Brick patios have been in the scene and have accented our homes for centuries. These sturdy and elegant structures have made their way (and paved our way) in our staircases, garages, sidewalks and landscape gardening. There is nothing more relaxing than to sit back and unwind in one's terrace showcasing stylish brick walls, ingenious pattern of brick walkways and abundant foliage reflecting the season.

Though one may assume that building a brick patio is an arduous task to submit oneself to---the heat of the sun, the dirt from the excavation, the duty to select the right brick, what tools are needed and how to go about assembling custom brick work. Sounds like hard work. Not so. Here are the basics:

Measure and Decide on the Décor/Pattern: Before doing the actual digging, one must first assess the area where the brick patio will be constructed. Establish the perimeter by using wooden forms. A simple rectangular project would be a good start. I suggest that you first try your hand using a rectangular design before creating curve designs.

Dig: Excavate the area to a depth of 8inches. Make sure that the brick patio must be kept drained and dry to preclude the growth of algae. Enough slope is needed (1/4" per running foot) to allow proper drainage.

Bricklaying (test run): this is done to ensure that the bricks would fit snuggly together.

Use gravel and concrete base: the gravel will be placed underneath the concrete. Compress said material. Then pour the concrete base. Leave to harden.

Binding agent: Mix one part of it to one part of pure Portland cement. This mixture will provide the brick patio with the needed strength and protection from the mother nature's abuse. Pour the mixture atop of the base, at the same time installing the edging bricks. Remember not fill the entire area with the cement mixture. Half an inch from the bottom of the edging bricks would do.

Bricklaying (with the binding agent): some people would start from the edge. This works well with a rectangular design. For a curved pattern, I suggest that arranging be started at the center.

Cracks between the patio bricks: this could be filled utilizing a mixture of sand and cement. Make use of mortar grout bags (just like pastry bags---only bigger and is meant for cements) to fill the gaps. When dry, clean the brick patio by scrapping the solidified mixture. This procedure can also be done for masonry restoration.

Bear in mind that different mixtures possess various hardening period. The thickness of the bricks also varies. For additional help, there is always the neighborhood masonry company willing to offer their business to the public.

This process could be done as an activity for the whole family. The kids, wearing proper attire of course, could help excavate, or set the shape of the patio, or even lay their bricks following whatever pattern they please.

Bonding with the family, messing about with the dogs, flipping juicy steaks, or just admiring that beauty that is provided by nature---these are a few of the activities that may be spent in the newly built/developed/renovated brick patio.