gravel base over concrete is an even worse idea IMO. Doesn't compact and creates an impermeable foundation beneath what little gravel base you may have. Furthermore it leaves your entire patio susceptible to any movement experienced by the concrete slab. Gravel bases are used in our climate in part due to their flexibility. In the end I wouldn't do it for a client and if I did I wouldn't warranty it. All that said though, you do have an opportunity to install what I consider to be one of the nicer and more underrated outdoor ground surfaces- reclaimed red brick turned on edge. One of my favorite designers James Van Sweden is big on this as it creates one of the warmest and most transitional (home to exterior) ground surfaces as well as being very amenable to patterned desings. Would need to work with your home and greater landscape though....See MoreWalkway pavers replacement inspiration - & how to convince DH...
Comments (32)I've been following this thread with interest because my DH and I have been having the same argument for years. He has the fireplace at the top of his list and I have about 10 projects above it on my list. I love your bricks, but do think they need to be cleaned up at bit (not the moss - love that). If you're going to keep them as they are, I would dig out the edges and lay landscape ties on either side to create a more distinct border. It also helps when gardening by creating a bit of a raised bed (easier to add compost, mulch, etc). Last summer, I did away with our old walkway which looked much like yours except it was ugly interlocking brick with grass growing in it instead of charming moss. I pulled up all the old bricks and laid them on the front boulevard with a for sale sign and they were gone quickly. The base they had been laid on was still in pretty good shape, I just bought bags of quarter down limestone from home depot and spread it over top. I bought new stones using my airmiles points and, voila!, I had a brand new sidewalk. I think the stones and all materials cost about $700 total. My neighbours got the exact same stretch of walkway done professionally and it cost them $2500. It took me about a week and by the end of it, I had the best toned arms (and walkway) on the block. Awm03, I would love to see pics and have details on your fireplace insert....See MoreNeed Backyard Landscaping Advice - Newbie - Zone 8B
Comments (34)"I don't know what to mix in this case - any thoughts?" Sorry, but I can't suggest appropriate plants as I've spent little time in your part of the world, and none in northern LA. I've spent several weeks based in NOLA for work, that's it. I just wanted you to be aware that you won't get an even dense hedge of one species with the variability of light levels. I have a more casual style (I live on an old farm) than what appeals to you, so instead of hedges of one species, for the most part I have mixed shrubs, with multiples of each species, mixed along the length of the shrub border. Only in one spot do I have a row of all the same species, and that is in full sun from all sides so that the plants grow at a fairly similar rate. My usual suggestion in this type of situation is that you visit neighborhoods where the gardening appeals to you to get ideas, or if there are garden centers or nurseries with demonstration gardens or if there is an arboretum or public park or botanic garden where you can look at the various types of plantings that they have. To get an ID on a particular plant (if it's not in a situation where it is labeled) take photos of leaves, blooms or fruit, branches and the whole plant, and post on the Name that Plant forum. Or visit the public library and look for books that have landscaping photos for your general area or look at photos here on Houzz that are from your part of the US and see what inspires you. You want to keep in mind that you don't want a huge amount of pruning (so check growth rates once you know names) and that you don't want excessive amounts of shedding of blooms, leaves, seeds, and branches, so something that blooms all summer might be messier than you want to groom. Here's a photo from Derviss Design/Michelle Derviss - she sometimes participates in these forums. Though her area is different (CA coast) it shows a similarly shaped yard with varying light levels around the perimeter and so a mix of plants. She hasn't tried to totally cover up the fence, but there is a mix of different textures and foliage color and varied plant heights. If you look at the closer photos of the pots (go to link below) they also rely largely on foliage rather than flowers. I am not suggesting that you try to emulate this, just that this is one way to approach your problem. http://www.houzz.com/projects/312471/napa-valley-outdoor-living...See MoreLaying antique pavers
Comments (32)My grandfather and uncle ended up with a bunch of those antique bricks. When they were redoing some streets in downtown Minneapolis that still had the brick streets they welcomed the public to come and take as many as they wanted. There are still a few streets Minneapolis with brick they plan to keep for nostalgic reasons. Gramps used for a walkway in back garden and uncle used for a patio. Neither were installed that well, uncle's patio was eventually removed and concrete placed. Luckily he had a neighbor who was using them for a project. Anyways, I just mentioned this because that may be their origin. If you decide not to use some they are still desirable, someone will take them off your hands. Maybe even can sell them....See MoreAustin Kuhn
6 years agoYardvaark
6 years agopwlong
6 years agoYardvaark
6 years agoGroundskeeperSmalley
6 years ago
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