How to Do Paving Patterns

Review a variety of different patterns and choose the one you like best. Herringbone is a traditional arrangement of pavers set at perpendicular 45-degree angles. Basket weave is an old English pattern that doesn't require any cutting if your surface is rectangular. These instructions are for a basket-weave pattern.

Lay down two parallel ropes to mark out the site for the pavement. Use a tape measure the measure the space and add 2 inches on every side for the edging restraints.

Use a spade to remove growth and root systems from the site, and a shovel to remove 6 inches of dirt. Press a tamper over the loose soil to stabilize the ground. Roll strips of geotextile fabric over the site and pin down the corners with lawn spikes to keep the edges from showing.

Dry-lay the paving materials in the basket-weave pattern to see how it will look on your site. Set a small section of bricks over the fabric. Begin the basket-weave pattern by laying two bricks side-by-side. Set another pair of pavers at a 90-degree angle beside the first pair.

Fill the space with 4 inches of crushed rocks and press it with the tamper until it feels solid and even.

Apply a 1-inch layer of grit sand over the crushed rocks and rake it level. Lay a wood board across the sand and walk on it to compact it. The sand grips the bottom of the paving material so it doesn't rotate.

Install edge restraints against the sides to block encroachment and secure the bricks. Hammer 9-inch spikes through the restraints.

Drop the bricks directly on the sand rather than sliding them into place. Position a pair of bricks parallel and flush against each other. Turn the next set at a 90-degree angle and butt the ends against the first pair. Lay a board across each finished section and walk on the board to level the surface.

Brush fine sand between the joint of every brick or paver with a stiff shop broom.