How to Lay Brick Edging with Mortar: A Professional Guide
Mortaring brick edging creates a durable and aesthetically pleasing border for gardens, walkways, and patios. The process involves preparing the site, mixing mortar, laying the bricks on a concrete base, and properly curing the finished edge, resulting in a long-lasting and professional-looking finish.
Introduction: Elevating Your Landscape with Mortared Brick Edging
Brick edging adds a touch of timeless elegance and functionality to any outdoor space. While dry-laid brick edging offers flexibility and ease of installation, mortaring bricks in place significantly enhances their stability and longevity. Mortared brick edging not only defines boundaries beautifully but also prevents weeds from encroaching and maintains the structural integrity of your landscaping for years to come. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to laying brick edging with mortar, ensuring a professional and durable result.
Benefits of Mortared Brick Edging
Choosing to mortar your brick edging comes with several advantages:
- Enhanced Stability: Mortar creates a solid bond between bricks, preventing them from shifting or separating over time.
- Improved Weed Control: A mortar joint minimizes gaps where weeds can take root.
- Long-Term Durability: Mortared brick edging can withstand the elements and heavy foot traffic, lasting for decades with minimal maintenance.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The clean lines and uniform appearance of mortared brick edging create a polished and professional look.
- Erosion Control: Mortared edging helps contain soil and prevent erosion along pathways and garden beds.
Planning Your Brick Edging Project
Before diving into the practical aspects, careful planning is crucial for success:
- Measure and Mark: Accurately measure the perimeter where you intend to install the edging and mark the area with stakes and string.
- Choose Your Bricks: Select bricks that complement your existing landscape. Consider factors like color, size, and texture. Paver bricks are commonly used for edging.
- Calculate Material Needs: Estimate the number of bricks and the amount of mortar required based on your measurements. Account for waste and breakage.
- Check Local Codes: Ensure your project complies with local building codes and regulations, especially regarding setbacks and property lines.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Having the right tools and materials readily available will streamline the installation process:
- Bricks: Enough to cover the entire perimeter.
- Mortar Mix: Type S mortar is generally recommended for its strength and weather resistance.
- Concrete Mix: For the base.
- Shovel: For digging the trench and mixing concrete.
- Trowel: For applying and shaping the mortar.
- Margin Trowel: For smaller applications and cleaning.
- Level: For ensuring the bricks are level.
- Rubber Mallet: For gently tapping the bricks into place.
- Jointing Tool: For creating a smooth, professional finish on the mortar joints.
- Wheelbarrow or Mixing Tub: For mixing mortar and concrete.
- Gloves: To protect your hands.
- Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes.
- Measuring Tape: To get accurate measurements.
- String and Stakes: To mark the area.
- Water: For mixing mortar and concrete.
- Concrete Edger (optional): For finishing the concrete footing.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Follow these detailed steps to successfully lay your mortared brick edging:
- Excavate the Trench: Dig a trench along the marked perimeter, deep enough to accommodate a concrete base (approximately 4-6 inches) plus the height of the bricks. The trench width should be slightly wider than the width of your bricks.
- Prepare the Concrete Base: Mix concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour the concrete into the trench, ensuring it is level and smooth. If you don’t want to pour a concrete base, you can substitute compacted gravel as an adequate alternative.
- Apply the First Layer of Mortar: Once the concrete base is partially cured (still slightly damp), apply a 1-inch layer of mortar along the base where the bricks will be placed.
- Lay the First Brick: Carefully place the first brick onto the mortar bed, pressing it firmly into place. Use a level to ensure it is perfectly level.
- Continue Laying Bricks: Apply mortar to the side of the next brick and place it adjacent to the first, leaving a consistent joint width (typically 1/4 to 3/8 inch). Use a level to ensure each brick is level and aligned with the previous one.
- Adjust as Needed: Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the bricks into alignment. Remove any excess mortar that squeezes out between the joints.
- Continue Around the Perimeter: Repeat steps 5 and 6 until the entire perimeter is edged with bricks.
- Point the Joints: Once the mortar has partially set (usually after a few hours), use a jointing tool to create a smooth, professional finish on the mortar joints. Remove any remaining excess mortar.
- Clean the Bricks: Use a damp sponge to clean any mortar residue from the surface of the bricks.
- Cure the Mortar: Keep the mortared brick edging damp for at least 48 hours to allow the mortar to cure properly. Cover the edging with plastic sheeting if necessary to prevent it from drying out too quickly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a successful project:
- Inadequate Trench Depth: A shallow trench can lead to unstable edging.
- Poorly Mixed Mortar: Improperly mixed mortar can result in weak joints.
- Uneven Base: An uneven base will cause the bricks to be misaligned.
- Neglecting Jointing: Failing to properly point the joints can leave them vulnerable to water damage.
- Premature Drying: Allowing the mortar to dry out too quickly can weaken its bond.
Maintaining Your Brick Edging
Proper maintenance will extend the life of your mortared brick edging:
- Regular Cleaning: Periodically clean the bricks with a brush and water to remove dirt and debris.
- Weed Control: Remove any weeds that grow near the edging to prevent them from damaging the mortar joints.
- Repairing Cracks: Repair any cracks in the mortar joints promptly to prevent water from entering and causing further damage. You can use pre-mixed patching mortar for small repairs.
- Sealing (Optional): Applying a concrete sealer can help protect the mortar from stains and water damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of mortar should I use for brick edging?
Type S mortar is generally recommended for its high strength and excellent weather resistance. It provides a durable bond and can withstand the elements, ensuring a long-lasting edging. However, always consult local building codes and recommendations.
Can I use dry-stacking instead of mortaring the bricks?
Yes, dry-stacking is an option. However, mortaring provides significantly greater stability and weed control. Dry-stacked bricks are more prone to shifting and weed growth, whereas mortared bricks create a solid, long-lasting border.
How deep should the trench be for the brick edging?
The trench should be deep enough to accommodate a 4-6 inch concrete base plus the height of the bricks. Adequate depth is crucial for stability and preventing the bricks from shifting.
Do I need to use a concrete base, or can I use gravel?
A concrete base provides the most stable and durable foundation for mortared brick edging. However, compacted gravel can be used as an alternative, especially in well-draining soils. Ensure the gravel is thoroughly compacted before laying the bricks.
What is the ideal joint width between the bricks?
A joint width of 1/4 to 3/8 inch is generally recommended. This allows for sufficient mortar to create a strong bond while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
How long should I wait before pointing the joints?
Wait until the mortar has partially set, usually a few hours after laying the bricks. The mortar should be firm enough to hold its shape but still pliable enough to work with.
How do I prevent the mortar from drying out too quickly?
Keep the mortared brick edging damp for at least 48 hours after installation. Cover it with plastic sheeting or spray it with water periodically to prevent premature drying.
What do I do if the mortar cracks after it dries?
Small cracks can be repaired with pre-mixed patching mortar. For larger cracks, it may be necessary to remove and replace the affected mortar. Ensure the underlying cause of the cracking is addressed (e.g., excessive movement, poor mortar mix).
Can I lay brick edging in cold weather?
Laying brick edging in freezing temperatures is not recommended. Mortar requires temperatures above freezing to cure properly. If you must lay brick edging in cold weather, use a cold-weather mortar mix and protect the area from freezing.
How do I clean mortar residue from the bricks?
Use a damp sponge or cloth to gently wipe away mortar residue before it hardens completely. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, which can damage the bricks.
Can I seal the brick edging to protect it from stains and water damage?
Yes, applying a concrete sealer can help protect the mortar from stains, water damage, and efflorescence (white salt deposits). Choose a high-quality sealer specifically designed for concrete and brick.
How often should I maintain my mortared brick edging?
Regular maintenance, including cleaning, weed control, and crack repair, should be performed at least once a year. This will help extend the life of your edging and keep it looking its best.