So, today I want to talk about something I’ve been messing around with lately – ceramic hollow bricks. It all started when I was thinking about redoing my backyard patio. I wanted something sturdy, but also something that wouldn’t make my yard look like a concrete jungle. That’s when I stumbled upon these ceramic hollow bricks.
First things first, I had to get my hands on some of these bricks. I went down to the local hardware store – you know, the one with the guy who always remembers your name? Yeah, that one. I found a decent selection there, but I also checked out a few other places, just to see what was out there. Ended up finding a good deal on a batch that was slightly chipped – score! Saved a few bucks there.
Once I got the bricks home, I started by clearing out the area where I wanted to put the patio. This was probably the most boring part, to be honest. Pulling out weeds, leveling the ground – you get the picture. But it had to be done.
Next, I laid down a layer of sand. This helps with drainage and also makes it easier to level the bricks. I used a long, straight piece of wood to spread the sand evenly. Felt like I was making a giant sandbox, haha.
Then came the fun part – laying the bricks! I started from one corner and worked my way across, tapping each brick into place with a rubber mallet. It was kind of therapeutic, in a way. Like solving a giant, earthy puzzle.
- Clear the area for the patio
- Lay down a layer of sand for drainage
- Start laying the bricks from one corner
- Tap each brick into place with a rubber mallet
I made sure to leave a small gap between each brick. This is important for a couple of reasons. First, it allows for expansion and contraction with temperature changes. Second, it lets water drain through, which is especially important in a place like mine where we get a lot of rain. I used some plastic spacers to keep the gaps consistent.
Once all the bricks were laid, I swept some more sand over the top to fill in the gaps. This helps to lock the bricks in place and makes the whole thing more stable. I also watered the whole area down to help settle the sand.
The End Result
And that was it! Took me a couple of weekends, but I finally had my new patio. It looks great, if I do say so myself. The ceramic bricks give it a nice, natural look, and they’re way more interesting than just plain old concrete. Plus, I know it’s going to last a long time.
I’ve already had a few barbecues out there, and everyone’s been impressed. It’s become the go-to spot for hanging out. All in all, I’m really happy with how it turned out. It was a bit of work, but totally worth it. And hey, I learned a new skill along the way. Who knew I was a bricklaying pro?
So, if you’re thinking about a DIY project for your yard, I definitely recommend giving ceramic hollow bricks a try. They’re a great option if you want something durable, attractive, and a little bit different.
