Of course, the local dirt has as big a part to play in paver construction as the actual application itself. If you live in one of the rainier states or have clay soil, the deeper the drainage layer, the better. Excavate to your chosen depth, then on top of the soil, the first thing to introduce is the layer of landscape fabric. This can be a plastic membrane or a woven textile, and it has the job of protecting your construction from plants growing upwards. This layer has to be permeable to allow for drainage, and choose a heavier duty material than you would use for light gardening duties.
Then, we have the thickest section, the gravel layer. Choose your typeof gravel based on soil type and your application. On top of the gravel, we add a layer of coarse sand.
This forms a smooth, level layer on top of the gravel, which is used as a bed for your pavers. The base is another word for foundation. In hardscape, your base includes the layers of aggregate directly under your paving stones that give your hardscape stability, strength, and permeable power. Reset Lightbox. View Thumbnails. Close Lightbox. Hide Thumbnails. Believe it or not, properly installed pavers are more structurally sound than concrete, and they can withstand much more weight and wear than blacktop.
You can lay a structurally sound base in four simple steps: layout, grade, gravel, and sand. You can get many of these items at a Western Interlock facility in Oregon or Washington , a local hardware store, or landscape supplier. First, mark out your area using white marking paint. Pro Tip: Get a locate to ensure there are no utilities located below the project area. If you are laying a circular patio, place a stake in the center of your project space.
Use that string as a guide and spray a circle border. Next, create a square corner to work from using string, stakes, and the method. To keep your pavers safe and prevent them from shifting, opt for a base material with a little more durability. Compacted soil typically serves as the subgrade level underneath pavers. While you could technically lay your pavers directly into compacted dirt, this can cause issues, such as:. Locate A Dealer.
Choosing a paver base material is only one aspect of creating a quality base. The way you construct the paver base ultimately impacts its effectiveness and longevity. Perhaps the most practical tip for base construction is to take your time. Laboring over three base layers before you even begin to lay pavers may seem like a wasteful task.
But the amount of time and precision you put into making your base layers the correct thickness, compactness and evenness will pay off. A proper base can keep your pavers beautiful and functional for years. With your commitment to detail in mind, the following are some specific base best practices to consider before you install your pavers.
Paver bases require several inches of excavation. The purpose of this digging is twofold. It exposes area for the pavers to nestle into, and it clears loose dirt from the installation site. Removing this layer provides a strong foundation for your paver base.
The more compressed your subgrade soil is, the less it will shift and settle over time. This will help keep your pavers level and in place for longer. In addition to removing loose soil and compacting the subgrade soil, remove any grass, roots, large rocks or other debris from the paver installation site.
This gives you an even surface to layer and build upon. The depth of your subgrade excavation will depend on the type of soil you have at the paver site. The different soil classifications include:. Granular soils make strong subgrades that drain well, whereas clay soils are weaker. For that reason, the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute recommends a seven-inch subgrade thickness for granular soil and a nine-inch subgrade for clay soil.
Be sure to match your soil with your excavation depth to keep your base sturdy. This will prevent water buildup on the pavers themselves and help keep water away from your home. Construction gravel, derived from crushed limestone, is used to create a solid foundation for pavers, whether you're making a patio, driveway or walkway in your yard.
Larger rocks are mined in a quarry and then crushed into smaller pieces. The finished product -- construction gravel -- is classified by size and coarseness.
Choosing the right gravel to use as the foundation for your pavers means examining your climate and the site of construction, and considering what will be sitting atop the pavers once your project is finished. Fine gravel has a texture only slightly coarser than sand and compacts to an almost solid surface. Because fine gravel compacts so tightly, it doesn't allow for adequate drainage and should be used where water collection is not an issue, such as when using pavers to build the floor of a covered patio or enclosure, or where temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
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