How to Block a Driveway
Block paving a driveway is a do-it-yourself project that will transform the look of a front yard. Using paving blocks increases the value of your home and opens up a variety of traditional and modern design options. The cleanest way to install them is a method known as sand-setting, where the blocks are laid over a sand base and secured with sand joints. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Landscape spray paint
- Shovel
- Compactor or hand tamper
- Gravel
- Edging
- Hammer
- Lawn spikes
- Stone dust
- Grit sand
- Rake
- Flat board
- Masonry sand
- Medium-bristled broom
- Hose
Instructions
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1
Measure the driveway site with a tape measure and outline the borders with landscape spray paint. The width must be at least 16 feet for two cars and 10 feet for one, plus add 4 inches to the sides for edging.
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2
Remove 12 inches of soil and grass from the painted outlines with a shovel. Dig the bottom down so there is 1/8 inch slope toward the street for every 8 feet of distance.
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3
Make three passes over the dirt floor with a vibrating compactor or manual tamper. Stabilizing the dirt will reinforce the sturdiness of the foundation.
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4
Pour a 4-inch deep base of gravel over the dirt and compact it as you did the subsoil. Add a second 4-inch layer of gravel over the first and run the compactor over it until it doesn't shift.
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5
Place stone, timber or metal edging along the inner perimeter. Secure restraints with lawn spikes and a hammer or pack stone dust between medium-sized stones.
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Rake an inch of grit sand over the base. Pull a straightedge over the surface to smooth it.
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Put paving blocks on top of the sand bed without dragging them. Set them in your chosen design so each side is flush against adjacent blocks. Place a flat board over each row and walk on it to press each block down with equal pressure.
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Spread fine masonry sand over the block driveway with a medium-bristled broom. Continue brushing the sand until it fills all of the crevices. Sprinkle the driveway with a hose so the sand joints will firm up as they dry.
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References
Resources
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