• Mortared brick patios require a rigid base.patterned brick patio image by David Levinson from Fotolia.com
  
  A brick patio is an excellent way to add value to a home and make it more attractive. Patios are relatively simple projects, when constructed using the right tools and techniques, but there are some pitfalls along the way. Homeowners should spend some time thinking about the materials they have available, what they want from their finished patio and what methods they wish to use. Attention to detail and a few brick patio tips can make the whole process much simpler.
  
  

Base

• The choice of base affects the construction of the rest of the patio. According to Ask the Builder, brick patios may be laid on either a flexible or rigid base. Flexible bases move with the ground and don't require the homeowner to mortar the bricks, while rigid bases are durable and allow for both mortared and unmortared patios. Mortared bricks laid on a flexible base will eventually crack and shift, however.
  
  

Mortar

• For a rigid patio, it's important to mix only enough mortar for an hour's work. Otherwise, the mortar may set before all the bricks can be laid. According to Better Homes and Gardens' DIY Advice, ¼ cubic foot of mortar will work to lay about 20 bricks. After about ½ hour, the mortar may begin to thicken. Adding additional water, a little at a time, can help "retemper" the mortar and extend its working time. It's only possible to extend mortar for a limited amount of time, however. After about 2 hours, a batch becomes unusable. Hot weather may shorten the working time, while cool weather increases it.
  
  

Practice

• Inexperienced bricklayers should practice before laying the final patio bricks, especially if those bricks will be mortared. Laying bricks out on a scrap sheet of plywood and practicing the joints will help produce a clean-looking, straight-lined patio. Homeowners should begin laying brick for the finished patio only after they are confident in their practice bricks.
  
  

Cutting

• Most patios will require at least some brick cutting. Trying to cut bricks to identical sizes can be frustrating, however. For any place in the layout where bricks must all be cut to the same size and shape, batch-cutting will simplify the process. A framing square makes it simple to mark several bricks at the same time, without worry about shifting. The bricks may be clamped using bar clamps to keep them square during the cutting process.