toemar_banner1 toemar_banner1 toemar_banner3

Installing Interlocking Pavers or Tiles

Tools Needed:

PENCIL, TAPE MEASURE, SHOVEL AND OR SKID STEER, WHEELBARROW, SPRAY PAINT, STRING LINE, SQUARE, PLATE VIBRATOR (COMPACTOR), CUT-OFF SAW, LANDSCAPE RAKE (3 FT), FLAT EDGED PIECE OF WOOD OR METAL, LEVEL, RUBBER MALLET, BROOM, METAL PUMP SPRAYER OR PAINT ROLLER(S) W/TRAY(S).

Plan & Measure

a) Start by sketching out possible designs on paper, it will be required to measure fixed objects (trees, house and fence).

b) Shape out the desired area using a Hose, String Line, Rope or Spray Paint.

c) Begin to record measurements of the area, both in imperial and metric.

i. This measurement is important because most to all Interlocking Pavers are sold by the square foot (FT2).

ii. Be sure to record slope and grade differences.

iii. At this point you may decide to use a Retaining Wall(s), include this into your drawings… see Installing Walls for more details.

d) Calculate square footage of the area using the AREA FORMULA L x W = FT2 (ex: 5’ x 30’ = 150 ft2).

i. It may be required to break down the total area into separate sections if the area is irregular.

e) Take the square footage (FT2) and calculate the base material using the BASE MATERIAL FORMULA L (in feet) x W (in feet) x D (in inches) =____÷ 300 = cubic yards required (YD3), (ex: 5’ x 30’ x 6”= 900 ÷ 300 = 3 yd3).

i. Refer to the Recommended Installation Chart:

Recommended Installation Chart
Application Compacted Base/Sub Base Loose Base/Bedding
Patio, Walkways, Walls 4-6” 1”
Driveway and Driveway Extension 10-12” 1”
Material Crush Run, Limestone Screenings, HPB Coarse Sand, Limestone Screenings

ii. You must now analyze the amount of each Aggregate (Compacted and Loose) that will be used and breakdown the particular products (ex: 5’ x 30’ x 5” (Limestone Screenings) = 750 ÷ 300 = 2.5 yd3), therefore you will need 2.5 yd3 of limestone screening (Compacted Base) and only 0.5 yd3 of sand (Loose Base/Bedding) to equal a total of 3 yd3.

iii. Remember it is important to FOLLOW THE REQUIRED DEPTHS, if you do not follow these requirements MOVEMENT AND SHIFTING will happen in the immediate future.

iv. When ordering Aggregate, allow 15-20 % extra for compaction.

f) Start choosing a particular type of Interlocking Paver or Tile that fits your style and budget…see Interlocking Pavers or Patio Stones & Decorative Tiles for product details.

i. Consider contrasting colour pallets (Borders and Walls), this is a simple way to break up colour and add a dynamic look to your home.

ii. Come visit us at Toemar Garden Supplies & Firewood to discuss your plan, our staff will be more than happy to suggest ideas to fit your style and budget.

g) Allow 24-48 hours for delivery on in-stock items.

i.You will be required to plan ahead and order all aspects of the job in sequence (Disposal/Bin Rentals, Base Materials and Interlocking Pavers/Tiles).

ii. When ordering Interlocking Pavers or Tiles allow 10% extra for cuts (ex: 150 ft2 + 10% = 165 ft2).

h) ORDER YOUR CHOICE OF AGGREGATE(S) AND SAVE 10% OFF YOUR BIN RENTAL… see Promotional for more details.

Excavation/Digging

a) BEFORE YOU DIG CALL THE UTILITY, GAS AND ELECTRIC LOCATE HOTLINE 1-800-400-2255, MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS MARKED BEFORE ANY EXCAVATION!!!

b) Begin to dig using a Shovel and or Skid Steer and place soil/dirt into the Bin.

i. Be sure to dig the appropriate depth of the base to allow for the Interlocking Paver or Tile height/thickness (ex: if 6” is the depth of the base and a tile is 2”, then it will be required to dig 8”).

ii. This particular method allows the height of the Interlocking Paver or Tile to be flush more or less with the outside perimeter (grass area or garden).

c) Make sure you have String Lines with a Level running in the excavated area and examine the depth, make adjustments accordingly.

i. There must be a slight slope away from the house (2% slope), allowing the water to escape.

Base Installation

a) Install the Sub Base (Limestone Screenings or Crush Run) first.

i. Using a Landscape Rake, grade the base (that will be compacted) to a proper slope (away from the house) using the 2% slope rule (1” fall for every 4 ft).

ii. Begin to compact using a Plate Vibrator in a series of layers.

iii. It is important to remember that a Plate Vibrator makes an area flat and not level.

iv. The use of String Lines and a Level at this stage is very important, the Compacted Base should be flat/smooth.

b) Be sure to prepare the base for any Walls or Steps that have to be installed… see Installing Walls for more details.

c) Now it is time to install the Loose Base/Bedding (Limestone Screenings or Sand at 1” maximum works best).

i. With a Landscape Rake or Flat Edged Piece of Wood or Metal work the base so that it is flat/smooth.

ii. This stage allows you to fix small imperfections from the compacted base.

iii. Do not walk on top of the final layer.

Installing Interlocking Pavers/Tiles

a) All Walls and Steps must be installed before Interlocking Pavers or Tiles.

b) Using a Square begin to set up perpendicular String Lines to make sure the initial starting point is 90°.

i. Begin to install in an area that is accessible and that does not allow you to disturb the base.

ii. Start from the house and work outwards.

iii. Remember that no house has a straight foundation and that a String Line must be installed along the house.

iv. Expose 3 to 6” of the base on the outside perimeter for Restraint Edging, this will allow the spikes to penetrate into the Aggregate for maximum stability.

c) All patterns and ratios should be recorded and recognized before installing.

i. Be aware of all the sizes used so you do not run short or have excess of a particular size.

d) Start installing Interlocking Pavers or Tiles by laying down some of the borders as a guide, work in an outwards direction.

i. Using a String Line, continuously check lines to ensure that they are straight.

ii. Using a Square, continuously check lines to ensure they are 90°.

iii. You can use a Rubber Mallet to make adjustments with height and alignment.

e) Cutting should be left to the very end of the installation.

i. Measure, mark and cut the remaining Interlocking Pavers or Tiles using a Cut-off Saw.

f) Install Restraint Edging (Aluminum/Plastic Edging) around the exposed perimeter of the Interlocking Pavers or Tiles… see Aluminum/Plastic Edging for product details.

i. Install Restraint Edging using 8-10” spikes with a Mallet.

ii. Make sure all Restraint Edging are installed tightly against the side of the Interlocking Pavers or Tiles.

Sanding and Sealing

a) Begin by pouring Sand on the Interlocking Paver or Tile surface… see Polymeric Sand & Jointing Sand for product details.

i. Sweep all of the Sand into the joints, be sure all the Sand is filled to the top of the joint.

ii. If using Polymeric Sand be sure there is no sand residue on the top surface.

iii. If using Polymeric Sand, water the top surface with a hose on a mist setting and soak thoroughly.

POLYMERIC SAND WILL NOT SET IF MIXED WITH REGULAR JOINTING SAND. THE PROPER TEMPERATURE RANGE FOR POLYMERIC SAND IS 10 DEGREES CELCIUS OR MORE, INSTALLATION SHOULD BE DONE ON DRY DAYS.

b) Select the appropriate quantity and type of Sealer (high gloss or semi gloss)… see Sealer for product details.

i. Begin to apply Sealer using a Metal Pump Sprayer or Paint Roller(s).

ii. Install the Sealer in thin coats to gain maximum coverage and consistency.

iii. Sealer will be touch dry in 4 hours and fully dry within 8-12 hours.

SEALER SHOULD NOT BE APPLIED UNTIL 30-60 DAYS AFTER THE INSTALLATION OF NEW INTERLOCKING PAVERS OR TILES. THIS IS DUE TO THE EFFECTS OF EFFLORECENCE (WHITISH SALT DUE TO THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF CONCRETE PRODUCTS). THE PROPER TEMPERATURE RANGE FOR SEALER IS 10 TO 30° C. SEALER MUST BE INSTALLED ON A DRY DAY TO PREVENT A CHEMICAL REACTION.

FOR FURTHER QUESTIONS INVOLVING THE INSTALLATION OF INTERLOCKING PAVERS OR TILES CONTACTS US TODAY
Copyright 2010 toemar.ca Web Design Development by Illusive Design Inc.