base

This is where things get Fun. Note: Call local Utility Companies before you start digging

Note: this construction process is for small areas only, it you are thinking about a large scale project CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL!!!!

Using the 3-4-5 triangle method to determine a perpendicular line, measure parallel lines from the perpendicular line to establish a boundary. Place stakes every 4 feet to 6 feet and at corners. These stakes should be 8" outside of the planned edge of the pavers.

NOTE: You can check to make sure an area is square by making sure both sets of cross corners measure the exact same distance.

Using a flat shovel cut evenly to remove sod/dirt to a depth of at least 5-1/8" (13cm) to allow room for 2-3/8 (6cm) paver, 3/4" (19mm) compacted sand, minimum of 2" (5cm) compacted crushed stone base (more if soil is very soft). If the house is of new construction there might be potential for settling next to the foundation, We suggest you increase base thickness to 6" (15cm) or a total excavation of 9" (23cm) within 2 feet (1 meter) of new foundation. Excavation should be 6" (15cm) wider on sides where PAVE EDGE edge restraint is to be used.

BASE PREPARATION

This is very important. The more time and effort you put into the preparation of the base, the better the project and the longer it will last, Use either 3/4" (19mm) or 1/2" (13mm) graded base material that includes sizes down to fine dust. This material is easier to compact and will give a tight close knit surface of compaction.

Method of Compaction:

First, run your plate compactor (or tamper) over the excavated soil. (Make sure no soil gets stuck to the bottom of the plate tamper). Each pass should overlap the previous one by about 4". Now spread your gravel base material out evenly in about 2" layers. If material is dry and dusty us a garden hose to thoroughly wet it down, this helps make the gravel faster to compact and easier to rake. Starting around the outer perimeter start with the plate compactor and again overlap each pass about 4" working towards the center. You should make at least two complete passes for each layer. Use your hard tooth garden rake to rake out any unevenness.

When finished with the base it should be very smooth and flat. If you were to put a straight edge flat on the surface there should be no more 1/4" (6mm) (maximum) gap anywhere along the straight edge and the base.

IMPORTANT: When you are preparing the base make sure to have correct run off, which is the amount of drop in the surface of the base. Shoot for a run off of 1/4 inch per foot, and make sure that the run off is not more than a 1/2 inch per foot.

If you do not take this into account your paver will collect water on it and can cause damage to the paver