Creating a walkway isn’t just about making the journey from point A to point B easier—it’s about telling the story of your property, shaping first impressions, and offering lasting beauty that can boost both the appeal and value of your home. Here in Orlando and Central Florida, where shifting soils, heavy rains, and extreme sun are part of everyday life, designing with brick pavers isn’t just a design choice. It’s a promise of longevity, style, and smart investment. At GCM Best Services, we’ve crafted, reimagined, and celebrated walkways in all shapes and sizes, learning first-hand what works best in our unique climate.
Below, we share nine pro tips to help guide your brick paver walkway design—whether you’re planning a simple garden path or a statement entrance for your business. We hope our experience helps you envision the walkways that can transform spaces here in Central Florida into something extraordinary.
A walkway is more than a path—it’s an introduction.
Why choose brick pavers for walkways in Central Florida?
Before we jump into the steps and design tricks, it’s worth noting why brick pavers hold a special place in the world of walkway design, especially in Florida. Brick pavers are durable, handle heavy rainfall without getting slippery, and are easier to repair than poured concrete. The variety of colors, patterns, and finishes means there’s a style for every space—from classic red brick for vintage charm to sleek charcoal or sand for modern looks.
Properly installed brick pavers resist cracking from heat and moisture changes better than many surfaces, especially when supported by a solid sub-base and good drainage. Unlike poured concrete, sections can be replaced individually in case of roots or shifts—crucial in our region with so many live oaks and sandy soils.
Tip #1: Start with a clear purpose and natural flow
We always begin with one simple question: Where do you want to go—and how do you want to feel along the way? The purpose of your walkway often shapes every other choice.
- Is it a direct entrance to your front door, making a bold statement?
- Is it a garden path that wanders, pausing at sitting areas or fountains?
- Will it handle foot traffic only, or should it be accessible for wheelbarrows, bikes, or even small vehicles?
For most Orlando homes, we’ve seen that a slight curve—not dramatic, just gentle—feels both inviting and natural, guiding guests slowly and creating space for landscaping.
You can use marking spray or even a garden hose as a flexible guide, shaping your path on-site before a single paver is set. Think about the way water will move off the path, too—straight walkways can funnel runoff, while curves sometimes help disperse it, reducing erosion and pooling.
The Federal Highway Administration found that adding walkways lined with trees can also increase home values by thousands of dollars, making your paver path an investment as well as a convenience. Walkway value data.
Tip #2: Pick a paver size, style, and color for durability and character
Color does more than please the eye—it influences how hot your walkway feels underfoot, how easy it is to keep clean, and how timeless the design will appear in a few years. We’ve installed pale pavers that reflect Florida’s sun and won’t burn bare toes, and richer earth tones that almost glow in golden hour light.
Shape and thickness matter for performance. Traditional rectangular pavers are great for classic or herringbone patterns, while square or oversized pavers add a modern edge. For walkways, we suggest at least 2 3/8″ thickness. According to General Services Administration standards, solid, uncored pavers with a compressive strength of over 10,500 psi are best for enduring repeated use without cracking.
Mixing color can disguise dirt and create visual energy. Consider blends of sand, charcoal, or clay hues, tailored to your architecture and shade levels.
Tip #3: Prepare the site—get the base right
A beautiful walkway is only as strong as what’s underneath. Here in Central Florida, sandy soils shift, flood, and settle. We always engineer our base in layers:
- 6–8″ of compacted crushed stone (or a class II road base) to resist sagging and drain surface water quickly.
- Landscape fabric, if weeds are a concern, to separate base from native soil.
- A bedding layer of sharp sand (about 1″) to create the perfect level bed for pavers to rest—never skip this layer.
At GCM Best Services, we take extra care to compact each layer, using vibratory plate compactors or rollers. We check for proper slopes—typically a 1–2% drop away from structures—to shed water.
Stable bases stop settling, puddling, and cracking before they start.
For a detailed breakdown of what goes into a professionally installed paver system, our installation estimate guide can help clarify the steps.
Tip #4: Plan drainage from the start
If a walkway sits lower than lawns or garden beds, Florida’s storms can turn it into a river. Poor drainage is the single biggest threat to paver longevity—causing heaving, moss, and trip hazards.
We recommend designing gentle slopes (never flat), using adjacent French drains or hidden catch basins where needed. Sometimes, integrating pervious joints or channel drains makes sense for high-traffic areas. Using edge restraints and polymeric sand helps keep pavers tight, so water doesn’t erode the joints.
We cover drainage best practices in depth at drainage solutions for brick paver installations.
Good drainage isn’t just about avoiding puddles—it keeps the surface smooth, clean, and long-lasting. Maintenance studies from the Federal Highway Administration stress that regular upkeep of walkways prevents trip hazards and extends their life.
Tip #5: Choose a pattern that complements the space
Brick pavers shine most in the patterns you choose—there’s both an art and a purpose to it. The herringbone pattern, for example, locks the bricks together, resisting shifting from heavy foot traffic. Basket weave adds charm for cottage gardens, while running bond feels sleek and contemporary.
- Herringbone: highly interlocking, ideal for paths with cars or heavy use.
- Basket weave: best for smaller, decorative spaces.
- Running bond: stretches space visually, good for narrow walks.
- Circular/radial: great for focal points, such as courtyards or patio entries.
We’ve found that using a soldier (vertical) or sailor (horizontal) course as an edge border adds polish—it frames the walkway and limits edge movement. This is especially helpful when you want crisp transitions from pavers to lawns or garden beds.
For inspiration, our hardscape projects gallery shows how different patterns play with natural light and shadow here in Orlando.
Tip #6: Integrate edges and transitions carefully
No matter how beautiful the field pattern, poorly finished edges can ruin the look—and weaken the walkway over time. We always install concrete or heavy-duty plastic edge restraints, anchoring them securely to hold pavers in place during rain and compaction.
Transitions matter, too. Whether stepping down to a driveway, blending with steps, or meeting turf, the profile should be smooth for safety yet distinct enough to signal the change. Integrate low-level lighting to mark edges, especially for curves or shaded areas—safety and mood, all in one.
Interest in transitions has grown as people combine brick walkways with artificial turf or paver driveways. See our driveway and patio paving services for tips linking various hardscape elements.
Tip #7: Consider accessibility and comfort
A walkway’s function can be beautiful and considerate at the same time. We plan most walkways at a minimum width of 42″ (just over a meter), but wider for main entrances or areas shared with patio furniture. For accessibility—think strollers, wheelchairs, or rolling carts—60″ (about 1.5 meters) is comfortable.
Surface finish matters, too. Textured or tumbled pavers help prevent slipping when wet, and rounded edges are softer on bare feet and pet paws. For properties with unique needs, guidelines from the U.S. Forest Service suggest wider landings and smooth transitions to keep walkways practical for everyone, including animal companions.
Here in Central Florida, surface temperatures matter, too. Lighter shades mean cooler walking surfaces in peak summer, and shade from trees can further improve comfort and value—another echo of the property value study.
Tip #8: Control weeds, moss, and maintenance
Nothing spoils a walkway faster than weeds or moss poking up between bricks. In our projects, we use polymeric sand in joints—it hardens with water, resisting weed growth and ant tunneling.
Joint care is the first line of defense against weeds in brick paver walkways.
Occasional moss in shaded walkways can add charm, but it can also make things slick. A once-per-year pressure rinse keeps surfaces clear. For more persistent weed issues, we cover weed prevention with practical steps at our weed prevention guide.
A simple routine—blowing away leaves, checking that the edge restraints are tight, and refilling any sunken joints—can extend the life and beauty of your brick walkway by years.
Tip #9: Plan for lighting and nighttime beauty
Outdoor lighting isn’t just for looks—it’s about safety, security, and being able to use your walkway fully, even after the sun sets. We usually install low-voltage LED path lights along curved or shadowed sections. Recessed paver lights, integrated at intervals, create a subtle, runway-style glow and highlight pattern shifts or stairs.
Lighting also protects your investment. When edges and transitions are strongly lit, you reduce trip hazards and make maintenance easier—catching weeds, loose bricks, or pooling water in the early stages. For commercial sites or shared community spaces, good lighting meets local code requirements and ADA accessibility guidelines.
Incorporating landscape lighting also deters nighttime critters or trespassers, all while letting you enjoy your outdoor spaces longer each evening.
Bonus: Think ahead with warranties and maintenance guides
Maybe the most overlooked part of any walkway project is the long game—a strong warranty, and honest guidance on how to keep your walkway beautiful for years to come.
At GCM Best Services, our process includes a written warranty and a step-by-step care guide tailored to the mix, climate, and design choices for your installation. This assures you that, from the sub-base to the last paver set, your investment was protected by skilled hands—and is easy to care for.
So as you plan your walkway, ask your team for clear documentation, and request before/during/after photos. This gives peace of mind and helps the next homeowner, too.
Conclusion
Designing a walkway with brick pavers for your Orlando or Central Florida property is both an art and a science. With thoughtful design, attention to drainage, and honest material choices guided by real experience, your walkway can be a highlight for decades. Whether you want curb appeal, easier access, or a path to enjoy barefoot, these tips should prepare you to make informed decisions—and enjoy the process as much as the result.
If you’re ready to see your property transformed or want expert advice tailored to your needs, we at GCM Best Services are just a call away. Begin with a free, no-obligation quote and discover why so many Central Florida neighbors trust us to turn their ideas into reality. Your walkway story starts now.
Ready for a professional quote? 📞 (407) 250-1948 • 24–48h • Orlando, Tampa & area.
Frequently asked questions
What are brick pavers made of?
Brick pavers are made from clay, shale, or concrete, formed under very high pressure and fired at high temperatures to achieve strength and weather resistance. True clay bricks are kiln-fired in molds, which gives them a distinct reddish-brown color and slightly textured surface. Concrete pavers, also shaped under compression, can be colored and textured to mimic clay brick or natural stone. Both types work well in Central Florida, but clay pavers tend to retain color better with sun exposure.
How to choose the best brick pattern?
The best pattern depends on the look you want and how much traffic your walkway will see. For driveways or paths with lots of use, herringbone and basket weave patterns provide strong interlock and resist shifting. Running bond feels simple and modern, while circular or radial layouts highlight focal points. We always look at the space’s shape, width, and any curves—some patterns suit wide, sweeping paths, others feel tidier in narrow spaces. If you want professional help with design details, our hardscape design team can recommend patterns based on your taste and property layout.
Is it worth it to seal pavers?
Sealing pavers helps lock in color, repel stains, and slow weed growth, but it isn’t strictly necessary for structural performance. In Florida’s climate, sealing can help pavers resist fading from sun and keep joint sand firm during storms. Many clients choose to seal for extra protection and ease of cleaning, though it does add to initial cost and needs to be redone every 2–3 years.
How much do brick paver walkways cost?
Price depends on the walkway length, width, paver type, pattern, and extras like lighting or curves. In our experience, installations in Central Florida usually range from $14 to $28 per square foot for a complete system—including site prep, materials, drainage, and borders. Complex patterns or custom shapes may be higher. For a breakdown of what’s included, our installation estimate guide walks you through line by line.
How to prevent weeds between pavers?
Maintaining tight joints filled with polymeric sand is the most reliable defense. Polymeric sand hardens in place when wet, blocking weeds and ant tunneling. If some weeds break through, a quick pass with a weed torch or a natural vinegar solution can help without damaging nearby plants. For persistent issues or to see step-by-step anti-weed strategies, our in-depth guide at weed prevention offers practical answers tailored to our Florida climate.