Materials:
Step 1: Determine which bricks need be raised
Use a long board or a level to determine which bricks need to be raised. Mark the ends of each row of bricks that need to be raised with chalk.
Use a long board to determine below-grade bricks.
Step 2: Brush the sand from between each brick
Use a stiff brush to remove the sand or crushed stone from between the bricks that need to be raised.
Brush out the sand from between the bricks.
Step 3: Remove the bricks
Using a pry bar, lift the first brick and then remove it by hand. Remove the rest of the below-grade bricks by pry bar or by hand. Store the removed bricks face up in a clean area. Use a long board to ensure that you have removed all the bricks that are below the grade.
Remove the below-grade bricks.
Step 4: Prepare the bed
Use a rake to smooth out the exposed bed. Add crushed stone or masonry dust to the bed and spread it out. Use enough material so the replaced bricks will sit about 1/8″ above level to allow for settling.
Add crushed stone or masonry dust to the bed.
Step 5: Tamp the bed
Use a commercial or homemade wooden tamper to tamp down the stone dust. Place a test brick on the tamped bed, making sure it rests just above level.
This homemade wooden tamper works great.
Step 6: Set a reference course of bricks
Replace some bricks to make a single run across the space. This will serve as a reference for the height and level of the rest of the bricks.
Run a single course of bricks.
Step 7: Replace the bricks
Replace the bricks onto the prepared bed. Work your way across the space, lining up each brick to the next by adding or removing stone dust. Use a rubber mallet to tap each brick into place. If necessary, go back and make adjustments to bricks so that they are even with one another.
Tap the bricks into place with a rubber mallet.
Step 8: Fill the gaps and water the surface
Once all the bricks are laid, brush stone dust across the surface of the replaced bricks to distribute the dust into the cracks. Wet the walk to settle the sand. Walk over the top of the bricks to work the dust into the gaps. Add additional stone dust, water once more, and sweep across the surface to remove excess dust. Enjoy your level brick path!
Brush stone dust across the surface.
