OSH provides the following How To information as a service to our visitors. Due to differing tools, individual skills, products, materials, building codes, local regulations and conditions, OSH assumes no responsibility for any damages, injuries, or losses incurred resulting from the use of this information. Before beginning any project, study your instructions carefully and if any doubts or questions remain, always consult with a local professional or expert. Always check to see that your project complies with all applicable local codes and regulations. Read and follow all safety precautions provided by tool or equipment manufacturer.   Brick Steps   As an alternate to plain concrete steps, bricks can be used as facing over the concrete. Building brick steps involves the same tools and materials as concrete steps, with the following additions: QUIKRETE® Mortar Mix or Mason Mix, bricks ½" wooden spacer, concave jointer, wooden mallet, mason's line, burlap sack, and stiff broom or brush. Following the same procedures that are used for concrete steps to prepare the base, build the forms, pour the concrete, finish the surface, and cure the concrete. You are now ready to lay the bricks in the concrete, using the following procedure.   Step by Step______________________________   1. Wet down the bricks several hours before beginning the project; this will prevent them from absorbing too much water from the mortar. 2. Place and screed a ½" thick wet mortar bed between temporary form boards set one length apart. Use a special bladed screed to level the concrete. The screed rides on the forms and extends down one brick-thickness below them; the forms should be set for this depth, plus an extra ½" to allow for the mortar bed. 3. As the screed is moved along, place the bricks in the wet concrete, leaving ½" open joints between them. A ½" wooden spacer can be used to ensure that the joints are uniform. Gently tap the bricks with a wooden mallet so set them. 4. Use a trowel to pack the concrete into the joints, then tool the joints with a concave jointer.    5. Wait several hours, then scrub the set bricks with a burlap sack to remove any stains. Once the mortar is dry, brush the surface with a stiff broom or brush to remove any bits of dry mortar. The brick steps in this example were laid in the traditional running bond pattern. Another popular choice is the basket weave pattern, with the bricks either laid flat or on edge as shown in the illustrations.   Project courtesy of: