How to install Belgian (aka Belgium) Block or Cobblestone Driveway Edging Part 1

[@NYCBugkiller]

I just bought 400 stones the same size as yours and they are sitting in my driveway right now waiting to be installed. I'm going to wait until the springtime because we already getting freezing temperatures here in Jersey

[@TrueGritDevelopment]

Most definitely wait. What are you going to use between the stone? Mortar or cement?

[@NYCBugkiller]

Mortar mix. You also need a shaping tool and as it starts to set up you use a wire brush to clean up all the excess

[@TrueGritDevelopment]

Yea, that’s what I used. I wanted to water proof it too, but never got around it. I recommend that too. Maybe put the water sealer in a spray bottle and spray it on the mortar. Thanks for sharing.

[@NYCBugkiller]

If I did this job the way you are doing it here in New Jersey, within a few years those stones will be breaking apart and some would be sinking here and there. The way I was told how to do it you need to dig down about a foot and then fill the trench with concrete and set the stones in the concrete about 3/4 of an inch apart and you need to run a string along all the rocks to make sure they are all set at the same height

[@TrueGritDevelopment]

I agree with you. Setting it in a trench will most likely help it set better. It’s been a while here and they haven’t sunk; however, I’ve noticed movement due to water icing and breaking underneath. If I do this project again, I would trench and fill In crush run rock for drainage.

[@theundeadchristian5538]

For stones like this, do they only need Mortar concrete between the sides or do they also need some concrete beneath the stone?

[@TrueGritDevelopment]

I’ve learned quite a bit since installing these blocks. They are holding pretty good, but cpl things I would consider if I had to do it again: 1. I would install a bed of modified stone (aka #57 stone) underneath for drainage before applying concrete (so, yes apply concrete underneath), 2. I would seal the mortar joints to limit cracking. Hope this answers your question. Good luck with your project 👊🏽

[@theundeadchristian5538]

@@TrueGritDevelopment Thanks!

[@mikelashinsky7305]

How do you cut these when needed? Is there a machine / Guia tine type of tool?

[@TrueGritDevelopment]

Very good question. If you’re looking for perfect cut, it has to be a saw. These are not supposed to be perfect though. A concrete or mason art saw will do the job. Check tools rentals places, they may have the right tool. Alternatively, try a grinder and sneak on it slowly. Good luck.

[@vince6056]

Can you make a video of what it looks like now?

[@TrueGritDevelopment]

I think I posted a picture or 2 in my Instagram account. It’s been a few yrs and I’ve noticed separation b/n black top and blocks. I also haven’t sealed my driveway since I installed the blocks, so that could be a reason.

[@craigweeks7525]

You should have put a layer of compacted 2a down prior to installing. 3-4 inches is all you need, with a layer of landscape fabric between the dirt and 2a. That keeps the block from sinking if a car or mower runs it over

[@TrueGritDevelopment]

I agree. I am finding that some blocks are settling. I will redo the one side and make a video with some crush and run sub layer. Thanks for the feedback.

[@craigweeks7525]

@@TrueGritDevelopment no problem man. I do this stuff for a living so just thought I'd help out. Any time you put something heavy on dirt it's going to sink, just a matter of when

[@tarasgrosh8751]

Thanks Craig - I was about to take on a similar project and vaguely remember the need for this to prevent settling.

[@vdubskiee5356]

very informative, thank you for the video! i found it very useful, great work!

[@TrueGritDevelopment]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching. Good luck with your project 💪

[@eddieeng539]

Nice work. Not e-z work by any means. Thanks for the education.

[@dosam_6146]

Those are going to move and sink

[@TrueGritDevelopment]

They have been there for 2 yrs now and have not moved at all. However, a dump truck (from the blacktop contractor) ran over some of them on the one side, so I plan to make another video on how I will repair them. Thanks for watching and supporting ✊🏼

[@jordancanica726]

this is not how to install belgium block....i have done it for over 30 years

[@TrueGritDevelopment]

Thanks for checking out my video! I am sure there are multiple ways to install block edging. As a DIYer I always like to learn and share. This application has worked very well for me thus far and it’s solid as a rock. Please do share any knowledge, would love to learn from a pro. Thanks

[@Aces_over_Kings]

He is right this really isn't how u wanna install Belgium block normally u would use the bigger block using pegs and string line digging ur trench deeper to set up ur forms the backside being higher once u have all ur forms in place call for a short load of concrete and pour the concrete into the forms and go right down the line making for much quicker installation. Once u have the blocks set u go back and back up the the blocks with concrete so they dont get knocked out when someone accidentally drives into the curb. To be honest u wanna leave more space between the blocks for mortar this way u can tool the joints properly and it also helps with the strength and integrity of ur curb.

[@stefvan5564]

As a Belgian bricklayer,I agree.

[@jimhydle5054]

Touching the blocks 4 or 5 times is never a good idea. Just cement them in tne first time around.

[@TrueGritDevelopment]

Do you mean when I lift the stone to set it back down? I was thought this technique many years ago. I do feel the suction motion makes it stick.

[@peterg6638]

Knee pads bro

[@TrueGritDevelopment]

Haha…those things never stay on, always sliding, hate it. I agree though, got to take care of the body. Thanks for watching and supporting ✊🏼