Hardscapes

What is used under interlocking concrete pavers?
For foot traffic a 4” layer of compacted Class 2 Base Rock, with 1” layer of Concrete Sand as a setting bed. For vehicular traffic 8”-12” of compacted Class 2 Base Rock, with a 1” layer of Concrete Sand as a setting bed.

What kind of sand is used between the joints of interlocking concrete pavers?
Laps 30 Mesh Sand, which is a fine kiln dried sand that will sweep easily into the paver joints and drain. Polymeric sand is a more permanent option but only in foot traffic applications, not driveways.

What kind of gravel is used for drainage?
¾” Crushed Drain Rock.

What gravel should I use for pathways?
3/8” crushed gravel is a more stable option than a smooth pebble, however either can be used.

What is the difference between regular pathway fines and stabilized fines?
Stabilized pathway fines contain a natural binder that helps resist erosion during heavy rains. A caveat, regular pathway fines and stabilized pathway fines will always have a loose grit surface which can be tracked by shoes or pets and can pit or scratch floors. Be sure to allow for a track off area when installing near the house.

How much is one ton?
A ton is 2000 pounds. Most of the sand or gravel that we sell by weight is approximately 20 cubic feet.

How do I install a decomposed granite pathway?
Layout pathway, then excavate for a compacted base of Class 2 Base Rock. Set your header boards. For foot traffic, a 4” base is sufficient. The decomposed granite should be installed at a 2” depth, with a slightly crowned surface so that rain water will drain off the pathway and not puddle, causing soft muddy areas. Compact with a water filled lawn roller, a hand tamper or vibratory plate. If you choose to install stabilized decomposed granite wet the Class 2 Base Rock prior to installing the stabilized DG. Thoroughly wet the 2” of stabilized DG. Rule of thumb is 20 gallons of water per one ton of stabilized DG. Be sure to check multiple areas to ensure that the water has penetrated the 2” layer of DG. Once the stabilized DG has been graded allow it to sit undisturbed for 4-6 hours. Compact with a vibratory plate. Allow 3-5 days for the stabilized DG to cure prior to use. In cooler weather this may take up to 2 weeks.

How do I install French drains?
Dig a trench along the wall or foundation with water issues, making sure that the trench is graded so that gravity will run the water to the proper location. The trench should be no less than 12” wide and the depth just below the bottom of the foundation, footing or wall. Once the trench has been dug, line it with Mirafi 140N filter fabric. Mirafi will allow the water to run into the trench but keep sediment from clogging your French drain system, allow enough fabric to fold back across the top of the trench once the drain rock has been installed. After lining the trench with Mirafi, fill the trench with 2”-3” of ¾” Crushed Drain Rock. Install perforated drain pipe, holes facing down, maintaining a slope so that the water will be carried off by the drain pipe. Fill the rest of the trench with ¾” Crushed Drain Rock, folding the extra flap of Mirafi over the top of the trench. You can cover the top of the trench with soil, sod, mulch or decorative gravel. At the end of the French drain you can connect non perforated drain pipe to run the water into a drain or sump. A typical sump is a 3’x3’x3’ pit, lined with Mirafi and filled with ¾” Crushed Drain Rock. The sump will allow the drain water to percolate into the soil.