This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our full Disclosure Policy.
A reclaimed brick patio is a beautiful and sustainable addition to any backyard or outdoor space. Using reclaimed bricks not only adds character and charm to your patio, but it’s also an eco-friendly option that repurposes materials that might otherwise go to waste.
Building a reclaimed brick patio can be a DIY project that adds value to your home and creates a warm and inviting space for entertaining or relaxing. In this guide, we’ll share some tips and tricks on how to make a DIY reclaimed brick patio and answer some frequently asked questions about the process.
Why Build A Reclaimed Brick Patio
For us, building a reclaimed brick patio at the back of our 120-year-old house was the only option as it allowed us to to stay true to the style and age of the house. For others, a few of the biggest reasons are that a reclaimed brick patio
- Gives old materials a new life.
- Adds character and history to your backyard.
- Contributes to sustainability by repurposing materials and reducing waste, making it a more environmentally friendly option than new materials
Here is what our home looked like in the back when we first bought it! Right away, we knew we wanted to add a deck, free-standing outdoor fireplace, and patio area, but first, we needed to remove the parking lot. I’m not going to say this patio project was easy, but it also wasn’t the trickiest one we have taken on. It was just a lot of grunt work.
Over a couple of years, we were able to add sod and a beautiful back outdoor living space that gave this space a whole new feel.
Purchasing an old house comes with many pros and cons. Some old homeowners choose to hire out the bulk of the home renovations, others choose to DIY the projects themselves. If keeping the aesthetic and appearance of an old home is important to you, using reclaimed or recycled materials may be a great option for your next home renovation. As an added bonus, it is usually more cost-effective! Enjoy this step-by-step tutorial on how to make a DIY reclaimed brick patio using recycled bricks!
Pros And Cons Of Using Reclaimed Bricks For A Patio
Using reclaimed bricks for a patio can be a great option for those who value sustainability, character, and cost-effectiveness. However, it’s important to consider the potential challenges and limitations before embarking on a DIY project with reclaimed bricks.
Pros:
- Sustainable: Using reclaimed bricks is an eco-friendly option that repurposes materials that might otherwise go to waste.
- Character: Reclaimed bricks have a unique character and charm that can add warmth and personality to your patio.
- Cost-effective: Reclaimed bricks are often less expensive than new bricks, making them a cost-effective option for a DIY project.
- Durability: Reclaimed bricks are often older and more durable than new bricks, making them a long-lasting option for your patio.
Cons:
- Limited availability: Reclaimed bricks may be more difficult to find than new bricks, and the quantity and quality may vary.
- Time-consuming: Cleaning and preparing reclaimed bricks for use can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
- Inconsistent sizes and shapes: Reclaimed bricks may be slightly different in size and shape, which can make it more challenging to lay them out in a uniform pattern.
- Potential for damage: Reclaimed bricks may have cracks, chips, or other damage that can make them less durable and more prone to breaking.
No matter what project we took on in this old house, it was important to us to make it look like it had been here for years! Using reclaimed products for DIY projects was not only cost-effective but also gave the home an aesthetic and appearance more true to its age.
This old house is going to take us years to get to where we want it to be, but it is slowly becoming the house of our dreams. It’s amazing to think of where we’ve come from, this being nothing more than a gravel back driveway and now having one of the best patios in town.
Where To Find Reclaimed Bricks
Reclaimed bricks can be found at salvage yards, architectural salvage shops, online marketplaces like eBay or Craigslist, and demolition contractors who salvage building materials.
We found all of our reclaimed bricks on Kijiji and the Facebook marketplace, but you can also check local classified ads, auction marts, or network with construction professionals and homeowners renovating older properties.
How to Make A DIY Reclaimed Brick Patio
Tools:
- Shovel
- Wheelbarrow
- Tamper
- Level
- Tape measure
- String line and stakes
- Brick saw or chisel
- Rubber mallet
- Broom
Materials:
- Reclaimed bricks
- Sand or gravel or Polymeric Sand: Used to fill the gaps between bricks, adding strength and stability.
- Concrete mix (optional)
- Weed barrier fabric (optional)
Instructions
Here are the steps we took to make our DIY Salvaged Brick Patio:
- Choose the location for your patio and mark the area with stakes and string lines.
- Remove any grass, weeds, or debris from the area using a shovel and wheelbarrow.
- Level the area with sand or gravel and use a tamper to compact the base.
- Pour a layer of concrete mix over the base and use a trowel to spread it evenly. Allow the concrete to dry completely.
- Lay out the reclaimed bricks in the desired pattern. Use a level to ensure that the bricks are even and square.
- Use a brick saw or chisel to cut the bricks to fit around corners or edges.
- Once the bricks are in place, use a rubber mallet to tap them into position and ensure they are level.
- Fill the gaps between the bricks with sand or gravel or polymeric sand to prevent weeds from growing and to improve drainage and stability. If you use polymeric sand, be sure to wet the surface after application.
- Use a broom to sweep any excess sand or gravel from the surface of the patio.
- (Optional) Lay a weed barrier fabric over the base layer before adding the sand or gravel to further prevent weeds.
Your DIY brick patio is now complete! Enjoy your new outdoor space for entertaining, relaxing, or dining.
Tips and Tricks For A Brick Patio
- Choose the right location for your patio. Consider factors such as sun exposure, drainage, and proximity to your home.
- Prepare the ground properly by removing any grass, weeds, or debris and leveling the area with sand or gravel.
- Use a string line and stakes to ensure that your patio is level and square.
- Choose reclaimed bricks that are in good condition and similar in size and color for a uniform look.
- Use a brick saw or chisel to cut the bricks to fit around corners or edges.
- Fill the gaps between the bricks with sand or gravel to prevent weeds from growing and to improve drainage.
I hope you have enjoyed my DIY salvage brick patio post. Would you use salvaged bricks for a project? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Now find out how to style your patio like a pro with these unique patio decor ideas
Reader’s Asked
You can find reclaimed bricks at salvage yards, demolition sites, or online marketplaces such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. I found most of mine on Kijiji.
Clean the bricks with a wire brush and water to remove any dirt or debris. If the bricks are particularly dirty or have mortar on them, you can use a solution of water and muriatic acid to clean them.
It’s recommended to use a concrete base or a layer of sand (like we did) or gravel to ensure that your patio is level and stable.
Fill the gaps between the bricks with sand or gravel to prevent weeds from growing. You can also use a weed barrier fabric underneath the base layer to further prevent weeds.
Sweep the patio regularly to remove any debris or leaves. You can also use a power washer to clean the bricks and remove any stains or dirt. I also use a leaf blower to keep the debris off of mine.
More Outdoor Projects
- Easy DIY Brick Fire Pit
- How to Build a DIY Raised Planter Box
- Unique Farmhouse Patio Ideas and Decor Inspiration
want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from B Vintage Style.
How To Lay A Brick Patio
Equipment
- Shovel
- Wheelbarrow
- Tamper
- Level
- Tape Measure
- String line and stakes
- Brick saw or chisel
- Rubber Mallet
- Broom
Materials
- Reclaimed bricks
- Sand or gravel or Polymeric Sand Used to fill the gaps between bricks, adding strength and stability.
- Concrete mix (optional)
- Weed barrier fabric (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Choose the area where you want to lay your brick patio.
- 2. Measure the area you want for your patio.
- 3. Prep the area. Remove all grass, objects and enough dirt to a depth of about 6-8 inches. Make sure your slope drains away from any buildings
- 4. Add gravel or concrete to the excavated bed. Maintain the integrity of the slope you have developed in the bed. Be sure to pat down the gravel and check to make sure everything is still sloping.
- 7. Fill your bed with 1.5 inches of sand
- 8. Level the sand. We used a 2 x 4-inch piece of wood to do this.
- 9. Lay the bricks in place.
- 11. Spread a layer of polymer sand over the bricks. Carefully sweep the sand to fill in the cracks between the bricks and along the edge and make sure to sweep all the sand off the tops of the bricks so it doesn't adhere to them.
- 12. Spray the bricks with water, allowing the material to settle between the bricks.
Notes
- Choose the right location for your patio. Consider factors such as sun exposure, drainage, and proximity to your home.
- Prepare the ground properly by removing any grass, weeds, or debris and leveling the area with sand or gravel.
- Use a string line and stakes to ensure that your patio is level and square.
- Choose reclaimed bricks that are in good condition and similar in size and color for a uniform look.
- Use a brick saw or chisel to cut the bricks to fit around corners or edges.
- Fill the gaps between the bricks with sand or gravel to prevent weeds from growing and to improve drainage.
Beautiful Deb, I visited with Heather Smith on Wednesday evening, lovely to see your finished project!
Yes it turned out so great!! Nice to meet you the other day!
I notice your bunny hutch isn’t in any of these images… do you still have the little rascal? We only could have bunnies growing up due to allergies, they’ve always been a favourite!❤️? Love the pavers! Your back yard is looking awesome.??
Thank you so much. Yep we still have them just on the other side of the deck. They are happy little ones for sure. xx
Lovely!
What sand should I use on old patio bricks where weeds are beginning to grow?
Do I just spray weeds, and sweep sand in space?