Patio Paver help

The loose sand may be a contributor but you need to screed (level) the sand after compacting it. It may look "smooth" but still be wavy if you don't. Don Young

- Ron -

- Nehmo - I don't know the answer to the technical question as I've never done that type of job. Regarding the philosophical question, however, I wouldn't settle for the imperfections. Find out what you did wrong and correct it. The wife's opinion is irrelevant - unless you need somebody to provide you with an excuse to be a quitter.

Thanks. I'll try to reseat the few.

I assume you meant 3" of gravel

Too thick.

Wrong. Never compact the sand.

Huh?! 1/4' or 1/4"? Sounds like the loose sand was not screeded to a uniform thickness. How do you expect the pavers to be level?

Yes, it was.

Good idea.

You've already compacted once.

Better than compacting the hills.

Even though I'm an engineer, and normally like everything to be precise, lately I find minor irregularities to be appealing. That's why I don't like vinyl siding, compared to cedar shakes, for example.

If you read the installation instructions from EP Henry, Cambridge, Anchor, and other paver manufacturers, you'll see that:

1. The underlying soil should be compacted. (If the soil is clay, next add a separation fabric over it.)
2. The gravel over the soil (or fabric) should be compacted.
3. The sand over the gravel should be 1" (or at most 1.5") thick and screeded level, but NOT compacted.
4. The pavers are laid and compacted.
5. Sand is swept into the joints.

Who told you to lay 2" sand, compact it, and lay another 1/4" (or

What did you do for edge restraints?

Check this out:

No brainer. The wife is always right.

- Ron -

- JerryMouse -

- Nehmo - Not on these kinds of issues. OP recognizes the imperfections of his job, and he won't feel satisfied until they're corrected. I would be disappointed in OP if he did nothing.

Great trick! For her of course.