If you have done your homework with measuring the area of the patio, then laying pavers on dirt will be an easy job. Yes, it will take your effort and time, but if you know the steps, it will be worth taking.
Here, we will talk about how effortlessly you can lay patio on dirt by just following a few steps. Remember to follow them dedicatedly, or else the result will not be something you desire!
Steps to Lay Patio Pavers on Dirt
Step 1: Remove the root system
You will need to remove all the grass or foliage that can come in your way before you lay patio pavers. When taking the grass out, it’s essential that you dig it into the ground deep enough with a space so you can remove the root system properly. Make sure there is no root or grass left behind since they can potentially produce the grass again and end up growing up between the pavers.
If you want, you can transplant the grass to the bare areas at your backyard. So, you don’t have the waste them anyway.
Step 2: Level the land
You are required to place the patio pavers on the top of the level land so that you can make sure they line up perfectly. For leveling the ground, you need to use clean Virginia fill dirt. Yes, the phrase seems contradictory, but make sure you use so. It is a fill dirt that doesn’t possess elements like large debris, organic matters or toxins. The fill dirt is used primarily for construction purposes like ground leveling or structure foundations. If you use topsoil for those projects, then you may not encounter success since the soil has organic matter and that it breaks down over time.
While leveling the land, you can face such issue especially when filling a low point. You may initially fill the low point to line up with the rest of the ground, but the topsoil’s changing volume would result in the low point returning over time. And if that happens, it will lead to the pavers sitting unevenly.
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That is the reason why it is suggested to not use any random dirt. Because, you won’t know if it has organic matter which can prevent the ground from creating a permanent level grade to the backyard. If you want assurance, then make sure to get Virginia fill dirt from a reliable contractor. With this, you will get the dirt that has been screened and certified.
Once you take time to have the required fill dirt, you will be able to build a long-lasting level base as well as a patio that can withstand all the weather conditions and elements so that it can last for years.
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Step 3: Mark out the area
Now, you need to mark out the area that you will grade with stakes. After putting the stakes in place, settle on what height you want to level. In most cases, it’s easier to build the land up than to dig and worry about taking out the dirt as you will need to add dirt anyway.
However, make sure to look for a spot within the parameter where you aim to build up the rest of the area so you can match and mark it using stakes. After you settle on the height you wish to build up to, utilize the fill dirt. Make sure each area within the parameters reaches that height.
It is very easy to place the fil dirt. All you have to do is to pack it down after making sure that it won’t move anywhere you don’t want. You can also add a bit of more fill dirt to make it a little higher. This will help avoid the area to be too low to reach the level point when you are done with compacting the dirt.
Step 4: Compact the dirt
After you are done leveling the whole area where you aim to lay patio pavers, put another thin layer of fill dirt. Make sure to pound over the exposed soil with a hand tamper so that you can compact and level the land tightly. The more you will apply the force, the better it will be. And the more you compact the fill dirt, the more stable it would become for the pavers. Compacting the dirt is a very essential step as it helps in creating a sturdy and balanced foundation.
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Step 5: Get Geotextile Fabric
You are required to place down pieces of geotextile or landscaping fabric on the fill dirt so that it can firm the base up, enhance drainage, and prevent wild plants from growing among the bricks.
Using spikes, secure the edges of the fabric down so that they don’t appear. Make sure that you follow this step because taking such precaution against the weed will make sure you have a long lasting patio.
Step 6: Add Edge Restraints
Place metal or wood edge restraints against the inner wall of the compact fill dirt. With 9 inches nail spikes, make sure to have the restraints fastened down through the edging holes.
Step 7: Place down the pavers
Lay the patio pavers down in a pattern you want. It does not matter how the pattern looks like, the most essential factor is to make sure that the pavers are even against each other. However, place them down at one corner or end. After that, work your way across.
Once you covered a small section, put a wooded board across of it, then hit it gently using a hammer. This will help in embedding the bricks across the dirt and leveling them evenly with one another. Continue the process till you are done laying all of the pavers.
Step 8: Set Stone Dust
Now you will need to add stone dust to the patio pavers. After that, have it swept between the small crevices. Next, moisten the bricks and continue the process. The stone dust does not only help in filling up the tiny spaces left between the pavers but also acts as an obstacle against wild plants.