How to make a curving path using Canberra bricks?

[A1821801]

Dear Bunnings Community, 

I would like to make a curving path with my Canberra bricks. What’s the trick to making a brick curve? 
thank you 

[JacobZ]

Hi @A1821801,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

This sounds like a fantastic project that I would love to see you have a go at, but curved brick paths are quite advanced and likely would test even the best at D.I.Y.

If it is a gentle curve, you may be able to do this yourself, but if it is complex with multiple changes in direction and large curves, it is likely something that would require the assistance of a person or business that specialises in this kind of work.

I have seen a variety of techniques used, but I can't say I've ever done it myself. I have laid straight brick paths, but never a curve.

I imagine, like with straight paths, the most important steps are your base preparations and layout. 

Getting a good consistent surface will mean you flow from one brick to the next. Check out How To Prepare And Lay a Base For Pavers for some guidance.

The next step is your layout. I would suggest using a combination of spray and mark paint and a long bendy material such as this Icon Plastics 100mm x 10m Jarrah Garden Edge to mark out your curves.

I have seen curved paths built by simply making small adjustments in each brick, so their angle produces a slight curve and I have seen paths where a border row is set following the curve and then each row of bricks is cut in with either a brick saw, concrete saw, or brick bolster so that each brick that touches the border is custom to the curve.

Both methods would be quite complex and likely very difficult to get a great result. I think if you want to give it a try, start by getting your base prepared and marking out the curve. Try with the first rows around the curve and work your way inwards. If you find you aren't happy with how things are going, you can always pull them up and try again. 
 

If you want to use the method where each row has cut bricks touching the border, lay out every other brick before you do this. They are the only bricks you can't pull out and try again. Once they are cut, they are cut and it's very unlikely you can reuse them.

Allow me to tag @Jewelleryrescue, @Nailbag and @Dave-1 to see if they have any experience or advice they can add.

Let me know what you think and if you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob
 

[Dave-1 · Accepted solution]

Afternoon @A1821801 

I like the style of Canberra bricks and think it would look preety nice.

I have built curved paths with wiggly pavers and yeah it took me a few times to get the curves I wanted.

Here is my project Landscaping Front Yard Part 2 

There is also Part 1 and a latter part if you want to wander through my bookmarks.

Things to note

If you dont want to cut your bricks (I didnt as I want the re-use potentail always there) then you will have gaps between the bricks on the curves.

Weeds WILL grow

Edgeing is a good idea as it controls whatever you use as a base to stop it filtering into the surrounding area.

My trick was to level/slope the area first with "fill" then use my base (was leftover 8mm gravel) Finally get the curve you want by laying out the first row of bricks in the actuall shape of the curve. This will help you accomodate the "expansion" that the bricks need. Even if you just dry fit the bricks first. It really dosnt take much to place them and then go back and do it properly .

Love to see some photos of your project later on

Dave

[A1821801]

Thanks Dave, I really appreciate your advice and wisdom. Regards Audrey