I have a question about real salvaged Chicago bricks. I am considering putting down a clay brick walkway (6' wide about 60' long) along one side of the property. I was getting bids and most of the new bricks are standard size 4"X8" but you can get different thicknesses from 1.5" to 2" to 2.25". The 4X8 size makes it easy to work with because the length is twice the width. You can do patterns like: [IMG]http://www.todayshomeowner.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/brick-vs-concrete-pavers-1.jpg[/IMG] or However, one of the paver company told me they have a left over lot of 200SF of salvaged Chicago bricks that works out to be about what I need (I need 170SF + 10% extra). I looked at it and found that some of the bricks are not the same size. The lengths are fairly consistent around 8", but the width can be 3.5", 3.75" but mostly 3.5". Some of the bricks are chipped a little, and some have left over mortar on it. I know the weathered and distressed look is what's appealing about salvaged bricks, but I am wondering, with a smaller width like 3.5", how do you keep a consistent pattern? Do you have a allow a 1" wide joint for a pair of bricks to make up for the variation? That is a pretty wide joint? I am guessing the install is going to be much more complicated if I use these old bricks?

I'm going to replace a shed that has a wood platform base with one I'm going to put on a concrete slab. I have two questions (so far) concerning this. First, my ideal location for the shed has a tree there right now. If I were to take the tree down what would I have to do with the root hole to adequately support the slab and protect against the ground settling underneath? Second, can I put plastic under the slab as a vapor barrier to keep the shed from getting damp inside? Would it go on the stone before the concrete is poured? Thanks for any advice. Mike