Page 307 - Masonry and Concrete

Paving

306 CHAPTER EIGHT

If a brick walk or patio includes a sharp
5 5 /8" – 6" change in grade, it may require the con-
RISER struction of a set of steps for access. For
1 1 /2"
maximum stability, the steps should be
1 1 /2"
1 1 /2" installed on a mortar setting bed over a
concrete base, even if the walk or patio
itself is laid as mortarless paving on a sand
5 1 /4"– 5 1 /2"
RISER bed.
The size of brick pavers you use will
2 1 /4"
2 1 /4" have some effect on the height of risers cre-
ated when the bricks are stacked up. Figure
8-29 shows four different ways of creating
PAVERS LAID FLAT
risers using different paver thicknesses,
5 7 /8"– 6 1 /8" either laying the brick flat or setting it on
RISER
edge, and by varying the mortar joint thick-
1
3
3 5 /8" ness from 8 in to 2 in. This will give you
1 1 /2" some flexibility in achieving the exact riser
height you need so that they add up to the
correct overall height. The exposed length
of the pavers as shown produces a tread
6 5 /8"– 6 7 /8" width of 12 in. Steps should be at least as
RISER
wide as the sidewalk leading up to them. A
3 5 /8"
width that is a multiple of 8 in. will accom-
2 1 /4"
1
modate the use of 2- 4-in. pavers that are
either laid on edge or laid flat (Figure 8-30).
A 4-in.-thick stepped concrete base rein-
PAVERS LAID ON EDGE
forced with welded wire fabric or reinforc-
FIGURE 8-29
ing bars should be used to support the
ariations for brick steps. brick pavers (Figure 8-31). Form and pour
the reinforced concrete base as described
elsewhere in this chapter for concrete steps. Finish the concrete surface
with a slightly rough texture so that it will form a good bond with the
mortar setting bed. Allow the concrete to cure for several days before
laying the mortar bed. Either slope the surface of the treads on the con-
crete base for drainage, or pour the concrete flat and slope the brick
treads by varying the mortar bed thickness.
Mortarless brick paving can be laid either on a sand bed over a com-
pacted gravel or soil base (Figure 8-32). The sand acts as a cushion and

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