When using brick paving stones for a landscaping project, a few basic tips should be followed for best results. Plan the design ahead of time and make an outline on the ground before beginning. Buy the correct pavers for the climate and have enough materials and tools to finish the project. Excavate the work area and install a good base material. Create a surface pitch for drainage, use edging to keep the brick paving stones in place, and fill the joints with mortar or polymeric sand for stability.
It is very important to plan the design that will be used before beginning the project. Use graph paper or a computer program to determine the amount and type of brick paving stones required for the job. This plan will also help calculate the amount of base material needed to stabilize the surface. Next, measure and mark the outline of the area on the ground. This will help determine the amount of excavation needed to prepare the surface for paving.
Brick paving stones are sold in different grades for various climates. Be sure to purchase the correct type of paver to avoid future problems with cracking and breaking. When calculating the amount of bricks needed, allow a few extra for cutting mistakes and future repairs. Make sure to have extra base material on hand to compensate for soft soil. Purchase or rent all the necessary tools for tamping and cutting before beginning the project.
Excavate the marked area to a sufficient depth and install a 4 inch (10 cm) layer of gravel followed by 2 inches (5 cm) of paving sand. The top of this base material must be deep enough for the surface of the brick paving stones to be level with the ground. Each layer of base material should be tamped to prevent the pavers from settling during rain showers. A motorized tamping machine may be used for large areas. Smooth the top layer of sand with a board and builder’s level after tamping.
It is also important to give the paving surface a slight pitch to provide adequate water drainage. This pitch should direct the water away from any nearby buildings or houses. Some type of edging material will need to be installed around the brick paving stones to keep them in place after installation. This edging should be installed deep enough to contain the base material as well. Fill the joints between the bricks with polymeric sand or mortar for added stability
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