There’s a quiet satisfaction that comes with giving old bricks a second life. A repurposed brick patio reads like a story—each brick carries history, texture, and a warmth that new materials struggle to match. For homeowners around St. Louis, converting reclaimed brick into a patio and adjoining garden offers a sustainable, affordable, and character-rich way to expand outdoor living. This guide walks you through the essentials: planning, practical construction details, planting, maintenance, and how to work with a local Patio Contractor In Affton MO to get the best results.

Why choose repurposed brick?

Repurposed brick brings several clear advantages:

• Character and curb appeal: Weathered bricks have patina and color variation that create an instantly welcoming atmosphere.

• Sustainable and affordable materials: Salvaging bricks reduces waste and can lower material costs compared with new stone or concrete.

• Durability: When installed on the right base with proper drainage, brick patios can last for decades.

• Flexibility: Bricks can be laid in many patterns and combined with planting beds, pathways, or retaining walls to create an integrated garden design.

These benefits make repurposed brick a top-rated choice for homeowners who want a reliable, results-driven outdoor space that blends history with function.

Start with a solid plan

Great outcomes begin on paper. Before you move one brick, do a site assessment:

• Note slope and drainage. Aim for a gentle pitch away from buildings — about 1–2% (roughly 1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot) — so water runs off the patio rather than pooling.

• Map sun and shade: this helps decide where to place seating, where plants will thrive, and what materials are best for exposed areas.

• Decide scale and function. Are you building an intimate seating area, an outdoor dining space, or a multi-level entertainment zone with integrated planters?

• Check local codes and utility lines. A trusted Patio Contractor In Affton MO will pull permits if needed and avoid surprises during excavation.

If you’re working with professionals who specialize in landscaping in st louis mo, their local, well-experienced crews will already know typical soil types, municipal rules, and the best drainage strategies for the region’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Preparing and selecting bricks

Not every salvaged brick is suitable for a patio. Here’s how to choose and prep them:

• Inspect each brick. Look for severe spalling (surface flaking), deep cracks, or crumbling edges—these pieces won’t hold up underfoot and should be recycled elsewhere.

• Clean gently. Pressure washing with low pressure, scrubbing with a stiff brush, or using biodegradable cleaning agents will remove mortar and grime. If bricks are heavily mortared, professionals can use mechanical methods to remove old mortar safely.

• Sort by color and size. Grouping similar tones will make laying patterns easier and produce a cohesive look. Mixing a few contrasting bricks can add visual interest when intentional.

A reliable contractor can source reclaimed brick from demolition yards, historic renovations, or local salvage yards—often at lower cost than new pavers, while giving your patio a proven, time-honored look.

Building the base and ensuring drainage

A long-lasting brick patio depends on a proper foundation:

1. Excavate to a depth that allows for the base materials and brick thickness—typically 6–10 inches below finished grade.

2. Lay a geotextile fabric if the soil is soft to stabilize the base and prevent mixing.

3. Install a compacted crushed stone base (often 4–6 inches) to provide drainage and structure. Compact in layers for high-performance stability.

4. Add a bedding layer of coarse sand or crusher fines where the bricks will be set. This layer should be screeded level and compacted.

5. Edge restraints—stone, metal, or timber—keep the brickwork from spreading over time.

6. Set bricks in your preferred pattern and compact them into the bedding layer. Finish joints with washed sand for permeability or polymeric sand for reduced weed growth (polymeric sand reduces permeability, so choose based on your drainage needs).

These steps create a scalable, durable foundation that handles water and seasonal movement. A well-experienced patio contractor will check slopes carefully and advise on joint material based on how you want the patio to perform long-term.

Pattern, layout, and accents

Brick patios aren’t just flat surfaces — they can be the design’s centerpiece. Popular patterns include herringbone (excellent interlock and load distribution), basketweave (classic look), and running bond (clean, modern lines). Consider:

• A contrasting border to frame the space.

• A circular or radial pattern under a fire pit or table to create a focal point.

• Integrated steps or a low seating wall built from the same reclaimed brick for continuity.

• Combining brick paving with gravel paths or paver bands for texture variation.

These design choices are user-friendly and let your patio blend seamlessly with planted areas, making the whole yard feel intentional.

Designing the garden around the brick

A repurposed brick patio takes on personality when paired with the right planting plan. For St. Louis-area landscapes, favor hardy, low-maintenance species and native plants that support pollinators and stand up to regional weather patterns. Garden ideas:

• Pollinator strip: coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, bee balm, and native asters attract bees and butterflies.

• Structural shrubs: small shrubs and ornamental grasses help frame the patio and provide year-round interest.

• Seasonal color: bulbs and perennials can add bursts of color without heavy upkeep.

• Shade and function: place shade trees where you want cooling during hot summers—strategic tree placement reduces home cooling loads and creates comfortable outdoor rooms.

Edging beds with reclaimed brick creates continuity between hardscape and softscape, and planting in raised beds or built planters made from the same brick ties the look together.

Maintenance and longevity

Repurposed brick patios are relatively low maintenance, but periodic care will extend lifespan:

• Sweep and rinse regularly to keep joints clean.

• Re-sand or re-point joints as needed—usually every few years depending on exposure and foot traffic.

• Replace any cracked or deeply spalled bricks. Because you used reclaimed material, keep a small stash for future repairs.

• If you choose to seal, use a breathable sealer that allows moisture escape; sealing changes appearance and can reduce slip resistance when wet, so weigh pros and cons.

A reliable landscaping crew offering results-driven service can set up a seasonal maintenance plan to keep your patio performing and looking its best.

Case Study — Affton Bungalow: From Broken Driveway to Repurposed Patio & Pollinator Garden

A mid-century bungalow in Affton had a cracked concrete driveway running along its side and a neglected strip of yard that collected water. The homeowners wanted an outdoor dining area, better drainage, and a garden that attracted butterflies.

The local Patio Contractor In Affton MO proposed reclaiming bricks from an old barn demolition, building a compacted crushed-stone base, and installing a herringbone-pattern patio with a subtle radial accent around the dining table. They added a new swale to direct runoff to a planted rain garden filled with native perennials and grasses.

Results: The project converted an underused strip into a welcoming, top-rated outdoor room. The reclaimed brick kept material costs reasonable, the rain garden reduced runoff and maintenance, and the homeowners now host outdoor dinners through much of the season. The design prioritized affordability, sustainability, and a user-friendly layout—proof that thoughtful repurposing can deliver high-performance outcomes.

Working with local pros

If your project is in or near St. Louis, look for landscaping in st louis mo firms and patio contractors who have local experience. A trusted, well-experienced patio contractor will:

• Understand local soils and climate stresses.

• Source quality reclaimed materials or advise when new brick makes more sense.

• Provide clear, proven installation methods and realistic timelines.

• Offer a maintenance plan and warranties for workmanship.

Ask for photos of past repurposed brick projects, references, and a breakdown of labor versus material costs. The best contractors are transparent, results-driven, and able to adapt classic techniques to innovative design ideas.

Final thoughts

A repurposed brick patio and garden is more than a surface—it’s a statement of sustainability and style. With thoughtful planning, correct base work, and smart plant choices, reclaimed brick can form the heart of a durable, beautiful outdoor space that suits everyday living. When paired with a reliable, local Patio Contractor In Affton MO and a clear vision for the garden, your yard can become an inviting, low-maintenance refuge that celebrates both history and innovation.