How do Iandscapers get perfectly spaced curved paths using bricks?

Question

I want a curving gravel path lined on each side by bricks that are spaced exactly 42" apart. I've tried laying out a garden hose to similate where the bricks should go, but every time I move one part of it, I end up having to fix another part - over and over again. Surely there's an easier (more professional) way to keep a fixed width between two lines of bricks, or some kind of "trick" to it?

Answer 1

Try drawing your curved edge line with that downward spraying marking paint.  Use a length of string for your radius.  Tie one end of the string to a screwdriver and stick that in the ground.  Hold the spray can at the other end of the string and walk with it while spraying the line.  Just like your old-fashioned compass from geometry class.  Reverse curves by moving the screwdriver or changing the radius.

Do you mean you are installing bricks end to end next to each other and want to keep 42" as a constant width for your gravel path?

How about cutting a length of pipe, a bamboo stick, or tomato stake or something straight to 42".   Draw your line, install one side of the path, then use the stick(s) to measure perpendicularly to the other side.  If it is not Perfectly Spaced the human eye probably will not notice when it is complete.  It might be easier with more than one stick.  It's definitely easier if the stick is rigid and lightweight.

Answer 2

You can use concrete edgers - I just recently installed a curved path myself and there are edgers created with a circle at one end and the other end is curved to fit in the circle at any curve you want or a straight line as well.  They look great and I didn't have to cut any except the first and last edger to fit.  I think with bricks you would have to cut each brick to fit a curve which sounds time consuming but I'm sure can be done  As far as keeping the distance correct, make the design with the hose on one side and lay in your edgers, then cut a board 42" for the space in between and lay the other side one by one using your board as the spacer.

Answer 3

If your path is eveny spaced at 42" all the way then this should be easy. Cut a 2x2 or 2x4 to 42" making a guide. Lay down your weed barrier and using your 42"guide place your bricks on either end. You can cut a few guides to make this job faster or just use one and keep moving it forward along the path. If the total distance apart from the outside to outside of the bricks is 42" then subtract the width of the bricks to cut your guide. This will give you a total width of 42" after laying the bricks.

Answer 4

I really don't know, but i found this do it youself site with instructions.

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/lw_structu...