How to Lay a Cobblestone Driveway
The typical concrete driveway is functional, if not attractive. With the emphasis on curb-appeal and a natural desire to set yourself a part from your neighbors, a cobblestone driveway is the perfect solution to creating both function and beauty. And, of course, doing it yourself provides a special satisfaction. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Prepare the Surface
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1
Demolish any existing driveway surface.
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2
Dig down approximately 6 to 8 inches.
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3
Level the dirt surface and make sure you have a grade of at least 1/4-inch from top to bottom to allow for proper water drainage.
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4
Lay a bed of gravel, following the grade. This will help with drainage as well.
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5
Follow with a bed of sand, also following the grade. Water lightly and compact when dry.
Lay the Cobblestones
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6
Lay the cobblestones, beginning in the center of the top of the driveway. Starting here insures the stones and design will be centered on the driveway.
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7
Place the stones as close together as possible. This makes a tighter and stronger surface.
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8
Use fine masonry sand to fill between bricks by dumping it on and sweeping back and forth in every direction.
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9
Wet the driveway and repeat Step 3. This will compact the sand between the bricks and allow you to add more, thus strengthening the surface. You may need to repeat this over the course of two or three days to completely fill all the voids between the cobblestones.
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1
Tips & Warnings
How far down you need to dig depends on how much gravel and sand you want to lay. The deeper the gravel and sand base, the stronger your final surface will be. For a driveway, you want the surface to be as strong as possible.
