Brick is a classic material that can look casual or formal depending on the pattern used. This collection of brick walkway designs can inspire you to think outside the box for your own paver project.
Running bond is a popular brick pattern for walkways and is a strong option that requires minimal cutting. The herringbone pattern, meanwhile, looks like the bones of a fish and is visually interesting.
Running Bond
Running bond is a popular brick walkway pattern that works well with a variety of architectural styles and aesthetic preferences. It is also structurally strong and can withstand heavy traffic. Masonry experts use this layout in commercial projects because it is quick and easy to lay and offers a timeless look.
When homeowners want a more unique look, they can opt for a horizontal herringbone or half basket weave pattern. These patterns are visually interesting but require some cutting of bricks. To minimize the amount of cutting, homeowners should choose modular bricks with 2” x 8” lengths.
Another creative brick paver layout is a 1/3 running bond pattern, which is similar to a basic stack bond but with a half offset. This paver pattern creates a more varied look and requires less cutting, making it a good choice for DIY brick walkway installations.
Other creative brick layouts include an English or Flemish bond pattern. These wall construction methods use alternating courses of running bond and header bricks, which offer strength and beauty. However, they do require more material than a simple running bond layout.
One of the more complicated brick walkway patterns is a whorled layout. This design features a single brick header in the center with a circle of stretchers that radiate from it in increasingly large circles. To fill in the gaps, contractors insert bricks that have been cut into wedges. This design is visually interesting, but it can be time-consuming and expensive for the homeowner. In addition, the bricks need to be carefully cut to ensure they fit correctly in the holes.
Stack Bond
A brick walkway can be a beautiful way to honor the memory of a loved one. It can also be a place where families gather to share joyous moments and celebrate special occasions such as graduations, birthdays, weddings or anniversaries. Engraved paver bricks can be arranged in an infinite number of ways to create a commemorative walkway. Some of the most popular brick bond patterns include running bond, stretcher bond, herring bone, and basket weave.
A tuck-pointing technique used with some brick bond patterns creates the appearance of a mortar joint that is tighter than the surrounding bricks. This can give the walkway a more finished look, and it may also increase its strength. However, tuck-pointing can increase construction costs and requires more skill to construct than other brick bonding methods.
When walls span vertically between lateral supports, failure from transverse loading results as a bond failure between the block and mortar. Only three of the bonding patterns tested showed a decrease in flexural strength: vertical stack, basket weave “B” and coursed ashlar. This bond is a good choice for non-load-bearing walls and can add an elegant look to any structure.
Known as a simple, cost-effective building method, the stretcher bond is an excellent option for basic brickwork. This brick bond is easy to construct and is suitable for structures requiring a high level of stability, but it may not be the best choice for projects with complex design elements or detailed detailing.
Basket Weave
If you want your brick walkway to have a more unique look than a traditional running bond or stack bond pattern, consider a basket weave. This pattern is achieved by placing pavers in alternating vertical and horizontal pairs. The visual effect is similar to a checkerboard and can create a more cottagelike feel for your patio or entertaining area.
Basket weave is a derivative of plain weaves and is characterized by groups of warp threads interwoven with filling yarns. These yarns are passed over and under multiple warp threads – and the resulting fabric has the characteristic diagonal pattern associated with woven baskets. This fabric is typically used to make shirts and jackets because of its durability, breathability, and comfort in warm weather. You can also find basket weave fabrics in a wide variety of other applications including upholstery and heavyweight cloth.
A basket weave can be combined with other weaving patterns to create a more unique and eye-catching finish. For example, a herringbone or chevron design can be incorporated into a basket weave pattern to add visual interest and direction to a walkway.
Another way to incorporate a creative layout for your brick walkway is to use a grid block pattern. This pattern requires more labor and material than other designs, but it is an excellent option for a walkway that needs to be both functional and visually interesting.
If you want your new brick walkway to have an aged appearance, you can use the herringbone pattern or basket weave with a chase weave finish. This will give your walkway a more weathered and rugged look that will make it seem like it has been around for years. Adding engraved paver bricks from Polar Engraving to this design can further enhance its sentimental value.
Herringbone
Herringbone is an arrangement of rectangles used for floor tiles and road pavement that’s named for its fancied resemblance to the bones of herring. It is also a popular pattern for clothing and furnishings, such as the herringbone tweed used by Brooks Brothers and Ralph Lauren to add sophistication to men’s and women’s outerwear.
Herringbone patterning is a type of weave, not a brick layout, so it can be applied to different types of fabrics. Classic herringbone weave is made with wool, often adorned with herringbone patterns that feature weft and warp threads, creating a distinctive V-shaped design.
This type of herringbone weave has been around for centuries, and it’s a popular choice for high-end apparel, such as suits and jackets. In the home, it can be used for curtains, throw pillows, and blankets to add a touch of elegance to any room.
A herringbone brick walkway is a great way to make an entrance that’s both casual and formal, depending on the spacing between the blocks and how closely the ends are aligned. Using this brick pattern in a straight path is relatively easy, but to create a curved walkway, some of the rows need to be cut so that they can fit the curves of the pathway.
A herringbone pattern is a good option for walkways that will see heavy foot traffic, as it’s extremely durable. It’s also a more attractive choice than the stack bond layout, which uses bricks that are placed horizontally without any staggering. It may require a little more planning, but it’s a good choice for pathways that will have a lot of use. The herringbone pattern looks particularly beautiful when combined with dark, earthy tones.
Whorled
A whorled brick walkway pattern is a visually interesting option, but is more complicated than the other patterns and can be more time-consuming to install. It involves putting one half brick in the middle of a block, and then four other blocks are laid around it to form a pinwheel pattern. This brick walkway layout also requires cut bricks, which can increase your costs.
The most visually simple option for a brick walkway is running bond, which is a staggered horizontal pattern. Stack bond is another low-cost and low-waste option, as it doesn’t require cutting bricks unless the pathway needs to be a specific width. Herringbone is a durable and visually appealing brick pattern that can withstand high foot traffic. A herringbone pattern is similar to a basket weave, but the alternating bricks create an attractive and unique look.