Brick & Stone
Patio Installation
How a brick or natural stone patio is built, the material and setting options, what it costs, and how to keep it level for the long haul.
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A brick or natural stone patio turns a backyard into real living space with a look that manufactured materials can't fully match. Brick brings a warm, classic feel and stone brings a premium, one-of-a-kind surface, and both last for decades when they're set on a proper base.
This is masonry work, so the base, the edging, and the setting method matter just as much as the material on top. This page covers how brick and stone patios are installed, the options, what affects the price, and the questions homeowners ask us most.
Brick & Stone vs. Other Patios
This page is about brick and natural stone patios. If you're looking at poured concrete, see our concrete patio page, and if you're weighing manufactured concrete pavers, see paver patios. Brick and stone are the higher-end, more traditional masonry options, prized for their look and longevity.
Material Options
Clay Brick
Warm, classic color that holds up over time, laid in patterns like running bond, herringbone, or basketweave.
Flagstone
Broad flat natural stone in irregular or cut shapes, a popular premium patio surface.
Bluestone
A durable, refined stone with a clean look, in irregular or cut sizes.
Fieldstone & Irregular Stone
A more rustic, natural pattern.
Setting Methods
Dry-Laid (Sand-Set)
Brick or stone set over a compacted stone base and bedding layer, with joints filled with sand or ground cover. Flexible with freeze-thaw and repairable.
Mortar-Set
Brick or stone set in mortar over a concrete base for a rigid, permanent patio with pointed joints. A tighter, cleaner look that needs a solid base.
We recommend the method based on your site, drainage, and the look you want.
Patio Gallery
A look at a few of the brick and stone patios we've built.
Our Process
Design and Estimate
We go over size, shape, material, pattern, and setting method, and check how the patio should slope to drain away from the house.
Excavation and Grading
We clear and grade the area for proper drainage.
Base Preparation
We install and compact a crushed stone base, the step that keeps the patio from settling and heaving.
Edging
We set edge restraints so the patio holds its shape and doesn't spread.
Setting the Surface
We lay the brick or stone dry-set on a bedding layer, or in a mortar bed over concrete, fitting the pieces and keeping it level.
Joints and Finish
We fill or point the joints, then compact and clean the surface.
What Affects the Cost
Brick and stone patio pricing depends on a handful of things.
Material
Natural stone usually costs more than brick.
Size, Shape & Pattern
Curves and custom layouts add labor.
Setting Method
Dry-laid versus mortar-set, plus base and drainage work.
Access
How easy the yard is to access.
A simple square brick patio costs less than a large irregular flagstone patio with borders. We give a free written estimate after seeing the space.
Maintenance and Lifespan
Brick and natural stone last for decades. Dry-laid patios may need joint material topped up and the occasional unit reset if the ground shifts, which is easy to do. Mortar-set patios need the joints kept sound. Sealing is optional and helps with stains and color. The main cause of early trouble is a weak base or missing edging, both of which we handle in the build.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a brick or stone patio cost?
Brick, stone, concrete, or pavers, which patio is best?
Dry-laid or mortar-set?
Will a brick or stone patio heave in winter?
Do the joints grow weeds?
Can a damaged brick or stone patio be repaired?
Related Services
Looking at a different material or approach? Take a look at these related pages.
Ready To Get Started
Planning A Brick or Stone Patio?
Call us at (908) 263-8265 or request a free estimate. We'll look at the space, go over material and pattern options, and give you a straight written price.