Brick and Paver Walkway
Ground Preparation
Tips for Ensuring a Long Lasting Brick and
Paver Walkway
By Mark J. Donovan
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A brick and paver walkway ads beauty
and charm to a home’s entranceway. However, if the brick and paver walkway
ground preparation is done poorly it doesn’t take very long before the walkway
looks unsightly and becomes a danger to your family and visitors.
When installing a brick and paver
walkway it is critical that the ground be properly prepared first. If brick and
pavers are placed directly over the existing soil, they will heave and pitch
with changes in soil moisture content and temperature. |
In addition, weeds will easily
grow up through the bricks and pavers creating an unsightly look.
Brick and Paver Walkway Ground
Preparation
The first step in brick and paver
walkway ground preparation is to remove some of the existing soil from the
planned walkway area. Start by just removing the topsoil from the walkway
area. You may want to reuse this soil elsewhere on your property.
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Next, dig down further and remove
another 4-8 inches of existing soil. If you live in colder climates with deep
frost lines, you may want to dig a little deeper.
With the soil removed, install
crushed gravel into the walkway area and tamp it down with a small soil
compactor. Install and compact enough crushed gravel so that all but the final
two inches of the dugout area is filled in.
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With the crushed gravel
compacted, place landscaping fabric over it. The landscape fabric will help
with drainage as well as mitigate weed growth.
Next, install a 1 inch bed of
clean sand into the walkway area, and over the landscaping fabric. Use a
length of 2x4 and a level on top of it, to smooth out the sand and to create
a level bed.
With the sand prepared and level,
install lengths of plastic edge guides along the edges of the walkway. Use
12” spikes to secure the plastic edge guides to the soil.
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Once the edge guides are in place
you can then begin placing brick and paver stones. I personally find it
quicker to install all of the whole paver stones into the walkway first, and
then go back to install the cut pieces.
After you have installed all of
the brick and paver stones, sweep some sand over them to lock them into
place.
Planning to have a Brick or Paver Walkway
Installed
by a Landscaping Contractor but not sure what questions to ask to ensure you
hire the right one? See HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Brick and Paver Walkway Bid Sheet. The
Brick and Paver Walkway Bid Sheet will help ensure that your walkway
project goes smoothly and you get the finished walkway you are looking for.
How to Finance your New Home Project
- LendingTree's
Home Equity Loans
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Additional Brick Paver Walkway Resources
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