Tired of that old gravel driveway, or the asphalt that has been there for too many years finally giving out? Consider using concrete pavers in driveways for a look of elegance and style! Building your driveway with pavers adds a unique style to your home.
Installing driveway pavers can create an elegant design, as well as add to your home’s curb appeal.
Your driveway is a part of your home as much as the grass, paint, or any other piece. Designing your driveway with pavers is a more efficient and elegant way to spruce up your driveway. Think of your home’s curb appeal. Most passersby will take notice of your home’s exterior design, greenery, walkway, and driveway.
In addition to being a more appealing design, pavers are easier to install and are more cost effective. If you’re looking to install pavers as a do-it-yourself project, look no further for eHow.com‘s tips on how to build a driveway with pavers.
Building Your Driveway With Pavers
If you have a new or existing driveway that needs to be laid with concrete but you are nervous about the price of cement and labor cost then maybe you should consider pavers. Laying pavers down your driveway doesn’t require a cement truck pulling up to your house nor does it require a skilled and professional group of workers. Laying pavers is something you can do yourself. With just the right guidelines, equipment and supplies, your new driveway is just a weekend away.
Instructions
1.) Remove old driveway material. Clear the area until there is nothing left but the dirt foundation. Excavate the driveway to a 12-inch depth.
2.) Determine the square footage of the driveway. For example, if your driveway is 10-by-10 feet then your square footage will equal 100 sq. feet. Determine the number of pavers you need for your driveway. To find this number, you need to multiply the project area by the number of pavers per square foot.
3.)Install the paver base 2 inches at a time until it is 8 inches thick. Use a compactor and a level between each installation. It is important that the base is level before each new layer is laid.
4.) Lay down 3/4-inch steel pipes in a parallel manner, approximately 3 to 4 feet apart. After all the area is laid with pipe, fill the area with leveling sand. Use the 2-by-4 inch board as a screed to flatten the sand back and forth until it is smooth and even.
Remove pipes after the sand has been laid and smoothed. Do not walk on the leveled sand once it has been leveled. Because of this, you will have to lay the pipe and level sand one section at a time.
5.) Begin laying the pavers down in a position where you will not have to step or walk onto the flat and smooth area. Once the pavers have been laid you can walk on them but do not walk on the base/leveling sand until the pavers are down.
For places where you will not need a whole paver, use a masonry saw or chisel to size the paver to the measurement you need.
6.) Sweep leveling sand into the creases of the pavers using a large shop broom.
7.) Place edges of driveway with concrete barriers to keep base, leveling sand and pavers in place.
Although very time consuming, pavers are simple to install and look great. Another great tip to make your home stand out is to match your paver with your home’s design. If your home is built with a light brick, then try adding a paver with a reddish hue to it. For assistance with your project, or to find the right paver for you, call Camosse Masonry.
