Installation Instructions

11
PAVER PATIO & SIDEWALK INSTALLATION
To begin, make a drawing of the existing area you want
to put your patio; noting any existing trees, planting beds
or decks it needs to be tied in with. Be sure to measure
everything. Use a straight, 16' 2x4 with a 4' level on it and
a tape measure to get a rough idea of how much the yard
slopes (note that on the drawing too). With the drawing
and measurements, use the Landscaping Estimator on
Menards.com to lay out a few dierent designs. (Image 1)
Remember these helpful tips:
-Patios must have a slight slope (1" for every
4' to 8') for proper drainage. If you don’t provide enough
slope, rainwater will settle into low spots, eventually
softening and washing out the sand and subbase
materials beneath. A at or poorly sloped patio could
even direct water into your basement. Too much slope
and it will feel like things are rolling o your patio. Bear in
mind you can build up low spots with an extra-thick layer
of subbase.
-Ask yourself how you’ll be using your patio. A minimum
of 25 sq. ft. of patio per house occupant is recommended.
A patio at least 16' long in one direction is often the most
functional. Plan for at least a 6' x 6' area out of any trac
path for a dining table and chairs. Do you need space
for a grill? Lounge Chairs? A wading pool? Planters?
Hopscotch? Sketch these on you tracing paper as well.
-In small areas, use simple pavers and patterns (like
the running bond). In large areas, you can break up the
expanse with a variety of patterns or dividing bands.
-Curves add interest and grace to the patio-but also a lot
more cutting and extra work.
Pavers, Materials and
Tools
When ordering pavers, estimate the square footage of your
patio, then add 10 percent. If you have a lot of curves,
borders or half pavers add 15 percent extra. This allows for
damaged pavers and provides extra ones for future repairs.
Use plastic edger to outline the perimeter and hold
everything in place.
Paver Base, available at your local Menards, is the perfect
subbase material. Each 1/2 cubic foot bag will cover 3 sq.
ft. at a 2" depth. Paver leveling sand and paver locking
sand will also be necessary for completion of your project.
For tools, you’ll use everyday hammers, levels and tape
measures as well as larger tools, such as a at-plate
vibrator and a masonry saw.
Planning and Layout
The rst thing you should think about is where the last
paver will wind up. Will your yard accommodate the slope
and size of your patio? Will a square patio end in nice, full
pavers or skinny little slivers?
With your plan in hand, lay down garden hose and 2x4s to
form an outline of your patio (Image 2).
SCALE DRAWING
1
2
Outline the patio perimeter using a
garden hose to indicate curved areas
and long 2x4s for straight sections.
2
PAVERS
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