Site Preparation and Base Installation
At 0:23 in
virtual to literal. #paverpatio #Unilock #hardscape
What happens here
Before any pavers can be laid, thorough site preparation is essential. This involves excavating the area to the required depth, typically 8-12 inches, allowing for the sub-base, base, and bedding layers, as well as the paver thickness. Next, a layer of geotextile fabric may be laid to prevent mixing of subgrade soil and base materials. Then, a robust sub-base of crushed aggregate (e.g., 6-8 inches) is installed in lifts and compacted with a plate compactor. Finally, a 1-inch thick bedding layer of concrete sand is spread and screeded to the final grade, ensuring proper slopes for drainage. Edge restraints are installed around the perimeter to contain the pavers. Although not shown in this specific video, these steps are fundamental to a durable and long-lasting paver patio and must be completed before paver laying begins.
Goal: Establish a stable, well-drained foundation for paver installation
Tools and materials
- Level — Checking grades and slopes
- Measuring tape — Measuring excavation depths and material layers
- Plate compactor Rental equipment — Compacting base and sub-base layers
- Rake/Screed board — Spreading and leveling sand bedding
- Shovel — Excavating soil and spreading materials
- String line and stakes — Establishing layout, lines, and elevations
- Utility knife — Cutting geotextile fabric
- Wheelbarrow — Transporting excavated soil and aggregates
- Concrete sand N/A — Forming the leveling bed for pavers
- Crushed aggregate — Creating the load-bearing base layer
- Geotextile fabric N/A — Separating base layers and preventing weed growth
- Paver edge restraints — Securing the perimeter of the paver installation
- Spikes — Anchoring edge restraints into the base