Hi,
I’m putting in a walk way down from the front steps. It starts out at 70″ wide and turns down to the 1st granite step which is 60″ wide. THe bricks will be laid in a running bond pattern and will be laidthe long ways from the granit step up to the door.
SInce my radius is decreasing (or increasing, depending upon which way you’re heading), I’ll either have to add bricks or remove bricks. If you start at the granite step I figure I’ll lay 15 bricks lengthwise and this will increase to approx 19 bricks once I get to the front step.
How can I start a new row once the space widens up? I have a masonry blade on the miter saw, so cutting shouldn’t be a problem. I was thinking that when the space starts to open up as I approach the front step, I’ll cut a brick into a long triangle and start a new course.
Does my design make sense??? Any suggestions???
“My mother failed to see the irony in calling me a sonofabitch” – Jack Nicholsen
Replies
Doug,
I have done a lot of brick walks/driveways. Here is what I would recommend. Border both edges of the walk with a header course( full brick turned 90degrees to the running bond pattern) . To turn the radius you will have to taper some of the brick making up the header course(usually just one side unless the radius is too tight in which case taper both sides) Run your running bond pattern inside the borders and taper the transition courses to match. You will have to cut several brick on each course to accomplish the narrowing down effect you are looking for. This amounts in effect to making long wedges increasing in size until you have achieved the desired taper. Cutting one or two brick per course won't get it as smooth flowing curves are the name of the game for making a nice-looking walk. good luck.
Mark