Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - bricks in sand patio question:

Have some questions about doing the edging on a brick layed in sand patio. Just plan on using bricks for the edge.

1. Are the bricks set the "long way" up?
2. Are they also set in the sand and gravel base, or in the dirt next to it?
3. If the border is irregular, can the patio bricks simply be laid up to where the border will be, and then the edging bricks set, or do the edging bricks have to be in place first?
4. I wanted to have a curved border? Can this be done using bricks for edging, or does it have to be something more flexible.

Thanks!

Bricks for the edge will work as long as they are mortared in to hold them in place. Another option would be a concrete curb. Yet another optiopn would be to use any 5/4 X 6 COMPOSITE deck board. Stake in in on edge, using something for the stakes that won't rot or rust. A composite railing baluster would work just fine.

A better option would be to use an edge system that you would use for pavers. Pave-Tech is one. This way the whole patio will be flexible. Don't use gravel under the sand, shoulder stone is better it compacts so the sand won't wash into it.
Frank

I've decided to use a paver edge system, it will be easier!

I'd like to build an 8' x 10' pergola on the patio, basically to shelter the picnic table. I have a basic design that shouldn't be too difficult to build. I'm going to use a 4" x 6" treated post for each corner post.

I'm trying to come up with the "best" way (easiest but also safe & sturdy :) ) to put up the posts. Frost line here in central Ohio is 30". Also, I would like the bricks in the patio to come as close as possible to the bottom of the posts, I'm having some trouble visualizing how this can be done I (I may not be describing this last part too well!)

Are you asking how you lay out the purgola so you don'y have to make any brick cuts and that the bricks will just come right up to the edge of the posts?

If this is what you are asking, it is going to be near impossible to lay out the patio and purgola to get this to work out. Not saying it can't be done, but will take a lot of time and effort.

Its pretty easy to cut pavers/bricks and I doubt a cut brick/paver would be that much of an eyesore that anybody would notice.

If this isn't what you were asking, then you will need to be more explicit in describing what you want.

Thanks for the reply, of course, I'll just rent a saw and cut the bricks to fit around the pergola posts. I'll need the saw anyway for other places.

About actually putting up the posts: what is the easiest, but also safe and secure, way to go? Can I simply dig a 32" deep hole with some post hole diggers, put the post in, level it, and fill it with concrete?

Post hole diggers are fine for such a small number of holes.

Make sure you make the bottom of each hole as flat and level as possible and then put a solid block at the bottom of the hole for the post to rest on. A solid cinderblock works well. Just make sure the block is about 2" bigger on each side than the post, so if you are using 6"x6" posts, then the block would be 8"x8".

After you get the post in the hole, plumb and brace the post and then put about one foot of pea gravel around the post. The gravel promotes drainage around the post and limits any movement of the post due to freezing and thawing. This should keep the post firm enough in the hole to continue building the purgola. As you build the purgola, the post can be adjusted slightly to compensate for minor adjustments in the purgola structure.

Once you have the purgola done, set the posts in concrete up to ground level.

If you concrete the posts in before building the purgola, there is a chance you could crack the concrete if you are moving around on the unfinished purgola too much and you won't be able to make any minor adjustments to the posts as you build the purgola.