How To: Install Pavers
1 Mar, 2006 By: Landscape Management Staff LDB SolutionsClay and concrete pavers will last many years if installed properly. The first step is to prepare a good base. For more information on preparing a base for a paver walkway or patio, please visit www.landscapedesign-build.com/paverbase. The steps below explain how to place the pavers so they'll stay put.
This project was installed using PAVE TECH Inc.'s Pave Edge restraints and Probst tools and equipment. For more information, visit www.pavetech.com or call 800/728-3832.
1 Add a coarse, washed concrete bedding sand to the prepared base. The best way to screed sand is with 1-in. outside diameter metal pipes. Place the pipe on top of the compacted base, then cover the base with piles of sand to prevent the pipes from moving and sand from getting under them. Use a flat shovel to scrape the sand off the top of the pipes to obtain a visual idea of how much sand will be needed between the pipes for screeding. Fill the area between the pipes and pull the screed board across the top of the pipes to strike off the sand.
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2 After reaching the end of the screed pipe, slide the pipe across the top of the base and repeat step 1 until reaching the end of the base. After removing the screed pipes, fill and level the voids left from them. Try to only screed as much sand as can be covered that day: Rain or other disturbances can disrupt bedding sand not covered by pavers, requiring it to be re-screeded the following day.
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3 Start by laying a soldier course, then follow with laying the body pavers. On this project, the body pavers were laid until they reached the approximate edge of pavement. When laying pavements that are curved, it is best to install the paver edge restraint first.
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4 When the pavers need to be cut, setting the edge restraint first will help create a smooth curve. It also a good time for the homeowner to approve the design. PAVE TECH's Pave Edge Rigid and Flexible edging was used on this project. For straight edges on residential applications, spike every 2 to 3 ft. using 10-in. long by 3/8-in. diameter steel landscape spikes. Don't pound the spikes all the way down until the curve is complete, in case there is a flat spot and adjustments need to be made. Spike the edging directly into the base material, never on top of the bedding sand. Before starting a curve, start straight for 2 to 3 ft., then curve. Make sure to maintain a smooth curve as the edging is spiked in.
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5 The goal of each work day is to complete the section of pavement laid. This means that the bond lines are straight, body pavers are cut, the soldier course laid, the edging is spiked in place, the pavers are compacted and the joints are filled with joint sand. String lines are pulled across the pavement in both directions to make sure that all the bond lines are straight. Make sure the bond lines are straight before any pavers are marked and cut.
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