9 Creative Ways to Use Brick in Patios & Walkways
Mix up the colour, arrangement and style of bricks, or combine classic brick with other pavers for a fresh take
Brick may be a classic material, but used with a little creativity, it can offer a wide range of options for gardens ranging from traditional to contemporary. For example, you can play with the arrangement of bricks to establish an unusual pattern, combine bricks with other paving materials for colour and textural contrast, or use salvaged bricks to add history and character. Take a look at how these designers have used brick in creative ways and see if the ideas might inspire you to look at this classic material in a new light.
In a close-up of the brick patio next to the gravel path, we can see that Cunningham and his team set multiple brick patterns side by side. “In the backyard we used the brick to create texture and patterns that were not too loud,” he says.
Wondering what herbs to grow at home?
Wondering what herbs to grow at home?
2. Brick spiral
Looking down at this patio feels almost like looking into a spinning vortex or the spiral of a shell. Bricks arranged in concentric circles blend with the organic curves of metal-edged planting beds to create an eye-catching and unexpected design.
Looking down at this patio feels almost like looking into a spinning vortex or the spiral of a shell. Bricks arranged in concentric circles blend with the organic curves of metal-edged planting beds to create an eye-catching and unexpected design.
New Eco Landscapes, which designed this space, often creates unusual brick arrangements that are just as interesting when viewed from above as from ground level. This smart design strategy is useful for urban yards, which typically have very limited outdoor space and are often viewed from multiple stories.
3. Backyard basketball
New Eco Landscapes also designed this other inspired brick patio, this time with backyard play in mind. The patio behind this home for a family of four combines brick and cut-stone pavers to suggest a basketball court that the two kids can use to practice their free throws.
Tip: Budget for more bricks if you need to fit a circular paving pattern into a rectangular space, as you’ll need to account for cuts along edges.
See these garden pavement ideas
New Eco Landscapes also designed this other inspired brick patio, this time with backyard play in mind. The patio behind this home for a family of four combines brick and cut-stone pavers to suggest a basketball court that the two kids can use to practice their free throws.
Tip: Budget for more bricks if you need to fit a circular paving pattern into a rectangular space, as you’ll need to account for cuts along edges.
See these garden pavement ideas
4. Patterned walkway
This design by Mom’s Design Build is a simple way to add visual interest to a traditional brick walkway. The team used slate-coloured pavers in a diamond pattern in combination with the bricks to pull the grey colour of the wall into the pathway. The design adds flair to an otherwise classic brick walk in this yard.
This design by Mom’s Design Build is a simple way to add visual interest to a traditional brick walkway. The team used slate-coloured pavers in a diamond pattern in combination with the bricks to pull the grey colour of the wall into the pathway. The design adds flair to an otherwise classic brick walk in this yard.
5. Sunken courtyard
This courtyard in designed by Karen Rogers at KR Garden Design. While its overall style is classical, the design feels fresh, thanks to the clever use of level changes and brickwork. The circular patio seating area sits two steps down from ground level, enveloped by lush plantings.
Brick is used for the planting beds and exterior walls. It’s also used for accent lines within the cut-stone patio, marking the step edges and a central circle around the seating area. The bricks’ precise spacing and the steps’ arrangement suggest three continuous circles of brick, rather than only one.
This courtyard in designed by Karen Rogers at KR Garden Design. While its overall style is classical, the design feels fresh, thanks to the clever use of level changes and brickwork. The circular patio seating area sits two steps down from ground level, enveloped by lush plantings.
Brick is used for the planting beds and exterior walls. It’s also used for accent lines within the cut-stone patio, marking the step edges and a central circle around the seating area. The bricks’ precise spacing and the steps’ arrangement suggest three continuous circles of brick, rather than only one.
6. Star-studded
Recycled bricks can make for an original brick pathway or patio in a small garden. Look for an unusual colour or size, a maker’s stamp or a decorative indentation. Consider mixing recycled bricks with other paving materials or other types of bricks for more variety.
In this design by Wintersole Architecture, the combination of two types of recycled bricks – one featuring a star imprint – results in a star-studded walkway.
Recycled bricks can make for an original brick pathway or patio in a small garden. Look for an unusual colour or size, a maker’s stamp or a decorative indentation. Consider mixing recycled bricks with other paving materials or other types of bricks for more variety.
In this design by Wintersole Architecture, the combination of two types of recycled bricks – one featuring a star imprint – results in a star-studded walkway.
7. Border detail
A border of warm-hued brick elevates the design of this stone patio. The design, by Ginkgo Leaf Studio, helps set off a circular dining set overlooking the water’s edge and ties the patio in with the home’s brick exterior.
Here’s how to choose the best floor for your porch
A border of warm-hued brick elevates the design of this stone patio. The design, by Ginkgo Leaf Studio, helps set off a circular dining set overlooking the water’s edge and ties the patio in with the home’s brick exterior.
Here’s how to choose the best floor for your porch
8. Geometric
If you’re inspired to make a bold statement with brick, consider this design by Exterior Worlds Landscaping & Design in a backyard.
If you’re inspired to make a bold statement with brick, consider this design by Exterior Worlds Landscaping & Design in a backyard.
Natural stone pavers (resting on brick bases) appear to float as they cross the water, leading visitors to a walkway encircling the pool. The contrast of the stone and brick echoes that of the poolside patio design.
9. Reclaimed bricks
Reclaimed bricks in a circular paving pattern create a rich floor for this backyard. To create a similar look, source salvaged bricks or cobblestones and work out a paving design based on how much you can find of each.
Tip: If brick is a popular building material in your area, you may also have luck acquiring bricks from residential construction sites.
Reclaimed bricks in a circular paving pattern create a rich floor for this backyard. To create a similar look, source salvaged bricks or cobblestones and work out a paving design based on how much you can find of each.
Tip: If brick is a popular building material in your area, you may also have luck acquiring bricks from residential construction sites.
Read more:
8 Materials Perfect for Driveways and Home Pavements
Tell us:
Have you used brick paving in a creative way? Show us in the Comments below.
8 Materials Perfect for Driveways and Home Pavements
Tell us:
Have you used brick paving in a creative way? Show us in the Comments below.
Bands of blue bricks transect this short gravel path in this landscape by Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design. The horizontal brick sections draw the eyes to either side to the planted beds and encourage lingering on the path. While someone is lingering, the scent of the herbs (thyme, rosemary and chives) slightly crushed underfoot can be appreciated.