5 Ways To Integrate Brickwork Into Your Landscaping
Bricks aren't just for chimneys or a home's exterior wall. You can integrate the beauty of brickwork into many features of your landscape.
1. Brick Paving
Sidewalks and patios made of brick are often much more attractive compared to boring concrete. There are two options with brick paving—mortared or dry fitting. With the first option, the bricks are laid over a prepared base that is covered in mortar, and more mortar is used to hold the bricks together. Cracks in the mortar will require repairs in the future. Dry-fit bricks are also laid over a stable base, but paver sand is used to hold and fill the joints between them. The bricks will loosen over time, but you can add more sand to fix any issues.
2. Retaining Walls
Bricks can make beautiful low retaining walls for minor slopes. For taller walls or those holding back a lot of soil, larger wall blocks work better. You can choose bricks that complement other features of your home's exterior—such as the brick of the house walls or the brick used for a patio—to help tie everything together visually.
3. Garden Borders
It's no secret that garden borders help keep landscaping beds tidy, while also preventing grass from growing into the garden area. Many border options, from rubber strips to wood boards, degrade over time. Brick provides a durable and long-lasting alternative that is also beautiful. Decorative brick borders are usually mortared together so that they won't shift over the years. They can be kept low or built as low walls to create raised garden beds if desired.
4. Functional Features
Functional features in your landscaping include items like fire pits, built-in counters on the patio, or things like seating. Brick makes an excellent material for these types of features. It can also be used for more involved projects, such as making an outdoor brick fireplace or using it to build an outdoor kitchen surround and built-in barbecue grill.
5. Foundation Veneers
For homes with an exposed foundation wall, there are concerns about both function and aesthetics. Exposed foundations can be more prone to damage like cracks, which can lead to leaks. Plus, the gray concrete isn't very attractive, especially if it contrasted with the siding on your home poorly. Your brickwork service can seal the foundation and then apply a brick veneer over it. This both protects and beautifies the area.
Contact a brickwork service in your area to learn more.
