Excavating & Backfilling for Another Paver Patio!

On to another project! We are building a nice paver patio which will be bordered with concrete block pillars and sitting walls. Join us as we excavate and backfill for this project, enjoy the video!
If you want more information on how and why we use open grade base for backfilling, check out this video link right here👉 • The BEST Backfill Meth...
If you want to see how we screed and level off for paver installs, click this video link right here👉 • Screeding for a Paver ...
#excavation #patio #hardscaping #pavers #landscapeconstruction #landscaping #hardscapes #concrete #miniexcavator #thechristianhardscaper
00:00 What are we doing?
00:13 Unloading the machine / marking the area
02:37 Cutting / removing the asphalt
10:01 Starting the excavation
11:36 How we backfill
14:33 Loading fill into the dump trailer
16:58 Continuing excavation & backfilling
22:37 Installing a french drain

[@rubenmelendrez6680]

Great craftsmanship brother, I'm in the process of doing my Barn, you've given me great Ideas. Than you, great job, and please keep on posting great videos. God bless.

[@papagreen7127]

It’s hard work but the boss is chill and not breathing down your throat and the job is getting done ,great job guys 😎👍🏽

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Yea buddy! I always keep the job site chill. That is key to good production and happy employees. ✌

[@fintan3563]

I’m with Benny. I am not a talkative person - at all. The world is so noisy (ha, and nosy 😝) I figured somebody has to listen! I love your work! 👍👍👍

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Well said, nothing wrong with that! And the world is both very noisy and nosy... 😂 ✌

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

benny keeps it real, my kind of guy

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

He certainly does man, very laid back.

[@EastWestHomesBest]

Honest question about the drain. Why do you choose corrugated plastic pipe and not schedule 40? All my neighbors here (GA) that use the corrugated have clogs or it collapses. I just ripped up my S-40 drain pipes that I installed 2 years ago. No issues with the install, not dirt, clogs or collapsing…it just needs to be relocated. You’ve been my #1 inspiration and go-to for my current back patio home project. Love the content!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Hey there, I use corrugated mostly in french drains like this because there is not a big chance of clogging when surrounded by clean stone and geotextile fabric. A lot of times those pipes get clogged when hooked to down spouts. Mainly because of debris coming down the gutters from trees around the roof and washing into the drains. They can collapse much easier than solid pipes but depending on the situations, there is more or less risk. I was not worried about either in this situation or most french drain situations honestly. Glad the videos have been helpful, thanks for the support! ✌

[@paulbodder3354]

Another great project in the making, look forward to the next video.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much, more to come! ✌

[@user-hg5wb4xn7g]

Watching from England, good channel learnt a lot, cheers.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Glad to hear it, thanks for the feedback! ✌

[@keithrayeski6417]

Grubb Mudd is a sensitive guy and it’s nice to see that Benny respects that. (I put all that together from watching other episodes 🤷🏻‍♂️). Love the work ethic! I was starting to believe all the young guys had sold that out! Great to see it alive and well…especially in Massachusetts!👍🏻😎 My first time seeing Chad on the job! Extra set of hands will be great!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

For sure, Benny has nothing but respect for all, he is a solid guy. Work ethic is very important in life. 👌

[@greenwhale3976]

Hi Dud, Let me tell you that I do not comment on lots of videos I'm watching, yet I find myself doing so for yours. Truly, your video is very informative, and your way is unique to you and it is very interesting. thank you for sharing.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much for the feedback man! I'm glad you enjoy the videos, God Bless ✌

[@Apollo885]

Working in an excavator is fun and all, but watching it on time lapse makes it look like a fair ride! We all saw that big grin while your digging

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

LOL! Time lapse does make it look pretty wild man! 🤣 I am always in my happy place when operating a machine... ✌

[@richmondkishundat7780]

Hello Christain, Great work again, In this video you mention the different layers from the dirt to the paver, pleae let me know what those was again and is the norm for all jobs. sorry i'm new to this. Thank you for your feed back.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! When we excavate / backfill, we typically dig 8-10 inches below the top of paver height. This accounts for 4-6 inches of base stone, 1 inch of bedding stone and 2.5 inches for the pavers.

[@richmondkishundat7780]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Thank you for your feed back, just an Idea, PLEASE let us know which products you us in your jobs, or recommend using. Keep up the good work. thank you again.

[@josephrottina1901]

Keep up the good work brother.👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Yes sir!!

[@BruteConstruction]

Great content guys, it very motivational!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, glad you like it! ✌🏻

[@Yonick1999z]

I love it, I wish I could work for you. Even if it’s for free, the stuff I would learn from you guys would be priceless. Keep up the good work y’all are killing it

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, this work is very fun and rewarding! Maybe some day I will get more opportunities to have some people on the job sites.✌

[@Yonick1999z]

@@TheChristianHardscaper count me in if you do 👍🏼

[@dextfittv8360]

It’s the small things.. not damaging the already damaged asphalt

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Totally agree. Those are the things that customers appreciate and give referrals to everyone they know for. ✌

[@jordansyoutube]

You do great work bro ! Im a masshole on the south coast !

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Nice, I love it! Thanks ✌

[@Bman-1970]

Took a week paid vacation to work around the house. I have to be careful and not binge watch these old episodes. I won't get much done!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣 that's awesome man! I always appreciate the comments, make sure you be productive but also relax! ✌

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

we get clean 3/4 for about $40 limestone though

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

That’s not too bad, a little high for around here but we have a lot of stone suppliers here so it keeps the cost a little lower… ✌🏻

[@e4d578]

Not sure why you didnt use the front blade of the excavator to peel the asphalt???

[@FSt-Jean]

Sweet video once again! Is that a 16 feet 16K trailer? I have a 14k 14 feet one and curious how a 3.5T excavator would fit in it

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks! It is a 16' with a 14,000 gvwr. Keeps me under the CDL restriction and holds up to 9,000 lbs in the body. The 3.5 ton excavator would be a little over the max I think...

[@masternoremac3738]

Should give what estimates for certain projects look like...

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I hope to incorporate that somehow in the future, just haven't figured out how I want to just yet...

[@LAproductions]

Really great content! Keep up the good work! I'm eager to watch a carport paving. Really curious about the depths, and additional layers for a strong carport paving. Cheers!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! I can't wait to get a job like that so I can film it. Fingers crossed! 🤞

[@Saywhatohno]

amazing video!! i was wondering how did you guys put the french drain? I would love to see that video? how much deeper did you dig for french drain? And why not install the french drain under the patio as well?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I did not make a video on it unfortunately... But it was only buried slightly lower than the rest of the excavation. But all the patio excavation is sloped towards the drain and the drain slopes down and around to the right side of the house. ✌

[@Saywhatohno]

@@TheChristianHardscaper i was thinking you have to dig all the way o the footing to add french drain?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Nope, You are thinking about a foundation drain. A french drain is any kind of corrugated pipe buried in clean crushed stone so that water can fill up the pipe from the sides and divert to another area on the property.

[@papagreen7127]

Was wondering if I could do the same process for a low budget gravel driveway , with that thin layer first then getting it compacted w/ fabric and then top it off with some more 3/4 inch stone Would that work?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

It would work kind of... The stone will still be very loose for vehicular traffic. It will probably shift and move a lot. You need a dense grade gravel with fines in it so it can be compacted tight for it to hold up to vehicular traffic.

[@guytalom9005]

Great video, can you also use 1" to 2" as sub soil base, follow by 5/8" and then 1/4"?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you and yes you could. But I typically don't, I just use the one size (3/4" - 1") pieces.

[@guytalom9005]

That is a good copy, Thank you very much@@TheChristianHardscaper

[@SOUNDINTHECITY]

So i shouldn't compact the dirt first and then place the 3/4 rocks and compact again? and then add that fabric barrier and more rocks and compact again?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Correct, get down to the right sub soil height, rake it smooth and spread the thin layer of 3/4, then compact. Then you can lay fabric and backfill to the correct height and compact again. ✌

[@JackyRogue]

Absolute top quality work. would the 3/4 crushed stone base aggregate used here be the equivalent of what we'd call 20mm Basalt over here in the uk?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! And after doing a little research on what basalt is….😂 yes, that is the equivalent to the 3/4 crushed that I use here 👍🏻

[@JackyRogue]

@The Christian Hardscaper Really appreciate your reply. I basically haven't stopped watching your videos this evening, just such neat work with a proper logical approach. We use MOT 1 and sand over here, but im going to use your method on my own home patio project. Now, to find the concrete pavers with the nice natural edge! I wish you continued success man💪🏽

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem at all, thanks for the awesome feedback and support of the channel! Good luck on your project, this base prep method will not fail you. God bless ✌🏻

[@apilkey]

@The Christian Hardscaper How do you determine how many Yards of 3/4” you need per 1,000 Square Feet? (Based on 8” Deep). Or is it just simple math, as in 1 Cubic Yard is well, 1 Cubic Yard lol. So if I was 1,000 Square Feet x 8” (let’s say 10” for the sake of math) that would be 30.86 Cu.Yd.?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

That math is correct, so however you figured it out, that works! ✌

[@apilkey]

@@TheChristianHardscaper thx!

[@bman6678]

Hey love your videos man, some of the best and detailed on KZbin in my opinion. I just a quick question, I work in Boston/surround communities doing landscaping and hardscaping. Recently I have been quoting patios between $21.00-$25.00 sqft. Now am I way off ?being to High in price because recently people have been getting sticker shock, saying people are quoting them at $15-$17 a sqft. So am I way to high or is that pretty low which it seems for this area. Thanks again man keep up the good work.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks man, I appreciate it! I don't think $21-$25 per sq ft is high at all. I think those who are charging 15-17 are absolutely ridiculous and will never succeed in this trade by charging that low. I tell all my customers that I will most likely be one of the highest estimates they get because I never sacrifice quality and I do not compete with the lowest bidder. You get what you pay for.... These guys charging that low are cheeping out and cutting corners somewhere. Whether it is poor base prep or cheap pavers, the end result is nothing like what customers get with me. Don't be afraid to tell customers that. There is always low bidders that really try to undercut the professionals to get work, they give the trade a bad name. I have had handfuls of customers tell me that I was the highest estimate they received but they still decided to go with me because the quality of work they see in pictures and great recommendations they get about me. My advice is stay focused on quality and charge what you need to so you can make they money you believe you are worth. Don't try to compete with those guys. That being said, I don't even charge per sq ft. Every estimate I do is broken down into different line items. If there is an existing wall, patio or walkway... removing that is the 1st line item. Then excavation and backfilling is the second line item. Followed with the paver install as the third line item. And if there is other parts to the project, like walls, plants or stone beds, those are all broken down into separate line items. I have found that is the best way to break up a quote so the customers can see how it all adds up and how much each stage of the job costs. That gives them more trust in you I think. Anyway, no. 21-25 per sq ft is not high.... I have done paver installs at 30-35 per sq ft. That can be due to many different reasons... Sometimes the access to the area is very tough so my excavation and backfilling costs far more than other projects of the same size. So I don't think it is beneficial to charge per sq ft. ✌

[@bman6678]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Thanks !!!! I really appreciate the response it helps a lot. I was thinking the same thing about the other quote being so low I couldn’t figure out how they would even make the money. It makes sense that they would have to cut corners somewhere in the project. Also thanks for breaking down how you lay out line items that actually helps a lot as well. I always think about line items and if I am divulging too much information or not.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

@@bman6678 No problem at all. I think customers really appreciate when you split up the estimate because most don't... When they see just a large price in one line item, I have found that it can scare them off actually.... Good luck man! ✌

[@bman6678]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Thanks again !!!! I am by profession a Horticulturist at Northeastern University in the arboretum. I do a lot of side work and recently have had people asking me to to do patios/walkways. Not sure if you ever come out to Needham to do work but if you did I could always send clients your way. Some of the bigger stuff I really just do not have the time or equipment.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Oh that's awesome man, I love plants! I wish I knew more than I do because they are so interesting to me. Needham is a little far but for the right job, I would travel there for sure. It's about an hour from me.

[@TacoBell5DollarBox]

lol I paid $62 a yard for 3/4 crushed in early February. I'm up in CA near the oregon border

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Dayyummm! That's California for you I guess....LOL. I think the most I have ever paid for 3/4 stone is $45

[@robb1165]

It runs about $65 per ton here in Colorado. Still looking for a cheaper location. A friend asked me to do her walkway and about lost her mind that the 35 feet would take almost $450 in stone. And add $175 if they delivered.

[@carlosvp2021]

What sizes your dump trailer is....😮😮😮😮😮😮😮

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

It is 16 feet long inside the body. I love that thing!

[@danlarkin460]

Not tell/ing you what to do make a windrow down the center pick up with skid steer 30min tops

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I totally hear you brother but I only had a mini on this project. I would have loved to have a skid also ✌🏻

[@wadmaileykeemhanjoseph8913]

Hi guys.where are you living please?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Hello, we live in southern Massachusetts.

[@Mangold2865]

How much did that full load weigh?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

A full load is about 3 cubic yards which is roughly 2,500 - 3,000 lbs per yard. So 7,500 - 9,000 lbs total.

[@KGSHEAMASONRY]

Don’t you hate when you’re ripping up asphalt with an excavator with a thumb you grab a big slab and it crumbles into a million pieces😫

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I absolutely do man! LMAO

[@00tweaker00]

Why do you delete comments that are trying to ask questions about the french drain?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I haven’t deleted any comments. What are you talking about..?

[@00tweaker00]

Weird, is it getting auto deleted because I'm linking another video?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Maybe..... not sure why... I would be happy to answer the question though.

[@00tweaker00]

@@TheChristianHardscaper I'll try without the link - I was wondering why you put the french drain up against the house? From a lot of what I've seen on YT and online that's a bad idea because you're channeling water straight up against the foundation. I will obviously drain down but still you're using the foundation wall as part of the drain path - especially if it stops being maintained and the pipe doesn't absorb water. I also had someone do this on my house and I had to rip up all the pavers and re-grade everything away from my house, then put in a new drain away from the house where the end of the pavers sloped.