Brick is one of the world’s oldest and most popular building materials. If you want to bring a relaxed sophistication to your outdoor space, here is how you can go about achieving a traditional look with the use of brick paving in Naperville, IL.
Why Brick?
Brick is versatile, durable, romantic, practical, and beautiful, and it works with virtually any design aesthetic.
Achieving a Traditional Appearance
Traditional doesn’t necessarily mean formal! Simply by using brick, you add a historic and timeless look to your outdoor space. To achieve a historically accurate or traditional appearance, stick to traditional colors and laying patterns, although using modern brick sizes and non-traditional colors can still bring a traditional vibe to a modern home.
Shapes and Sizes
Today, you can find brick in a variety of sizes and shapes. Traditional brick shapes (typically about 4” x 8”) may be your top choice for a traditional outdoor space. However, modern sizes can include slender profiles (2-½” x 9”), which are perfect for curved spaces, or slightly oversized bricks (4” x 10”), which are perfect for driveways.
Size is an important design consideration. Smaller and narrower bricks help you negotiate curves and create more intricate designs. However, since smaller bricks bring added texture to a space, you may want to use larger bricks to minimize visual clutter. You can closely match your jointing compound to the bricks. If you want more texture, use smaller bricks and a contrasting jointing compound.
Colors
Traditional brick colors actually cover a larger spectrum than you might think. Bricks can be found in various shades of clay (reds and oranges) as well as lighter tans, grays, browns, blues, or charcoal. Avoid trying to match your home’s siding perfectly to avoid the feeling of too much brick. Instead, complement your home’s color and aim for a beautiful transition from indoor living spaces to the landscape. A “brick red” home can achieve a sophisticated edge with a darker chocolate, steel blue, or dark gray brick patio, walkway, and driveway.
Borders help prevent bricks from shifting, and this is an opportunity to add interest. Add drama by adding contrasting borders in other traditional paver shapes, such as cobblestones. Or, since brick doesn’t need embellishment, keep things simple by creating a subtle border by altering the laying pattern of the border bricks, placing them at a 90- or 45-degree angle to the field bricks.
Related: CHOOSING YOUR BRICK PATIO COLOR PALETTE TO COMPLIMENT YOUR BURR RIDGE, IL, HOME
Laying Patterns
The most common ways to lay brick are in a herringbone or running bond pattern. A basketweave pattern offers a more substantial feel. Any linear pattern, such as herringbone or running bond, must be laid out carefully to avoid wavy lines, unless you like a more “handmade” look.
You can also choose how to orient the brick in the direction of travel. You can either travel in the direction of the bricks (along their length or following the “arrows”) or across the bricks (as if you were stepping over them). The laying pattern you choose will completely change the look of your outdoor space!
For the most visual interest and to avoid a “too much brick” look, see if your home’s siding uses a running bond. If so, choose a different laying pattern for outdoor living spaces, such as herringbone, basketweave, or a circular pattern.
If you’re ready for a more traditional look on your patio, walkway or driveway, give GoldLeaf a call! We’re the brick experts!
Related: BRICK PAVING LAYING PATTERNS FOR YOUR SUGAR GROVE, IL DRIVEWAY
Image Source: Unilock
