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You may not need a hammer drill if you’re planning on drilling one or two very small diameter holes in brick. For holes with a diameter of 3/16-inch or less, a regular drill with a masonry bit can do the job. However, the bit will heat up quickly, and the process will take significantly longer than with a hammer drill. Prepare to cool your drill bit down in a bucket of water more often.

Yes, you can use a mixture of 1 tablespoon of bleach and a gallon of warm water to clean stubborn stains from brick. Do not use bleach without diluting it in water. Undiluted bleach may cause discoloration. You can use either Oxygen bleach such as OxiClean or chlorine bleach. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection when handling bleach.

The best way to clean creosote from brick is to hire a professional chimney sweep. However, you can use a creosote log to remove excess buildup between cleanings. You can also clean minor creosote buildup using dish soap or vinegar mixed with water.

No, you shouldn’t lay bricks directly on dirt. While it might seem like a shortcut, it leads to a patio that shifts, sinks, and becomes a maintenance headache. Dirt expands, contracts, and erodes—none of which mix well with long-term stability. To build something that lasts, excavate the topsoil, compact a layer of crushed gravel, and add a coarse sand-setting bed. This layered base gives your bricks proper support, allows drainage, and helps block weeds from creeping through. Cutting corners here just means you’ll spend more time—and money—repairing your brick patio later.