im getting ready to lay some brick and i was told to put down some sand first. how much sand should i pour?

Answer 1

Compact your base material first, then put down 1" of sand to level the brick or pavers. The best way to establish your base is to frame it out with 2x4's temporarily, or get a metal edging for a permanent edge. Then get another long 2x4 that is longer than the frame. Notch them out 2.5" so that they will float 1" above the base. Lay your sand in and use the notched 2x4 to screed the sand layer level and smooth. Lay your pavers or brick on the levelling sand layer. Remember not to shift them into position, the need to be placed straight down or you mess up the level and you'll not get a smooth surface. When done. pour more sand on top and broom it into the seams. You can now carefully remove the 2x4 frame if you want. If you want to keep the wooden frame, use Redwood.

Don't put plastic under it or water can not penetrate down. You'll have problems with drainage if you do. You can use a good commercial quality weed barrier fabric under the sand layer if you want, but it isn't necessary.

Answer 2

When my dad did his sidewalk he put plastic down the sand on top of that ~ not much just enough to cover the plastic ~. Then he put the bricks down and put sand on top of the bricks and used a broom to sweep the sand in the cracks. (this is to hold them together) Good luck.

Answer 3

This takes a bit more than a few bricks and a strong back. Here are some instructions. Do it right and it will look great!!

Also I hope they are landscaping bricks, not house bricks!! They are different.

http://landscaping.about.com/cs/hardscapefences1/ht/brick_patio.htm

Answer 4

about an inch or so - then rake the sand to make it smooth and level

Answer 5

just use all of it and don't eat it whatever you do