3. Reclaimed Brick and Stone Checkerboard
Old bricks have a warmth and patina that new pavers just can’t match. If you can find reclaimed bricks from a salvage yard, an old building being demolished, or even a neighbor’s remodel, you can combine them with square-cut stone to create a charming checkerboard path. The contrast between the warm red-orange of brick and the cool gray of stone is timeless.
You’ll need an equal number of square pavers (about 12 by 12 inches) and bricks. For every two pavers, plan on about 8 to 10 bricks, depending on the pattern. Other supplies include sand, landscape fabric, and a level.
Lay out the pattern on the ground first, alternating a square stone with a square of bricks. Bricks can be laid flat in a running bond pattern, herringbone, or basketweave, all of which look great. Once the layout feels right, excavate the area about 4 inches deep, add landscape fabric, then a 2-inch base of compacted sand.
Set the stone squares first, checking that they’re level and evenly spaced. Then fill in each brick square the same way, leaving a small gap between each brick for sand to fill. After everything is laid, sweep fine sand into all the joints and mist with water to settle it. Add more sand as needed until the joints are full.
Reclaimed brick paths have a slightly more relaxed, lived-in look that suits cottage, farmhouse, and English garden styles. The whole project takes a weekend and rewards you with a path that looks like it belongs to a centuries-old garden. If you can’t find reclaimed brick, new tumbled pavers have a similar warmth and are widely available.