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curving path using canberra bricks

A1821801
Getting Established

curving path using canberra bricks

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
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: curving path using canberra bricks

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
 

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