When deciding on the color of your patio tiles, aim for harmony with other exterior features. For example, if your home has a rust-red brick exterior, choose pale red, pale pink, or burgundy tiles for the patio to achieve a monochromatic yet overwhelming color palette.
If you prefer multi-colored exteriors, choose light or dark neutrals, including grey, tan, tan, sand or dark brown, to add more contrast between the patio and the house. Or introduce more color to the patio by alternating bricks of complementary tones. For example, you can alternate red and pink bricks in a straight yard or use dark brown solid bricks and beige rubble in a spiral pattern.
Some General Tips for Laying Reclaimed Bricks
The most time consuming job is transporting bricks. We have several stacks of bricks hidden behind various bushes at the end of the garden - and since not all bricks are suitable (some bricks are grouted on top or chipped in odd places) I had to Grab each stack of bricks to find the bricks you want, load them in a wheelbarrow, roll out onto the porch and unload.
Each brick weighs about 3 kg and I used about 700 pieces, which is more than two tons of bricks that were shipped just for paving, not to mention the ones I picked up, evaluated, and threw away. If you try this project, you can split the work into two - phase one to identify and stack the bricks next to your work area and stage two to actually lay them.
I did it all in one day, it was doable but very tiring. Oh, and of course, wear gardening gloves - gardening gloves won't cut. I actually got a hole in my rigger glove after about 8 hours and had to upgrade to a new pair.
Some of My Bricks Are Broken
If you only have a few crumbling or broken bricks, you can easily replace them to keep your current yard working for a while. If the good bricks are old, it may be better to look for reclaimed bricks to maintain a more even rust.
Recycled brick patios are not only a great way to give you a classic look, but also an eco-friendly way to spruce up your yard. If you only have a small piece of broken brick due to damage, there are some great options you can consider. One thing you can do is plant a garden in the space where you removed the broken bricks.
You can plant directly in the ground or make a raised bed to cover the hole. It will create visual interest, bring color to your antique brick yard, and even provide a spot to put your drinks down when it's your turn to toss the beanbag.
Cottage Garden with Brick Paving
A variety of flowering plants spill out from the borders and containers of this charming cottage garden. Gray bricks are laid in a braided pattern.
Key features of a miniature garden include:
A cottage-like structure is the focal point.
An informal mixture of perennials, annuals, vines and shrubs. Favorites include old fashioned rose, tall hollyhock, cleome, cosmos, agapanthus, and water lily.
The plants are stacked close together, at different levels, and often defy the usual horticultural rules of height and spacing. Paths (usually brick or stone) connect spaces, beds and borders.
Incorporate garden structures, such as arches, pergolas, and gazebos.