Installation Do's & Don'ts

Do put together a sketch or drawing of the work area/design, with proper measurements, to aid in gathering the correct amount of materials. Appropriate planning will help reduce mistakes and oversights ahead. Ensure you have ample space for any furniture or appliances.
Do Not position pallets of bricks/pavers too far away from the excavation area. For convenience, clear the space surrounding the job site so you may place brick/paver blocks as closely as possible.
Do consider hiring a contractor for larger projects as it will likely take several days to complete a project from excavation to brick/paver installation.
Do consider load requirements, type of soil, water drainage, thickness of bricks/pavers as this will affect excavation depth.
Do Not proceed with excavation without locating all phone, gas, and utility lines (Dial 811 before digging).
Do Use tape, string, or paint to indicate the perimeter of your excavation area, which should extend 6”-8” beyond the edge of the paved area.
Do ensure proper aggregate (PA 2A Modified – MD CR6) base slopes slightly (1%-2%) away from the foundation of the house, to aid in water drainage.
Do Not try to compact more than 4” of base material at a time. If your base is 5” or thicker, be sure to fill and compact the base material in multiple passes (Maximum 4” lifts).
Do Not tamp the setting bed layer. Only fill in as much setting bed material as needed for the amount of pavers being installed that day. This is the best way to avoid having to re-level the setting bed material due to weather or foot traffic affecting unfinished areas.
Do use coarse concrete sand (ASTM C-33) as the setting bed material for proper water drainage.
Do Not assume foundation walls or poured concrete curbs are straight. Use a string line spaced about a quarter inch from the wall to assist in the laying of bricks/pavers.
Do maintain a maximum 1/16” joint between bricks (1/8” for larger pavers without spacers).
Do use a proper edge restraint to eliminate paver movement.
Do ensure there is sand over the surface of the bricks/pavers prior to using a vibrating plate compactor to prevent surface scratches.
Do use string lines to maintain straight uniform joints.
Do Not use a vibratory plate compactor on larger slabs unless you first put down plywood.
Do pick laying patterns that reduce the amount of cutting, if cost is an issue.
Do pay close attention to your finishing steps such as your poly sand & sealers. Read the directions listed on the bags or cans and take your time.

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