Terrace made of demolition bricks - how to do it?

Do you have demolition bricks that are in good shape and can be used in another project? Don't throw them out! Instead, utilize the reclaimed bricks to your advantage and create a comfortable and stylish sitting area in your garden. It’s going to be a low-cost and eco-friendly assignment that will have real value. How to do a terrace made of demolition bricks? Let’s find out what is most important during this project.

First, make sure the demolition bricks you want to use are in good shape – you don’t want to begin construction only to discover that your primary building material is unusable. Set aside any pieces that are crumbly or broken and take stock of what you have. If you have enough material, you can focus on the next steps. Usually, terraces are positioned flush with the ground as it’s the easiest method of their construction. Of course, with the proper structure, you can place them higher and even create stairs. 

It’s worth knowing that a terrace made of demolition brick can be laid dry or in mortar or concrete, but the key thing here will be achieving fully level and flat construction. While preparing the foundation or the bed of the terrace, check the level every few inches, so you can be sure it's the same in every place. It may seem like overkill, but you’ll avoid sitting in a tipping chair. 

To start, lay out the outline of your terrace, for example, using strings between pegs, and drive them into the ground. Then remove the sod and soil from the area with a garden spade, and leave the space needed for a bed of sand. The depth will be different depending on the size of the bricks and whether you want the terrace to be level with the surrounding ground. If you want to improve the drainage, dig deeper to fit a layer of fine gravel under the sand first. Properly tamper soil and gravel so the base is solid. Add sand, roll it with a heavy lawn roller, wet it and roll again when it starts to dry. Add brick edges to prevent the rest from moving. It’s best to place them slightly deeper than the others.

Once you start to get closer to the completion of your terrace made of demolition brick, you’ll need to think about its final look. There are plenty of patterns to choose from, and among the most popular ones, you will find basketweave, herringbone, stack bond, or common bond. You may mix and match them as well but try to test the design before you start laying it down. Of course, make sure to keep the edging the same as the floor pattern. You can place the bricks tightly or leave a small space between them that can be filled with sand.

Read also: How much do bricks for brick cladding cost?