HOW WE DO IT!
An example of our procedure installation of paving stones:
- 1. Demolition and removal Break down and remove existing hardscape, using machinery and hand tools, and haul away.
- 2. Installation of utilities and special features Involving drain lines and drains, electrical and gas lines, and/or walls,fire pits or barbecues.
- 3. Base preparation The native soil is compacted; gradelines (stakes with masonry string) are strung to eliminate puddling; a geotex fabric barrier is installed on top of the soil; a layer of up to 6 inches rock-and-gravel aggregate (Class II base) is installed and compacted to 95% density.
- 4. Install sand bed Precisely 1 inch of sand is applied over the new base.
- 5. Lay pavers and border The stones are laid individually, in the selected pattern, typically starting in the middle and radiating outward, and the perimeter border is installed.
- 6. Mark and cut pavers For sweeping, complex or simple curves and turns where trims or fractions of whole stones are necessary, the pavers are marked with lines by PVC piping, then cut with a high-speed saw.
- 7. Build footers Where there is no fixed structure (such as a sidewalk) to pave against, a footer can be constructed – a trench is dug, filled with concrete, and stones on the perimeter are set.
- 8. Compaction With stones locked into place the project is compacted a third time, to ensure the pavers are level and to draw up sand from below.
- 9. Final sand installation + compaction A 1/8-inch layer of sand is swept over the pavers, filling each joint from top to bottom, followed by a final compaction. The project is swept and hosed clean.
- 10. Apply sealer An acrylic joint stabilizer is applied to the sand in the joints; when cured, the sand is bonded and prevents weed growth between the pavers.