We know bricks are strong building blocks, yet some brick patterns are so mesmerizing that we may see them as purely decorative. In fact, brick bonds are both.
Many of Europe's grand plazas have brickwork that is functional as well as artistic. On your property, a destination-focused brick plaza can either emphasize an entire patio dining area or it can simply be an added design, perhaps to highlight a wrought iron chair.
Here are examples of easy-to-create brick garden path, patio and plaza bonds:
Herringbone bond
This pattern features whole bricks placed at 90 degree angles to each other in zigzag form. Bricks along the path's edge are the only ones you will need to cut. A zigzag of darker bricks can underscore a destination, such as a bench.
Design of a Herringbone bond seen at the Philadelphia Independence Visitor Center using common bricks just like Chief Bricks' red bricks and flat bricks.
Circular bond
Mandala-like patterns are very effective at the middle of a patio or path, where you might put a plant or even a small fountain. Starting at the center, place your bricks out toward the circumference.
Design of a patio using half bricks, red bricks and orange bricks.
Basketweave Bond
Design of an outdoor patio using red bricks, orange bricks and flat bricks.
Running Bond
Running bricks are staggered, so their ends fall exactly in the center of the bricks to either side of them. But don't let the straightforward nature of this bond fool you. It can also be easily manipulated to create a subtle curve in your path.
Picture of outdoor patio designed in a classic running bond with reclaimed bricks.
Diagonal Bond
This is another directional design. It's most often seen in a 45-degree slant but, depending upon your landscape, any non-90-degree angle choice can also be very effective.
Picture of a patio designed in running bond with diagonal lines using reclaimed bricks.
Spanish Bond
Four bricks placed at right angles to each other form a square pinwheel, creating a space in the middle where a half-brick is placed. Cutting that half-brick may take a few extra moments but the result is elegant.
Design of a Spanish or pinwheel patio with reclaimed red bricks.
"Herringbone bond was ideal for this patio in Brooklyn because it enhances the client's view both from inside the home and outside it. The yard is only _ feet by _ feet but it's delightfully open to the sky with surrounding architecture of a singular scale and shape. We offset the periphery by bringing the eye toward the landscape's corners with diagonally laid 200- year-old orange bricks. Alkis at Chief Bricks made sure every piece brought its own beauty to my client's cherished outdoor space."
Picture of a Herringbone bond patio designed and laid out by Dragonetti Brothers using Chief Bricks' reclaimed NYC orange bricks.