Brick is one of the most beautiful and enduring materials used in landscape construction. Although natural stone and stamped concrete have become increasingly popular in California, this hardscape option remains a timeless choice for patios, walkways, steps, and landscape accents.
Basket-weave pattern
At Details Landscape Art, we design and build hardscape projects throughout Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties. These installations are especially appropriate when a home already incorporates brick as part of its architecture, chimney, entryway, or other design features. The warm colors and classic appearance help tie the landscape to the home and create a cohesive overall design.
Why Choose Brick?
Brick has been used as a building material for thousands of years. Made from clay and hardened in a kiln, it is durable, fire resistant, and capable of lasting for generations.
One of it’s greatest advantages is its uniform size and shape. Unlike natural stone, which varies considerably, it allows for precise installation and a wide variety of attractive patterns and layouts.
It also complements many architectural styles, from traditional homes to cottages and even certain contemporary designs.
Brick Patios and Walkways
At Details Landscape Art, we install brick patios and walkways using a mortar-set method rather than a sand-set method.
Circular brick patio
While the sand-set method can work well in some regions, we have found that Northern California’s clay soils and seasonal ground movement often cause sand-set installations to shift over time. The expansion and contraction of adobe soil, combined with occasional seismic activity, can leave them uneven and require ongoing repairs.
For that reason, we prefer a more permanent approach.
The process begins with a concrete base. Once the concrete has cured, the brick is mortared into place and the joints are grouted. The finished surface is stable, durable, and capable of handling years of foot traffic and outdoor entertaining without movement.
Steps are almost always constructed using this same mortar-set method.
Patterns and Design Possibilities
One of the appealing aspects is the variety of patterns that can be created.
Popular layouts include:
- Running bond
- Herringbone
Herringbone pattern multi-colored - Basket weave
- Circular patterns
- Radial designs
- Custom combinations
The choice of pattern can dramatically influence the appearance of a patio or walkway. Curved designs typically require additional cutting around the perimeter, but often produce especially attractive results.
Brick as an Accent Material
It does not have to be the primary hardscape material to make a strong visual statement.
We frequently use it as a border or accent around other hardscape surfaces. A brick edge can frame a patio, define a walkway, or provide contrast around steps and driveways.
Some of our favorite combinations include:
- Exposed aggregate with a brick border
Brick edged exposed-aggregate steps - Herringbone walkways with straight borders
- Brick mowstrips around lawn areas
These combinations add character and visual interest while helping unify different elements of the landscape.
A Timeless Hardscape Material
Styles come and go, but these kiln-fired clay products have remained popular for centuries because of its durability, versatility, and classic appearance.
Whether used for a patio, walkway, steps, mowstrips, or decorative accents, brick offers homeowners a beautiful hardscape option that complements both the home and the surrounding garden.
Brick steps
At Details Landscape Art, we continue to use brick in a variety of ways, creating hardscape installations that are attractive, functional, and built to last.