An important part of any successful landscaping project is choosing the building materials that will provide the look and durability you desire. Whether designing a patio or walkway, interlocking concrete pavers provide aesthetic beauty, functionality and durability for a project that will look great for years to come.
Step 1: Planning To begin, take some graph paper, a level and a garden hose, and start experimenting to determine the shape and size of the project area.
Step 2: Excavating Keeping in mind the needed slope, now is the time to decide the finished height of the project.
After excavating the site, compact the soil with a plate compactor to prepare the surface for the aggregate base. Remove any standing water, rocks or other protrusions. Any bump or depression at this or any level will become visible in the finished project.
Step 3: Laying the base If possible, use crushed rock for the base, the same material often used under roads. Typically, 4 inches of base will be adequate for a patio. Using the plate compactor compact the base in 3-inch layers using a mechanical plate compactor. For best results, work the plate compactor in a circular motion and go over all areas at least twice.
Step 4: Restraining the pavers Edge restraints hold the concrete pavers and the base in place. Without edge restraints, pavers can shift, and the base can erode. Restraints can be made of steel, aluminum, precast concrete or plastic. Secure plastic or metal edge restraints in place with 12-inch spikes. For projects with several curves, you can cut the edging to follow bends in the shape of the project.
Step 5: Setting the sand Sand is the final layer of the base for an interlocking concrete-paver system. For this layer, use coarse sand, such as the kind used to make concrete. Don't use limestone screenings or stone dust. When screeded smooth, the sand should be no thicker than 1.5 inches and perfectly smooth.
Step 6: Placing the pavers Now comes the simple part--actually laying the pavers in place. To keep pavers in line, you can use the height string as a guide for the pattern of the pavers. You may need to pull out and set additional strings to mark joint lines.
Gently fit pavers tightly together in the appropriate laying pattern (see Photo 4, at left). When necessary along the edges, cut the pavers with a masonry saw or mechanical splitter for a perfect fit. Lay all whole pavers in place before adding the cut pavers. Also, always wear safety glasses when using a masonry saw or mechanical splitter, as well as any other safety attire recommended by the equipment manufacturer.
After you set all pavers, use the plate compactor again to vibrate and set the pavers into the bedding sand (see Photo 5, below center). For the final step, sweep sand into the joints of the new patio, driveway or path, and compact the surface again, sweeping sand into them until the joints are full (see Photo 6, below). You can use the same coarse sand used for bedding the pavers, but finer sand will fill joints faster. But be careful what type of sand you use--sand that is too fine will not provide for sufficient interlock. Make sure any sand you use is completely dry so that it fills the cracks and provides the interlock that will keep all the pavers in place.
You can fid plate compactors at XG Power like this one. 18 x 24 Inch Plate Compactor with Subaru Robin 6 HP Engine
This XG Power single-direction plate compactor is designed to compact sand, gravel, grit, granular materials, segmental brick paving and hot and cold asphalt. Includes a heavy-duty metal 1.2 gallon (4.5 liter) water sprinkler system and handle bar–mounted throttle control. Features a quiet Subaru Robin Model EX17 6 HP OHV air-cooled, 4-cycle, single cylinder engine.
Specifications:
* Plate size: 18 W x 24 L inches (53 x 50cm)
* Dimensions: 43 x 18 x 26 inches (110 x 46 x 66cm)
* Weight: 205 Lbs. (93Kgs.)
* Frequency vpm: 7000
* Centrifugal force kn: 19.8
* Compaction force: 4,450 Lbs.
* Compaction depth: 12 inches (30cm)
* Travel speed: 18 inches per second (45cm per second)
* Efficiency: 8300 square feet per hour (770 square meters per hour)
Features:
* Vibration isolated reversible handle for ease of operation and reduced operator fatigue
* Conveniently placed handles
* Open design reduces dirt build up
* Centrally mounted fully enclosed exciter for an even spread of compactive force over the whole base plate
* Heavy-duty shock mounts reduce vibration to the upper engine
Professional grade tools and equipment at everyday low discount prices. Visit us at
http://www.xgpower.com or call 908-534-2117.
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