Article Written By: Lois Fernandez
Block paving is an attractive and durable way to make driveways and patios look great. You can lay the blocks in different designs and patterns that will add to the appeal. This method is used as an alternative to concrete surfaces and does not use any concrete in the process. Many people believe that this will make it easier to do but there are several steps that should be followed to do it properly.You should make sure that you have all the tools and supplies that you need handy before you start. This will prevent costly delays while you go to get things from the store or tool shed. For this project you will need several boards, wooden stakes, paving stones, gravel, sand, an extra board or a plate vibrator, a broom and possibly a sledgehammer. You may also want to have a carpenters level handy. Also make sure that the area you want to pave is level and clear of anything that may get hinder the process.The boards should be used to surround the area that it to be paved. They should be laid on their side so that they make an enclosure that is about nine inches deep. Secure them by pounding stakes into the ground. There should be no gaps in the enclosure to ensure that the sand and gravel remain inside.You should add the gravel now. Make sure that you have enough to cover the entire area. The gravel should be at least four inches deep. A rake can be used to smooth out and settle the gravel so that it is level and the depth is uniform all over.Sand comes next. You should have enough sand to cover the gravel by at least two inches. It would be a good idea to buy extra because the sand will fill in the gaps that are left in the gravel. The sand should be smoothed with an extra board and it should not be disturbed afterward.The stones should now be placed in to the sand. The stones can be laid in different patterns and it should be noted that certain patterns hold up better to normal wear and tear than others. A plate vibrator is then used over the entire area. If you do not have a plate vibrator or are not able to rent one, a board and sledgehammer can be utilized for the same purpose. The board is placed over several stones and is beat with the sledgehammer. You should be cautious when using this method as you can break the stones if you are not.The are should now be cleaned of any sand that was freed by the previous step. You will then use the plate vibrator or the board on the entire area again. This will ensure that the stones a properly and securely set into the sand.There is a correct way to do any home improvement project and it is important to make sure that you follow all the steps required. Not doing so can cause injury or make the project not come out the way you want it to. This way of laying block paving is the right way and all the steps should be followed exactly for the best results.
This Article Has Been Published on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 and Read 294 Times