Dear James: I am going to build a brick patio adjacent to a small fish pond in my backyard. I plan to use a gravel and sand base for the bricks. What is the easiest way to get them properly leveled? — Charlie R.

Dear Charlie: A brick patio and surround for the fish pond can be a very attractive addition to your landscaping. You might want to consider using patio pavers instead of ordinary bricks because the pavers are usually more decorative and they are made to fit together perfectly.

Whether you use bricks or patio pavers, laying the base and the leveling process are identical. "Leveling" is the proper term to use, but you do not want the patio to be level. A slight slope away from the pond will keep rainwater from carrying patio dirt into the pond. One-eighth-inch slope per foot length should be more than adequate.

A two-inch layer of crushed gravel covered by another two-inch layer of sand should be a good base for the patio. Always use crushed gravel, not pea gravel which will roll around. The angular edges of crush gravel lock the pieces together for a much more stable base.

First, determine the height for the top surface of the finished patio. Drive wooden grade stakes in the ground around the perimeter of the patio so the tops are at the finished height. Locate them seven feet apart to facilitate creating a smooth surface for the gravel and sand.

The best way to get the proper angle for the necessary slope is to use a builder's level or a laser level. You can rent either at most tool rental shops or just buy a laser level. You will be able to use it for may other projects around the house. The rental shop staff can quickly show you how to use either device.

Once you have the stakes in the ground for the patio top surface (allow for the slope), dig down about four inches plus the thickness of the bricks below these stakes for the base. This need not be done accurately. Drive a second (sand) stake in the ground with its top two inches plus the brick thickness lower than the top of the finished stake. Drive in a third (gravel) stake for the gravel two inches below the second.

Pour the crushed gravel in over the dirt and, using a rake, level it by eye. Find a very straight eight-foot-long piece of 2x6 or 2x8 lumber. Rest it across two of the gravel stakes. This is why you placed the stakes seven feet apart. Move the piece of lumber from stake to stake to check the thickness of the gravel.

Drive several additional stakes near the center of the patio at a depth of the top of the sand. Remember, they are not at the patio edge, so concerning the slope, they will be slightly higher. These will be used as pivot points for the lumber to smooth the top of the sand.

Pour sand over the gravel and level it just by eye. Wet it down and give it a day or two to settle and compact. Carefully smooth the top surface with the 2x6 lumber using the stakes. Remove the interior stakes and lay the bricks in place over the sand bed.

Send your questions to Here's How, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com. To find out more about James Dulley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.