How to Use Interlocking Concrete Edging
Interlocking concrete edging is primarily used in precast concrete paving stones. The interlocking edges allow you to easily place stones with precision. Once you've prepared a subsurface for laying the stones, placement of the stones themselves can be done quickly. Laying the stones requires little more than butting the stones snugly together and filling the joints with sand. In addition to speed, you'll avoid the mess caused by mortar-placed stones and waiting for adhesives and mortar to dry. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Lawn flags
- Measuring tape
- Spade
- Plate compactor
- Gravel
- Edge restraints
- Sand
- Screed board
- Concrete pavers
- Circular saw
- Masons blade
- Carpenter's level
- Broom
- Concrete sealant
- Squeegee
Instructions
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1
Mark out the area where you will be placing the stones containing the interlocking concrete edges. Pavers, which use an interlocking system, come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be used for anything from paths to patios. Use lawn flags to mark the boundaries of the paved area. Measure the marked area and, if using border stones, subtract the size of the stones from the perimeter of the measured area. Divide the remaining area by the size of the stones you're using to determine the number of stones needed.
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2
Dig a foundation hole in the marked area deep enough for a 4-inch layer of gravel and a 2-inch layer of sand in addition to the stones themselves. Slope the foundation hole for drainage purposes. Create a slope of 1 inch for every 8 inches of paved surface, with the slope leading away from any structures. Once you've dug the hole, use a plate compactor to compact the soil in the bottom of the foundation to better support the weight of the layered materials. Plate compactors can be rented at home improvement stores or equipment rental shops.
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3
Pour a layer of gravel 2 inches thick into the bottom of the foundation to serve as a drainage bed for the pavement. Compact the gravel with the plate compactor. Pour an additional 2 inches of gravel in the hole and compact this layer as well.
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4
Line the edge of the foundation with edge restraints to secure the pavers once placed. The edge restraints keep the stones from moving. To secure the restraints, hammer 12-inch metal spikes through the holes at the base of the restraints.
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5
Pour a 2-inch layer of coarse sand into the hole, covering the gravel. The sand will help hold the pavers in place in lieu of mortar and serve as a sort of grout in the stone joints. Run the compactor over the sand to create a firm surface for the stones. Level the sand with a screed bar so that the installed stones will create an even surface.
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Place the pavers onto the bed of sand, starting at an edge or against a wall. Place the pavers snugly against each other, locking the shapes together for a tight fit. The weight of the stones and the the edging will help to keep them from moving once in place. If partial stones are needed, cut them using a circular saw with a masonry blade. Place any border stones at the edges of the interlocking stones. Continue with the stone placement until you fill the entire area between the edge restraints.
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7
Go over the surface of the stones with the compactor to press them firmly into place. Check that the stones are level using a carpenter's level. For areas containing stones that are not level, use a rubber-headed mallet to pound them into place. You may have to remove a stone and add sand to make it level. Raise the stone, make adjustments to the bed, and then replace the stone, using the mallet to even it out.
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8
Pour sand across the surface of the stones and use a push broom to move the sand into the joints between the stones, filling them completely. Go over the stones again to settle the sand into the joints. If the joints are no longer filled after settling, repeat the process until the compactor no longer has sand to settle. Brush away any excess sand.
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9
Seal the pavement using a concrete sealant to protect the stones from the elements. Pour the sealant onto the pavers and use a squeegee to cover the stones.
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Tips & Warnings
Cutting the pavers can cause chipping on occasion. Wear protective long-sleeved clothing, safety goggles and gloves while cutting them to avoid injury.
