Don't attempt BASE PREP until you see this video! Base Prep basics to make your project last.

[@davekushman2363]

When you screed with a level you’ll get a much flatter surface if you use more of a rowing motion over just a straight drag backwards. One side of the level stays somewhat stationary while you drag back with the other hand, after that pull bring your level back to where it started and repeat with the opposite side staying stationary.

[@united3689]

i just did base prep for first time ever. And i went and bought a tamper like youre using. I was trying to hit the ground as hard as i could, but watching you do small quick repetitive wacks makes me realise it doesnt have to be too hard! I like how you used the plexi glass to show the soil compacting as you tamped it :)

[@AJsGreenThumbLLC]

Man this is some serious prep! Quite impressive and your clients must truly appreciate your work!!

[@benscherer1698]

What kind of soil do you use for you base

[@c7wc]

Your customers are definitely getting their money's worth! Good to see someone take real pride in their work 👍

[@shannongibson4591]

Currently in the final stages of a new house build & I'll be doing all the landscaping myself. Can I just say I wish every tradie who has/will work on my house had the same care and skill as you do man. This video is a master class in not just how to put down paving base (which I needed) but on how to be a master of your craft, period. Great video mate, thank you

[@HardscapeCanada]

Love it thank you!

[@gerritwillemvankeulen3907]

In the US these are a standard way a doing things, I was actually ICP certified so I know what the standard are and have projects done according to their guidelines. I am also Dutch living in Oregon since 1984, the Dutch have no gravel , they use sand for most of their sidewalks and urban roads. I used 6 inch of sand on top of my liner and my patio looks great 10 years on. The strenght of sand is it vertical strength, think of the beach, you can drive on compacted side of the beach sand, the weakness is action on its horizontal side of it, like when you turn you steering wheel.You need good drainage, and good side restrains, and it's easy fixing, and reuse the sand and pavers.

[@TommyShlong]

what kind of liner do you use?

[@AnxiousCowboy]

What would you do for driveway base prep for 4” pavers

[@captainmac1334]

Great introduction to all the needed prep steps. Great idea of using the window to show the height/lifts and stamping of the roadbase and sand.

[@edwardd8609]

Thank you for explaining when to use the cloth. Some videos just did it, some didn't, no one explained when to use it and when it was unecessary.

[@sunseeker6088]

I would certainly hire this guy. Seems very professional and willing to go the extra mile to get it done right.

[@codyfranklin7828]

Absolutely brilliant using the glass to visually show compaction. Now when a customer has questions about the base prep, I can refer them to this quick informative video. Thanks mate

[@HardscapeCanada]

So happy you got something out of it! I’ll try to keep it coming!

[@blueyedream]

Really clear and concise instructions. Honestly the best I've seen on the topic.

[@HardscapeCanada]

Thank you I’m glad you got some value out of it!

[@robertcoulson483]

Excellent! Great to see someone who knows what he is doing and can explain how to do it wright,

[@jim9520]

I like your video a lot. That side video of the layers and compaction makes things very clear. Thank you very much.

[@HardscapeCanada]

My pleasure!!

[@hincapiejc]

I really appreciate the detailed info, the thorough explanations, & the cross-section view. It reminded me of a college class I once took. Very cool. Thanks for your work on the quality video. Respect.

[@HardscapeCanada]

Hey thank you!

[@DavidMoore-br7ge]

You have to go at least 8 inch deep for the base and 2 or 3 more depending on where you want the stones to sit usually go above grade a little. I do fabric, 5 inch gravel road base compact at 2.5 inch , then 3inches of limestone screening with the last inch packing in some concrete sand then you’re ready for brick. Driveways are 14-18 inch base

[@easlandscaping]

Excellent video, I need every one of my crew members to watch this, some of them maybe twice.

[@HardscapeCanada]

Share it around! I have some online course modules including base prep setup if you’re interested for your crew as well!

[@tedbastwock3810]

Love seeing a pro taking his craft seriously. New sub. Thanks for sharing.

[@michaellee1626]

Have been researching Patio Paver Install for a few days. This is one of the few really good videos that shows detail. I knew pavers on only sand would be a disaster in a short time. Yet I was unsure how tight the 3/4- crushed road base would compact. Thanks for the video. Mama (wife) will be happy with her 11 x 21 patio.

[@HardscapeCanada]

Love it! Thank you for this comment!

[@OlBlueshound]

Great video on importance of correct prep for a better long lasting job.

[@andrewpeterson5882]

Great video. As with almost everything, you can pretty much predict the quality of the final product by the quality and completeness of the preparation.

[@HardscapeCanada]

Thank you! Absolutely!

[@bamajeb]

Thanks!

[@genecoppedge5972]

This type of material for a base is on the way out, it just simply traps too much moisture. Now 3/4 clean crushed aggregate, no binder material, is used and then topped with 1/4” or 3/8” clean crushed stone. This allows the water to pass through the stone.

[@internettoughguy]

Seems like heaving would would be a major issue in areas where there are freeze thaw cycles since the water doesn't drain away as easily.

[@AnxiousCowboy]

What do you recommend for each layer for driveway paver prep? Any tips? Thanks

[@Have_you-ever_tried-tacos-tho]

I was going to say ....holy shit I am way wrong.......but it's 3/4 and then quarter minus right? I have a path tomorrow I am studying for

[@ThaiRoney]

No way! Water passing through the stone is not for clay soil. You want to do this way for clay soil so you don’t get water puddled and water pooling up and loosening up the sand . Especially around the home foundation, you don’t want going in the ground, you want to move water aaay from home foundation via sloping and French drains

[@5400bowen]

Definitely the best pad prep video, by far, that I've been able to find in two weeks of looking. The video is enough and not too much, and not a bunch of self gratifying content. I really would like to thank you for your whole package on this video. There are a few OK ones out there, But yours leaves nothing lacking. I excavated two pads here in Hawaii on muck at one site and pretty much solid rock on another. We filled with stone and I compressed the substrate with a 5,000lb tractor. Most stuff on KZbin is working on soil, and it is too different to tie in on most parts. But yours fits in any circumstance. This is my first time from the ground up on a house, though I've done everything else on buildings for years. And I've been pretty frustrated searching the videos, until now.

[@HardscapeCanada]

Hey very much appreciated! Feel free to share it around!!

[@mattobrien2010]

Yes. This was extremely helpful and not filled with a bunch of fluff. Also he didn't hit us with the "and today's video is sponsored by *RAID SHADOW LEGENDS!...*"

[@davidshettlesworth1442]

Thank you for this excellent video. It is the little things that you must attend to that will make your paving a success or failure. I learned a lot of good information. Carry On Sir!

[@HardscapeCanada]

Much appreciated!!!

[@JohnAnderson-ol7ck]

Best video I’ve seen! Thank you it will help me tremendously with my project

[@HardscapeCanada]

Awesome so glad to be of help to you! Let me know how it goes!

[@randykane474]

Great cutaway view. Good presentation.

[@lassibanjo]

Hard work but certainly worth it! Thank you for this video.

[@bobbymeyerti9300]

I like using that level trick under the string🌲great move ... that is the only way to do it that way I can know exactly that I’m flat and level or whatever angle/ height , I need to be at 🌎

[@als1023]

Excellent video and detail. Very well explained and great close up shots.

[@HardscapeCanada]

Thank you very much!

[@thereefaholic]

Good video, love your plexi glass angle showing the compaction. This is still the method here on LI. We can’t do open base if we wanted to because no one sells 1/4” chip.

[@MrAccordman]

From Ontario Toronto. Thank you for Making a simple detailed video ❤️👍👍

[@HardscapeCanada]

My pleasure I’m glad you liked it!

[@jonsmith5774]

A lot of info presented in a concise way. Well done.

[@HardscapeCanada]

Thank you I’m glad you got something out of it!

[@thefrenchgardener1865]

This video was so much help...Thank you.

[@EricaRae76]

So kick ass and informative. Thank you.

[@HardscapeCanada]

So glad you liked it!

[@theboytheycalljonny1]

Thanks man. Straight to the point and no drama!

[@HardscapeCanada]

My pleasure!!

[@cruzcruz8807]

@Hardscape Instructor Kev! Hi Kevin, I plan to make a base of 6 inches with 1 inch of sand and the pavers are 2.4 inches in height. How deep should I dig???

[@HardscapeCanada]

Hey simply add all of that up! Just set your string lines to a final height that makes sense for sloping for water flow etc, and dig until you hit your total measurement down from the string. Just make sure that the layer you dig down to is suitable to build on and devoid of any organic material

[@nathanedmunds188]

In Ohio where I live I prefer using a 1/2" bedding stone as opposed to bedding sand. And I do not compact the sub soil. I lay down a 2 ish inch layer of 3/4 stone and compact that over the sub base. Compacting a clay sub soil can lead to water not permeating as well. Love the video!

[@HardscapeCanada]

Nice thank you for sharing! Always interested in how people in different locations do their thing. Probably a different soil type for the sub soil then here I can in Canada I can guarantee!

[@eduardoherrera4894]

i was going to hate but you are a pro my friend good work.

[@natazer]

The cost stung for about a year, but hiring professionals to install a retaining wall and adjacent paver area has given us so much joy. It draws you to it and gives you a retreat with company or in solitude. Both are the marrow of life.

[@gregboggs2708]

Hmmm. I've always used a graded base of 3/4 trap with a paver bedding of 3/8 since here in my Massachusetts gets lot of ice.

[@cameroncrahtz3522]

Do you have a video demonstrating how to set your level lines? For me the most challenging part is setting your level lines up.

[@HardscapeCanada]

Yup sure do! There’s this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joCWnYOFlruZmpI As well as a slopes video. Also I have a complete site prep course up on www.hardscapetraining.ca

[@williampockoski5029]

Very nice prep. Thanks for the video.

[@atease3464]

Love the enthusiasm

[@SJtoobsox]

All in the prep…well done!

[@liweiwang1981]

Thanks for sharing. Paving base takes time to get it right.

[@oil_can]

Great video! But one question: What do you do when the clay sub-grade is so impermeable, it won’t let rainwater soak into the earth, causing the water to pool up inside your roadbase, sand and pavers?

[@hammerridecycling7630]

what kind of gravel you screeding?thanks

[@HardscapeCanada]

3/4” roadbase

[@keosiri]

This guy is where it’s at! Thank you

[@zanetope6729]

I really like your thinking as far as taking a little extra time with your prep work. I've always had the mindset that any extra time spent prepping you will get back during construction. My question to you is how would you recommend building a great base like this when your using natural stones that have variable thicknesses? The stones could be any where from 2" think to, 6.5" thick, and likely only somewhat flat on one side.

[@HardscapeCanada]

Hey Zane, thanks for your feedback. I would do a minimum base of 4-6” roadbase, then decide on what you want to bed the stones in. Are you setting them in sand like a cobble? Or in mortar?

[@zanetope6729]

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I was planning on using a four-eleven limestone. Which is basically a number #9 limestone small like pea gravel size with the fines, or pulverized material from the crusher. We use a #304 limestone for the base. Similar material with a larger stone. I'm in Ohio USA it's commonly referred to as berm material in these parts. Thanks again. Zane

[@PaverProtector]

Love the plexi side profile!

[@ryanlillie9532]

Should use a road bass fabric to keep the gravel from migrating into the sub soil. And you should lay you wall and step stones in a angular clear stone.

[@tripped42]

? Newbie here, about to start setting my roadbase tomorrow. Am a residential contractor so know most everything about construction so don't dumb down your answer. However packing and screeting roadbase is new to me. Why an angular clear stone?

[@tripped42]

Also, is there any problem with putting stakes in the build area and pulling them out after compaction? Should I just sprinkle some lose roadbase into the holes, pack them and call it good? Or is there the possibility of Movement because of this.

[@nikrosevca9294]

Thank you for this, never knew of such a thing called a Tamper until now, great for small jobs around the house, $56.00 at my local hardware store🌟🌟🌟 Western Australia 🥰

[@adamadcock999]

Great video,good job! Wish you were in Tennessee I would hire you!

[@HardscapeCanada]

Thank you very much Adam!

[@robertgibson4494]

Excellent. Thats how I do it.

[@ZealothPL]

Damn, no bullshit, quick video with everything in it, thanks!

[@HardscapeCanada]

You’re very welcome!!

[@marc9709]

This satisfies my ocd ... props from a landscaper over in the UK🤙

[@HardscapeCanada]

Nice thank you!

[@jonnyboz]

Where are you based Marc? I’m in the process of beginning my garden (laying paving slabs) and I don’t think I can do this 😅

[@blumenaue7590]

Great job!!

[@andydsimmons]

Great instruction right there

[@HardscapeCanada]

Much appreciated!

[@free_at_last8141]

Really well done. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@HardscapeCanada]

You’re very welcome!

[@tillmansr2002]

Back again, @4:06 is the fabric used woven or non-woven? I've learned that woven seems to have superior soil strength results while non-woven has better drainage characteristics .

[@Brandonlee123456789]

Put in stakes to 1" below height, screed the base lay the bars on the compacted base

[@rosas5365]

Excellent video

[@TheUltimateAcresllc]

I needed this episode. New home in dessert. You made it easy to understand. New sub here.

[@HardscapeCanada]

Awesome! Glad to have you!

[@a_life_painted_with_color]

I live in Houston, Texas and the sub-grad is this muddy clay. I've dug seven feet down in my backyard and it's still mud/clay. I'm at loss for what to do next. It makes since why all the roads and sidewalks are popping and shifting in this city. Especially in the older neighborhoods. I'm thinking of digging down two feet and filling in my whole backyard with base rock? Idk, I don't think people were ment to live on a swamp

[@rls151]

Can you comment on the moisture content of the base? What happens if it's too dry or too wet and how can you tell when it's just right? I didn't see you adding moisture to the road base.

[@HardscapeCanada]

Yes good idea! If it’s too dry it will kick up a LOT if dust when you are compacting, and it won’t compact as well because a lot of the fine material will turn into dust. If it’s too wet you’ll see water puddling on surface and the compactor won’t run smoothly over it. Usually a liberal hosing with a wide nozzle to begin with, then adding more once you’ve compacted one time, adjusting as needed to get in between the two lines described above!

[@maydanlex]

Greta channel... Subscribed.

[@bradford.champlin]

Hey, love the content. What would you do for base prep for paver install under a floating cement staircase that's attached to foundation? We'd like to plan the whole patio under the stairs, but unsure how to tamp and prep base area under stairs. Thanks again for the info!

[@HardscapeCanada]

Hey that sounds pretty tricky for sure, if you can’t physically tamp under the stairs then the best way to shore them up would be to form and pour concrete under them, and then lay pavers up against it, that is if I’m understanding the question correctly!

[@bradford.champlin]

@@HardscapeCanada oh great idea! I guess we could frame up the bottom and fill concrete to fill the void, essentially?

[@HardscapeCanada]

Yeah exactly

[@sutton123454]

We use 10 inch base and 2 inch hpb and than the paver on top, hasn't failed me yet

[@HardscapeCanada]

Awesome that’ll certainly last the test of time!

[@johnknoefler]

This is basically some of the process I've used to put in pavers. I dealt with some areas where it was just loose fill over trash on one end with heavy blocks of rubble pushed in. Lots of voids and old lumber included. I had to dig down to remove all the trash in some places three feet down. Then I used salvaged gravel to partially refill the area and compacted that with a hand tamper. When that was done I used screened soil with five parts soil to one part Riverside Portland to make a thick mud I dropped in and vibrated down by hand to fill the hole. The entire area had to be mechanically compacted and then I was ready for decomposed granite which I layered in watered and hand tamped. I got it up to half an inch of grade and then screeded in my sand. Placed pavers 1/8th inch above curbing and then vibrated mechanically to place top sand. Swept it all down and washed. Homeowner refused to pay for sealer so I left it as is. A year later they have issues with ants and weeds. I cleaned it all up, killed all weeds and again homeowner refused to invest in sealer. Stupid people get what they want.

[@murraymetcalf-CA]

Can you tell me more about the sealer? Doesn't the sealer just seal the top surface of the pavers? I can't see how this would stop weed growth between the cracks? Isn't a layer of geo-tech fabric what is needed underneath the thin layer of sand to prevent weed growth?

[@johnknoefler]

@@murraymetcalf-CA Sure, the sand sticks together and small seeds stay on top and can't get in. Also, since the sand sticks together as the sealer flows down between the pavers the ants can't move it out and make nests. Ants are the real problem as they pull out sand to make tunnels and weed seeds get taken into the tunnels or just fall in the cracks and germinate. You can purchase sand that has been coated so that after you vibrate the sand into the cracks you sweep off all the excess. Then lightly spray the pavers down. The sand when wetted activates it's glue which then cures onto the sand sticking them all together. Personally, I prefer just using normal paver sand and then sealer. You get it all done with one spray. With the expensive sand you still have to purchase sealer to prevent staining from dropped food and soda. Worst thing is people dropping chicken bone scraps. The grease not only attracts ants which burrow out the sand but causes hard to get out grease stains.

[@murraymetcalf-CA]

@@johnknoefler Hey thanks John for the info. I will definitely check into those options when I figure I want to pull up my pavers and redo them.

[@socha6976]

If your base is proper(no less than 8 inches for best results) there will be no weeds, no ants, my paver walks and patios have been done for 10+ yrs and no ants, n no weeds, the polymeric paver sand is hands down the best option to use... do not use regular sand!!! It will not stand up to exterior elements(sun, wind, and weather).. Also do not use sand as your base to level pavers, it will have voids and regular sand is water soluble which will trap water in your base and will freeze in the winter, heaving pavers and making more voids to be repaired. 8 inches of crushed concrete base over geotextile fabric, another layer of geotextile fabric then use screenings for the base directly under the pavers..... This process will create an unequivocal base prep for your patio.. No need to seal the pavers as most pavers worth getting already have a protective coat on them, unless you desire the wet shiny look then you would apply the sealer to create that shiny look... thats all it really does oils and greases will penetrate through sealers

[@murraymetcalf-CA]

@@socha6976 Sounds like a solid plan (excuse the pun). Not sure if polymeric paver sand is an option where we live in Canada since the winter frost penetrates down 48" (sometimes even deeper) into the ground in the winter, so there is always going to be some seasonal movement, even with a good base. Your suggestion to reduce, or even eliminate sand from the base is interesting. Eliminating the sand and substituting screens I am guessing would eliminate the attraction for ants?

[@uncrunch398]

What if you have to start with removing tightly compacted dirt mixed with rocks along with the healthy lawn growing from it?

[@HardscapeCanada]

Ideally you can get an excavator in to make lite work of it! If not then get a good pick-axe and get to it!

[@uncrunch398]

@@HardscapeCanada I was thinking a dethatcher or similar machine to loosen the ground, shovel out that layer, repeat. I used a pick axe for awhile. It rubbed some skin off one hand and caused cramps in the other. Then I hacked at the ground slowly with a tool you have to kneel or sit on the ground to use. My job was to level a strip to cover with paving stones. My job today was to dig holes in the same ground for new plants using a flat edge shovel and a post hole digger. Was thinking even that would be much quicker with a dethatcher and shovel the loose ground. Was fantasizing about an auger.

[@rainneday13579]

I’m a girl but I love watching how things are done. I have a question. When you lay stone tile do you put gravel down first for stability? Then the tile and add sand between the tiles to pack it tight?

[@rainneday13579]

I just found your channel and love how detailed you are. The care you put into your work shows the level of integrity. Very honorable work. 🫶🏻

[@alanfrancis9225]

Great video .

[@candicethompson3601]

What is your recommendation for how to join a paving stone patio to an existing concrete patio? I'd like to pave over the concrete and create one seamless surface. Concrete patio is 4" high. Planning to use thinset mortar to lay the pavers on the concrete.

[@HardscapeCanada]

That’s a bit tricky, but I would suggest doing what you have planned for covering the concrete (just think about water being able to flow out of joints). And basically just butting the paving stone patio up to it, perhaps using a border/soldiers course as a way to create a nice line where the concrete ends.

[@cachevalleyshedsinhydepark7102]

This was helpful! Thank you!

[@tylerjohn8565]

Ever use the Brock paver base? Not sure how it holds up

[@HardscapeCanada]

Hey no I haven’t yet!

[@ohyikes1]

I installed a paver driveway and patio in 2007. Before beginning, I remember reading that a durable fabric liner should be installed between the compacted soil and first layer of course rock material. I noticed you did not install any fabric. What are your thoughts about the fabric option? Thanks.

[@HardscapeCanada]

Hey it is a standard practice in some areas where the sub grade isn’t ideal, where as in my local area we are usually on a load bearing clay so it’s not necessary, however it does help prevent your base particles from migrating downwards into the sub grade and add some longevity/stability to the install. It certainly doesn’t hurt!

[@plummetplum]

I agree, I like my MOT type 1 perfect grade so when I lay my slabs most of the hard work getting a slope has been done.

[@larry1363]

Wow I'm seeing you on every video with something on patio, levels, drainage etc. Are you working on a project of some sort? I'm planning on doing a porcelain patio but a bit worried about drainage.

[@plummetplum]

@@larry1363 😂😂😂 ha ha, I spend too much time on KZbin. What's your concern with the drainage? Is it external? I've never used them but for porcelain tiles I would try the tile levelling systems out there, they look great.

[@pepaw]

@@plummetplum I got a question: doing flower beds around the house. Getting the gutters to pvc pipe to street. Will have a proper drop on that. The flower beds will be surrounded by retaining wall blocks. Under the blocks is level, gravel. They are in place. No mortar holding anything in. It’s hilly, one side is 1 block high, other side is 5 high. Will be filled with soil till 4th block, will be level. Then crushed marble on top of that, enough not to see dirt. 2 inches I guess. My question is; what gets the slope? The hard ground or the dirt I put in? Or does that need to be compacted so that no difference between ground and fill dirt? Didn’t plan to compact it because want flowers and such to grow. Need to slope from house a bit.

[@jdblank815]

Whats your thoughts on Decomposed granite for base and bed under pavers?

[@HardscapeCanada]

Hey, I see that a lot of people are asking this question in landscape forums, unfortunately we don’t have any of that specific material close by so I always use our local road base material which is made from local basalt rock mostly, the most important elements are that it is angular, and has a good range of sized of particles. Otherwise switching to an open graded base is an ever popular option!

[@magncity1817]

I have hard clay, how would I prep? Would I need less road grade, maybe just a small amount on top to level?

[@HardscapeCanada]

Hey, that’s great that you have hard clay, bare minimum is 4” for pedestrian traffic of compacted (in layers) gravel for your base so that it doesn’t settle unevenly

[@jondavey4437]

Really like the string line level technique

[@FJ-xh7gz]

Great video, can you tell me how do I know when the soil , gravel and sand is compacted correctly. In your video you say too go over it 3 x's from different directions .How much do I overlap as I'm compacting.

[@HardscapeCanada]

It’s a feeling thing, you’ll hear the compactor start to hop along the surface, and you can drive a stake into it to see how hard it is. Mostly just a heel press will tell you, if it doesn’t displace material then you’re close. I overlap by about 1/3 the width of the compactor most of the time.

[@FJ-xh7gz]

@@HardscapeCanada thank you for taking the time to reply

[@HB-yq8gy]

Nice explanation. We have 3 circles of Techo-Bloc stone walls done about 15 years ago. Now the beginning of the circle walls is dropping. Plus the small section of pavers has all dropped had to hire a paving company to remove them all & reset them. Maybe we should have used a concrete slab instead of pavers with less maintenance. Every year or so i have to clean out joints & refill with pavers sand or they sink down. Plus we live in NJ with constant weather changes hot & cold.

[@davidfinney6855]

Ok, you come to Germany, stay with us and install 100 sq meter paver stones and put in a wall foundation - deal? Oh, the beer /wine is good....

[@HardscapeCanada]

That would be a dream!

[@billyjohansen6815]

Beer is good here in America keep your beer we don’t want it, your money no good in america

[@davidfinney6855]

@@billyjohansen6815 my money in Germany is the USD. I’m here with the Army. Hate to say it, but Germany makes better beer.

[@VicariousAquarius]

@@davidfinney6855. Have to agree. Not only is German beer outstanding, the variety is amazing. Not sure what that has to do with hot tubs though.

[@anthonyjohnsonjr8865]

I also agree German beer 🍺 is way better I miss it 😢…

[@katlynsara]

Great video. What road base are you using? Crusher Run or rock screens or something else?

[@HardscapeCanada]

Hey thanks! I believe you would consider it 3/4” crusher run, we just simply call it 3/4” road base here, but it is crushed up bed rock sieved to 3/4”-

[@dannysuru]

Thanks for sharing your expertise mate from NZ Btw is there a part 2..for the blockwork

[@adrianmailloux1377]

What about just using high performance bedding(hpb)?

[@HardscapeCanada]

I don’t have any experience with this product, as we don’t have it here on the west coast. You’ve used it I assume? How have you found projects holding up long term? Any settling?

[@adrianmailloux1377]

@Landscape and Hardscape Instructor Kev! Yep! It holds up well. Good for pedestrian traffic. It has to be retained properly, though.

[@HardscapeCanada]

I see! Awesome I’ll try to get my hands on some and do some testing

[@funkintubin]

Great video! What would the process for base prep be if all I want to do is just lay down gravel?

[@HardscapeCanada]

If it’s just gravel for foot/pedestrian traffic then I would just decide on your depth, likely 3-4”, and compact it in and level off with a rake or flat board.

[@funkintubin]

@@HardscapeCanada Okay, good to know for another part of my property. How about an extension of my driveway into my backyard, which would be for auto and foot traffic?

[@lukeskywalker3329]

Putting down a base next to the house slab . Do I need to put a vermin / termite barrier or water proofing between the slab and base ? 🙂

[@HardscapeCanada]

Vermin/termite barrier may be a requirement in your local area! If it’s concrete then you should definitely either have it tarred, xypexed, or you can use a dimple board to create some moisture separation. Most foundations already have one of these on them so it’s not that big of a deal. Unless you are trying to base prep up to a wooden structure, that’s a different story!

[@Ty-tie_FTW]

Dude i'm trying to get my gravel base level and flat and it has been kinda kicking my a$$. I got 3/4 base cause that's all our quarry and landscapers have up here apparently. But I went got a p.o.s. harbor freight level to try your method. I'm ready to just start building already. Saving money is nice, but I been wasting too much time. And the dust in my material seems to have settled and mostly just rocks on my top layer now. Anyways thanks for the info video

[@wesstaff2493]

We put our sand down before we rented to plate compactor.......is it ok to use the compactor on top of the sand layer?? We haven't put the pavers down yet.

[@Buddhadreams]

Lol @ the enthusiastic narration

[@HardscapeCanada]

Haha I try my best! I’ll focus on solid info over and let my imagery do the fun part all day long

[@leondejuda7678]

Awesome video 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 question? So we don't need to add water when compacting roadbase like when installing discompe granite?

[@HardscapeCanada]

Hey thanks! It depends on the moisture level in the gravel. Usually we end up adding water to help lubricate the particles for better compaction. Definitely don’t want to add too much though!

[@leondejuda7678]

@@HardscapeCanada thank you so much

[@nickohler8153]

Would you build over a large area of fill sand? If sub base is compacted and geo fabric used?

[@HardscapeCanada]

Ideally no… but if you had to you could with a proper geotech and maybe utilizing something like a gator base or similar. Ideally we would fill an area with compactable gravel material opposed to sand

[@nickohler8153]

@@HardscapeCanada Thanks for the reply. Your videos have been super helpful. Should I excavate the sub grade and add gravel and compact before I even start with the paver base then?

[@charlesmilligan1416]

Is this just type 1? Looks very wet and binding nicely... Mine doesnt do that and has too many larger stones to do successful screed it??

[@HardscapeCanada]

We don’t call it type 1 here, it’s just a size thing. It’s 3/4” road base.

[@rkooscar6866]

How do I calculate how much base gravel I need if I know my square footage and inches I want in depth.

[@HardscapeCanada]

Hey you can use the square footage multiplied by decimal feet of depth to get cubic footage.I usually use the Google search bar and type in “your amount” convert to cubic yards. Once you have this number it is wise to add 20% when ordering to account for compaction. For example: 10 x 10’ square patio = 100 sq ft. 100 x depth (of 8”= 0.666 ft) = 66.6 cubic feet. Convert to cubic yards = 2.467 or 2.5 cubic yards. X 20%= 0.5. So add that to total and you get 3 yards.

[@shock80ey]

Good video thank you

[@johntuohy1867]

Thanks. Good going .

[@paulshewchuk3016]

should do a side by side screed on your walls

[@thatmumwiththehair7438]

Wow - incredible

[@nathanjamesDewey]

Is it weird that I found the tamping sound very satisfying

[@HardscapeCanada]

Lol not weird at all!!

[@plummetplum]

So did I, it was cute 😂😂

[@gilesj2215]

Yeh me too ! Compaction ASMR ha !!

[@johnknoefler]

Try doing it all day. LOL.

[@petehall2982]

so that string is pretty forgiving, can you bang into it a bunch and not worry about it moving and as a result losing your level line?

[@HardscapeCanada]

Yeah absolutely! As long as your knots are good there is a lot of leeway

[@petehall2982]

@@HardscapeCanada thank you!! Do you have a knot video on here by chance?

[@HardscapeCanada]

Sure do! kzbin.info/www/bejne/joCWnYOFlruZmpIsi=vJywC4iJMfjOw8Sw

[@petehall2982]

@@HardscapeCanada you are the best!!! thank you so much!!!!!!!