The 8 Most Popular Brick Patterns for Walkways and Patios
- Milan Mrmos
- Apr 4
- 8 min read
Choosing the right brick pattern can completely change the look and feel of a walkway or patio. Some patterns create a clean, modern path. Others echo historic charm or add a sense of movement through intricate layouts. The pattern you pick does more than organize bricks. It helps define the space, guides the eye, and reinforces the style of your home or landscape.
Many homeowners and designers look for patterns that not only perform well but also work with high-quality materials. Some layouts suit longer bricks. Others need smaller cuts for tight curves or detailed finishes. Knowing which pattern pairs best with which type of brick makes the design process easier and more rewarding.
This guide walks through the most popular brick patterns used in walkways and patios.
Running Bond Pattern
Running bond remains the most widely used brick pattern for patios and walkways. Known for its clean layout and efficient use of materials, this pattern features rows of bricks where each joint is offset by half the width of the brick above and below it.
The result is a staggered design that blends strength, balance, and simplicity.
Why Running Bond Works for Walkways and Patios
Running bond creates a smooth, uninterrupted visual flow. This pattern works especially well in narrow spaces or long paths where the eye naturally follows the lines.
It also offers a practical advantage.
The staggered joints help distribute weight and resist shifting, which increases the durability of outdoor surfaces exposed to foot traffic and seasonal changes.
For larger patios, running bond offers a classic, symmetrical look without overwhelming the space. In smaller garden walkways, it enhances length and direction, making narrow paths appear longer and more structured.
Design Flexibility and Layout Options
This pattern adapts to both horizontal and vertical installations. It pairs well with traditional red bricks, tumbled textures, and even lighter tones for modern settings. Borders can also be added to break the monotony or highlight edges.
You can run the bricks in line with the direction of travel or across it, depending on the layout of your space and the visual effect you want to create.
Best Brick Size for Running Bond
Longer bricks work best in running bond. The 4" x 8" format creates a natural rhythm and keeps installation time efficient.
Thinner bricks tend to make the pattern look too busy, especially over wide areas.
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Herringbone Pattern
Herringbone stands out for its distinctive zigzag layout that draws immediate attention. Each brick is placed at a right angle to the next, forming a series of interlocking “V” shapes.
The result is a strong, decorative pattern that brings movement and energy into patios and walkways.
Why Herringbone Adds Strength and Style
Herringbone is one of the most structurally sound patterns. The interlocking bricks resist shifting under pressure, which makes it an ideal choice for driveways, high-traffic walkways, and larger patios. The design absorbs impact from foot traffic and weather changes without losing alignment or integrity.
Beyond strength, herringbone adds visual interest. The pattern introduces motion and complexity, which makes even the simplest materials look intentional and upscale.
Orientation Options: 45-Degree vs. 90-Degree
Two popular angles define the herringbone layout.
45-degree herringbone points diagonally and suits square patios or formal garden paths.
90-degree herringbone runs bricks straight in rows, turning each brick at a right angle. This version suits narrow spaces like walkways or hallways between garden beds.
Both options offer the same structural benefits. The choice depends on the space layout and the look you want to achieve.
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Basket Weave Pattern
Basket weave creates a checkered layout by alternating pairs of bricks in vertical and horizontal positions.
Each section resembles the interwoven strands of a basket, giving the pattern its name. It delivers a vintage look often seen in colonial-style patios and traditional garden paths.
Why Basket Weave Suits Classic Outdoor Designs
Basket weave evokes charm and order. The repeating blocks give a symmetrical, structured appearance that fits well in older homes or spaces with classic architectural elements. It works best in square or rectangular areas where the pattern can stay aligned without adjustments.
This layout also handles moderate foot traffic well. It provides visual variation without becoming too busy, and it helps highlight the individual color tones in each brick. Designers use it to build visual contrast without sacrificing simplicity.
Layout Details and Pattern Adjustments
Each “block” in the pattern consists of two bricks laid side-by-side in one direction, followed by two bricks turned 90 degrees.
The pattern then repeats in rows. For larger patios or walkways, a border may be added using soldier courses or accent bricks to contain the layout.
Basket weave works best with bricks of equal length and width proportions, often with a 2:1 ratio.
Best Brick Size for Basket Weave
The 2-1/4" x 8" format offers the best balance for this layout. That size allows the checkerboard pattern to remain tight and defined.
Custom color mixes also enhance the pattern by adding contrast between each paired brick group.
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Stack Bond Pattern
Stack bond uses a straightforward layout where bricks are stacked directly on top of one another. Each joint lines up vertically and horizontally, creating a precise grid with clean lines.
Why Stack Bond Appeals to Modern Design
Stack bond offers symmetry. The pattern avoids any staggering or diagonal offsets, which gives it a uniform, geometric look.
It feels sleek and refined, especially when paired with smooth brick surfaces or neutral tones. It often appears in urban patios, rooftop decks, or garden walkways with a modern aesthetic.
This pattern is not as strong as others because the joints line up. For that reason, it works better in low-traffic areas or when paired with mortar additives or backing materials to support the structure.
Where to Use Stack Bond
Stack bond excels in courtyards, fire pit zones, or decorative patios. It also works well on vertical surfaces like accent walls or fire pit surrounds.
Designers often use it to draw attention to symmetry or to contrast organic landscaping elements with clean brick lines.
Lighting plays a big role in this pattern’s success. The straight joints reflect light evenly and give a subtle glow to well-placed brickwork in the early evening.
Pinwheel Pattern
Pinwheel pattern features four rectangular bricks forming a square, with a small square or half-brick placed in the center.
The design mimics the spinning motion of a pinwheel, adding a focal point and geometric rhythm to patios and walkways. It brings movement into compact spaces and highlights craftsmanship.
Why Pinwheel Adds Visual Interest
Pinwheel works best in small areas where detail matters. It creates repeating patterns that break away from linear symmetry. Each cluster draws attention and adds texture to the surface.
This layout offers a more decorative approach compared to linear patterns like running bond or stack bond.
Pinwheel also allows flexibility in color and texture. Designers often use a contrasting center brick to emphasize the shape of each pinwheel cluster. When repeated, this layout gives the entire surface a layered, artistic appearance.
Best Uses for the Pinwheel Pattern
Pinwheel is ideal for patios, courtyards, and entry paths. It shines in areas where guests stop or gather.
The detail in the layout turns the surface into a feature, not just a background. It also pairs well with garden borders, seating areas, or corners that need definition.
Chevron Pattern
Chevron pattern uses bricks cut at precise angles to form a continuous zigzag line without overlap.
Unlike herringbone, which places bricks at right angles, chevron connects each brick end-to-end in a straight V shape. The result is a seamless and flowing layout that feels both modern and refined.
Why Chevron Stands Out
Chevron brings elegance into outdoor spaces. Its uninterrupted zigzag line adds direction and depth, leading the eye through the layout. The pattern suits patios that need a defined visual flow or walkways that benefit from a sense of motion.
Precision is key. Each brick must be cut to exact angles—usually 45 degrees—to achieve the continuous line. This adds time and cost but creates a polished and upscale look once installed.
Where Chevron Works Best
Use chevron in formal garden paths, covered patios, or statement areas like outdoor dining zones.
It balances well with trimmed hedges, water features, or sculptural landscaping elements. The pattern adds texture without overpowering the surroundings.
Dutch Bond Pattern
Dutch bond alternates a full brick and a half-brick in each row, creating a traditional, offset layout often used in historic architecture.
The pattern layers visual texture through small shifts in spacing, giving the surface an old-world feel.
Why Dutch Bond Feels Timeless
Dutch bond is rooted in European design, especially in classic courtyards and garden walls. It adds movement without the sharp angles of herringbone or chevron. Each row feels natural but deliberate, combining balance with craftsmanship.
The pattern handles foot traffic well and performs with strength. Its alternating joints help distribute weight and reduce stress, which makes it reliable for outdoor floors.
Ideal Settings for Dutch Bond
Use Dutch bond in traditional brick patios, heritage walkways, or restoration projects. It pairs well with aged finishes, handmade textures, and brick veneers that echo historical buildings.
The pattern works in both square and irregular layouts. It looks especially good in shaded paths or courtyards where the texture and joint lines become more visible under indirect light.
Diagonal Basket Weave Pattern
Diagonal basket weave turns the traditional basket weave layout at a 45-degree angle. The shift in orientation transforms a simple checkered layout into a dynamic design that adds motion and visual energy.
It blends classic structure with a more creative, angled presentation.
What Makes Diagonal Basket Weave Different
The basic structure remains the same—pairs of bricks alternate directions—but the entire layout runs diagonally across the space.
Diagonal layouts naturally guide the eye toward focal points, which makes this pattern effective in entryways, garden paths, or patios that lead to a central feature.
It also helps widen small spaces by drawing attention outward.
Where Diagonal Basket Weave Works Best
Use this pattern in large patios, walkways with curves, or areas where you want to showcase a strong sense of movement.
It fits well with both rustic and refined designs. The angled lines make small areas appear larger and bring depth into wide, flat spaces.
FAQs
Can brick patterns be installed over existing concrete?
Do patterns affect water drainage?
Are certain patterns more expensive to install?
Can I use different patterns in one space?
Bottom Line
Brick patterns do more than hold the surface together. They shape the space, influence movement, and define style.
Each layout serves a different purpose. Some focus on strength. Others highlight symmetry or motion.
Choosing the right pattern depends on the size of the area, the style of the home, and the type of bricks available.