Brick Laying Patterns - Choosing The Right Pattern

There are a few options when it comes to brick laying patters – read on to help find the right choice for you.

When it comes to choosing the right clay paver for your project you have likely made your choice based on the appearance of the paver. When it comes to laying the pavers, you also have a choice of laying pattern. The way that you lay the pavers can help enhance the aesthetic of the design. However, some patterns are easier to lay then others and although most pavers can be laid in any format, some are more suited to certain styles.

Initial considerations

Before you choose you laying pattern you should consider what the intention is for your design. Different laying patterns can have different effects and you should use this to help achieve your overall concept. Brick laying patterns that are laid to a 45 degree angle to your home can help bring focus to the building. More complex designs have the potential to make the space look smaller than it is with its busy pattern. If your intention is to make a space look bigger then you should consider laying your clay pagers to a 90 degree angle.

You can lay your clay pavers in a range of styles and patterns to create contrast and interest. The different patterns can represent your style and enhance the appearance of your outdoor scheme. Here we will discuss some of the main patterns that can be used for most clay pavers. Each has its own distinctive appearance and can be used to produce a unique style.

Stretcher Bond Pattern

The stretcher bond pattern, also known as the running bond, is laid in a side-by-side pattern. This laying pattern can be used to make a space look longer, or wider, depending on which direction it has been laid. This is perfect for those looking to enlarge their space. Lay lengthways to make your space appear longer. To make a pathway or area look wider lay in wide direction.

Some other considerations when it comes to this pattern is that is it one of the simplest to install. This pattern is also a great choice for driveways. This pattern is perfect in areas where it is anticipated that vehicles will brake heavily, accelerate consistently, or make repeated turns.

Basket Weave Pattern

The Basket Weave Pattern is the ideal choice for spaces looking to capture that classic old English landscaping style. To create this pattern you lay one brick running horizontally, with two bricks standing vertically, right under that first one. This design will bring a traditional sense to your interest, adding charm and interest. There are a few variations to this design including the half basket weave. With the half basket weave the pattern is laid with two horizontal bricks butted against a single vertical brick.

Herringbone Pattern

The herringbone design can either be laid in a 45- or 90-degree angle. The zig-zag pattern brings plenty of interest to a space. It has an almost mesmerising design but is still relatively easy to lay. It can work perfectly as an edging feature, as pathways or as driveways. A herringbone pattern is ideal for driveways as it can accommodate relatively heavy loads such as cars and trucks. The pattern promotes even load bearing, reducing the possibility of movement in the paving units.

Grid

This pattern consists of a grid layout. Within each square there are 18 bricks in total. Two bricks are laid side by side horizontally, the second two brick laid vertically, the next back to horizonal, this end your first line in the grid. The next line begins with two bricks laid vertically, the middle pair horizontally, the last vertically. The final line is laid the same as the first and the square is complete. Continue creating these squares across the designated area. This design is more complex than others but creates an impressive result.

Jack-on-Jack

The jack-on-jack brick pattern, also called stacked bond, is simply clay brick pavers laid in perfectly aligned rows. The uniform design is more usually used in wall construction. This design is ideal for walls as the bricks do not shift.

Patterns that require brick cutting skill

A Whorled brick pattern is possible the most impressive of the brick design, but certainly requires the most skill. The design will take some time to install and involves tricky and precise cuts on around half or the bricks. This decorative design is ideal for a centrepiece or focal point in a design. This pattern has a circular design, starting with a half brick in the centre of the design and work your way out.

The Pinwheel bond is an impressive design but requires some skill when it comes to cutting bricks. Laid in a geomatic pattern, a half brick is laid in the centre of each pinwheel shape with four full bricks surrounding it.