Question
Sean,
I am planning to build a gravel pathway in our back yard and need help in planning the base.  I would like to line the path with bricks (I've already got a whole lot of these).  We live in Eastern Oregon and our winters cause lots of frost heaves in just about any kind of pathway.  So, what can I do (as far as the base of where I set the bricks) to keep them from moving about each winter?  The path is on level ground (currently lawn) and will be about 60 feet long (connecting the woodpile to the house).  Do I need to set the bricks in mortar or just pack down some decomposed granite or other base rock underneath them?  Any info you can provide would be helpful.  

Thanks


Answer
1. Excavate 6" of soil.
2. Set out 4" of crushed granite.
3. Compact the granite using a vibratory plate compactor or equal.
4. Stake metal edge restraints along each side of the path being sure that they are equally spaced and parallel.
5. Place your bricks along the metal edge restraint. You should add granite as needed to raise the bricks so that they are 1" higher than the top of the metal edger.
6. Between the two rows of bricks place your gravel.
7. Sweep and your done.
Best of Luck
Sean J Murphy, LA,ISA, LEED AP
Please check out my blogs and articles on landscape topics like this on my websites.
http://www.seanjmurphy.com
http://amenityarchitects.com