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Prep Ground for Pavers...
What You'll Need
- shovel
- pick
- level
- framing square
- 2x4 screed boards
- plate compactor
What You Do
Excavate the ground to a depth that will equal 4-6 inches of compacted crushed rock plus 1-2 inches of compacted bedding sand plus the depth of the paver you'll be using.
Keep in mind that it also depends on the height you want for your finished patio area. For example, whether you want the top of the pavers at grade level or a few inches above grade.
The base (crushed rock) needs to extend 6-8 inches beyond the finished area where pavers will be placed. This will help with drainage as well as stabilize the field and prevent unnecessary "drifting" or loosening of pavers over time.
Start by compacting the substraight. If it seems overly loose, wet it down and compact the soil at least twice.
String lines and use the line level to make certain you have the entire area leveled. (Be sure to allow for a 1/8" fall per foot so that water will shed properly, away from the house or any other structure the patio is adjacent to.)
Compact 2 inches of crushed rock at a time until you reach the desired depth.
Add sand and place screed boards (or pipes) at the proper depth (1/8" above finished level for the bottom of the pavers) and at intervals that will allow them to be used as "rails" for your screed board as you pull and level sand.
Compact the sand just like you did the crushed rock. You'll know it's properly compacted when you put your palm face down and put all your weight into it. If it leaves a deep impression, you need to continue compacting. If it barely shows your palm print, it's compacted properly.
Remove the boards that you used for screed rails and then backfill the gaps with sand and compact those areas.
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