How to Lay Paving Stones in Concrete

Laying paving stones in concrete gives them a permanence not found with sand or gravel bases. This is the preferred base for close-fitting paving stones arranged in specific patterns.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crushed Rocks
• Gravel
• Gravel
• Paving Stones
• Sand
• Shovels
• 2-by-4 Boards
• Cement
• Levels
• Mallets
• Shovels

1. Remove turf and topsoil to a depth of the stone plus 2 inches. If you plan to park cars on the paved area, dig farther to allow for a 4-inch sub-base of crushed rock as well.

2. Allow for drainage by creating a slight slope away from nearby buildings. A drop of 1/2 inch per yard is about right.

3. Spread 1 inch of sand across the bottom of the area. (Add the sub-base of crushed rock first if applicable.)

4. Level the sand with a 2-by-4 by dragging the board's edge across the sand and frequently tamping it down.

5. Position the stones and the borders in the sand. This is where they'll be when you're finished, so be precise when laying them out.

6. Mix 1 part cement with 4 parts sand and add enough water to make a mortar.

7. Begin at a corner and remove 4 stones. Spread the mortar 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick in the open space where the stones were.

8. Set the stones back in place in the mortar. Tap each with a mallet (buffered by a block of wood) as you go. You want to make sure that each stone is set evenly.

9. Place 1/4-inch-wide wooden spacers between the stones as you lay them. Use scrap wood to make these.

10. Use a 2-by-4 board and a carpenter's level as you go to make sure the stones are level.

11. Pull the spacers out before the mortar dries.

12. Let the mortar set for at least 36 hours. Avoid allowing any weight on the stones, or they may wobble later.

13. Finish the project by mixing 1 part dry cement and 3 parts dry sand. Sprinkle this into the spaces between the stones and brush away any excess.

14. Go over the entire area with a very fine spray of water to wet the cement-and-sand mixture.

15. Expect the surface to set within 48 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Accurate measurements are very important when laying pavers in close patterns.
• Keep the top level about 3/4 inch below the height of the lawn; you'll be able to mow right up to the edge without worrying about damaging your mower.
• Consider renting a power plate vibrator. This machine looks something like a lawnmower with a flat metal plate in the bottom. Go over the entire area to press the stones into place and ensure that they're level.
• Don't attempt this project if there's a chance of rain. The mortar won't hold if it's too wet.

[thebestintown]

on 4/14/2009 http://www.blackgoldpavinginc.com?Black Gold Paving is a private paving company located in Dorr, MI. They do agricultural, commercial, and residential asphalt paving and sealing as well as gravel and rubble removal.