Hi Laying paving stones in concrete gives them a permanence not found with sand or gravel bases. This is the preferred base for close-fitting paving stones arranged in specific patterns. Steps: 1. Remove turf and topsoil to a depth of the stone plus 2 inches. If you plan to park cars on the paved area, dig farther to allow for a 4-inch sub-base of crushed rock as well. 2. Allow for drainage by creating a slight slope away from nearby buildings. A drop of 1/2 inch per yard is about right. 3. Spread 1 inch of sand across the bottom of the area. (Add the sub-base of crushed rock first if applicable.) 4. Level the sand with a 2-by-4 by dragging the board's edge across the sand and frequently tamping it down. 5. Position the stones and the borders in the sand. This is where they'll be when you're finished, so be precise when laying them out. 6. Mix 1 part cement with 4 parts sand and add enough water to make a mortar. 7. Begin at a corner and remove 4 stones. Spread the mortar 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick in the open space where the stones were. 8. Set the stones back in place in the mortar. Tap each with a mallet (buffered by a block of wood) as you go. You want to make sure that each stone is set evenly. 9. Place 1/4-inch-wide wooden spacers between the stones as you lay them. Use scrap wood to make these. 10. Use a 2-by-4 board and a carpenter's level as you go to make sure the stones are level. 11. Pull the spacers out before the mortar dries. 12. Let the mortar set for at least 36 hours. Avoid allowing any weight on the stones, or they may wobble later. 13. Finish the project by mixing 1 part dry cement and 3 parts dry sand. Sprinkle this into the spaces between the stones and brush away any excess. 14. Go over the entire area with a very fine spray of water to wet the cement-and-sand mixture. 15. Expect the surface to set within 48 hours. Tips: Accurate measurements are very important when laying pavers in close patterns. Keep the top level about 3/4 inch below the height of the lawn; you'll be able to mow right up to the edge without worrying about damaging your mower. Consider renting a power plate vibrator. This machine looks something like a lawnmower with a flat metal plate in the bottom. Go over the entire area to press the stones into place and ensure that they're level. Laying pavers in gravel creates a pleasing effect and is ideal for areas with a lot of rain or wind. Use gravel when laying stones in random patterns or in arrangements with spaces between the stones. Steps: 1. Remove turf and topsoil to a depth of the stone plus 1 1/2 inches. 2. Build a retaining border to keep the gravel from migrating into flowerbeds or your lawn. It can be made of weather-treated wood, brick, or plastic edging. 3. Lay a shallow layer (about an inch) of sand. Spread it with a rake. 4. Level the sand with a 2-by-4 by dragging the board's edge across the sand and frequently tamping it down. 5. Arrange the stones in a suitable pattern, keeping the smaller ones toward the center and the larger ones at the perimeter. 6. Tap each stone as you go with a mallet buffered by a block of wood. You want to make sure each stone is set evenly and isn't going to wobble. 7. Use a 2-by-4 board and a carpenter's level as you go, making sure the stones are level. 8. Pour gravel in small piles along the drive or walkway and sweep it between the stones with a garage broom. 9. Sweep sand (matching the color of the gravel) over the top of the surface and water thoroughly. Tips: Because of their shape, you may need to build up the spaces below some of the stones with sand as you're setting them. Don't use other stones, as these will eventually break off and the stone above will sink. Consider renting a plate vibrator. Go over the entire area to press the stones into place and ensure that they're level. Warnings: If you plan to park cars on the paved area, lay a 4-inch sub-base of crushed rock below the sand to add stability. Lay paving stones in sand when you think you might want to change the arrangement later or when you just don't want to bother with concrete or gravel. This method is best for random patterns with space between the stones. Steps: 1. Clear the area where you intend to lay the stones. 2. Build a retaining border to keep the sand in place. It can be made of weather-treated wood, brick, or plastic edging. 3. Dig out the soil a little deeper than the thickness of your stones. 4. Lay a shallow layer (about an inch) of sand. Spread it with a rake. 5. Arrange the stones in a suitable pattern, keeping the smaller ones toward the center and the larger ones at the perimeter. 6. Tap each stone with a mallet (buffered with a block of wood). You want to make sure each stone is set evenly and isn't going to wobble. 7. Use a 2-by-4 board and a carpenter's level as you go, making sure the stones are level. 8. Press smaller stones into areas with large gaps. 9. Pour dry sand in piles along the drive or walkway and sweep the sand between the stones with a broom. 10. Water the area thoroughly, let it dry, and then fill in the low areas with more sand. Tips: Because of their shape, you may need to build up the spaces below some of the stones with sand as you're setting them. Don't use other stones, however, as they will eventually break off and the stone above will sink. You may want to rent a plate vibrator. Go over the entire area to press the stones into place and insure that they're level.
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