How To Screed For A Paver Patio (DIY)

Check out this video as we take you through the basics of "Screeding" the bedding material. The step before laying pavers.
#hardscaping #pavers #patio #concrete #construction #landscaping
Enjoy the video and check out all the videos from this project by clicking this link right here👉 • Backyard Makeover!
- The pavers used on this job were made by (Genest)
- The Main pavers are a 3 piece pattern (laid randomly). They are called (Grand Katahdin). The color blend is called (Meadow).
-The border pavers are called (Hollandstone). The color blend is called (Charcoal).

[@persistentone3448]

I love how you oversize the area and fill it with crushed 3/4 gravel for the base, and then draw onto that flat base surface. It makes everything easier and takes off a lot of the pressure to get exact locations perfect before you start to dig. If you oversize the subbase that is no great loss. It's a small amount of extra material and digging for much greater flexibility in design.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you. That is the most efficient way to keep the job rolling at a good pace. I always tell people that spending to much time setting up and figuring things out can be a waste. Just dig in and over excavate to account for slight shifting. You need to over excavate by a minimum of 8" on all sides to prevent the edges from sinking so going up to 12" around all sides, that is plenty of room to build with slight room for variation. Good on you for noticing that ✌

[@KevinCorapi]

I thought bedding sand was supposed to be sand so that when vibrated, it comes up into the grooves of the pavers, meeting the poly sand? Your plan makes more sense, that 1/4" is more solid and wont slip through the 3/4" stone, but what happens when you vibrate the pavers?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

The traditional way of laying pavers is on 6" of compacted (Road Base) also known as (Dense Grade) or (Class 5) and leveled off with 1" of sand. This method has many common issues and problems that can occur. I use a backfill method called (Open Grade Base). It consists of 6-8" of 3/4" clean crushed stone and leveled off with 1-1.5" of 1/4"-3/8" clean crushed stone, also known as (Chip Stone) or (HPB - High Performance Bedding) or (PBS - Premium Bedding Stone). This method is far greater for laying pavers and helps prevent frost heaving during winter months because water drains right through it. Here is a video I made that explains the method in far more detail 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZnEe5hpf9Z3bKs

[@chriscampo4571]

Do you compact the leveling material ?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No I don't I compact the base material and then compact the pavers into the bedding material. Here is a link to a video I made which explains my base prep method in much more detail 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZnEe5hpf9Z3bKs

[@elizabethpeek6434]

First, this looks amazing, I love how maticulous you guys are and how much care your took to get everything just right. Second, this was super informative. My project is super small by comparison, but seeing all the steps you did and all the details around the materials you used will help me do my little front patio right! Thank You!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much! I’m glad you found it helpful, it has been fun making these videos and knowing it’s helping others is great! Good luck on your project and enjoy the process. It’s really cool building things like this, especially when you can step back at the end and feel the accomplishment of a job well done! ✌🏻

[@LBforTRUTH]

I was thinking the same thing, you can tell they care about the quality of their work! I’d hire you all if you were in my area!! Great video and excellent pointers. Thanks for posting

[@desperado77760]

I wish everyone worked like these guys do, no matter what your job is

[@firemyst9064]

​@Scott _____ my grandpa told me if a jobs worth doing, it's worth doing right.

[@nickbyrd09]

I can only get 5/8ths and 3/8ths crushed stone will that work as well?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Yes, I screed with 3/8" every once in a while when I can't get the 1/4". That will be fine

[@donadang1890]

Hi! Thank you for the detailed video. Would you be able to share where I can purchase the second bedding layer 1/4 crushed stone aggregate? I’m from the greater Boston area so any recommendations would be helpful for my DIY project for my first home.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Glad you liked it! The only supplier of this particular stone that I know of in Massachusetts is “Landscape Depot” they have multiple locations. Not sure exactly where you are but they have a location in Framingham Ma. A comparable product would be ( 3/8 inch crushed pea stone ) a little bigger than this chip stone but it will get the job done 👍🏻

[@justingonzalez702]

Pavestone bagged pavesand from Home Depot consists of this type of base.

[@fivestring4653]

@@TheChristianHardscaper I'm not sure where y'all are at but in the Carolinas we can go straight to the nearest rock quarry and get what you need pretty cheap . Used to drive my pickup right up to the pile and the Loader man would fill it up . Hopefully you guys can do that as well , it'll save you some bucks for sure.

[@KenMrKLC]

I have been doing about a dozen paver jobs a year since 1998.... I have experimented with many different base materials but have always used 1" mason sand for the bedding I really like this chipstone idea.... I have never used straight 3/4" for base (unless for retaining wall base) I usually use a mix of fines/gravel usually bluestone but sometimes native. I am going to seek out 1/4" next time just for ease of manipulation during screeding etc and like the water drainage improvement. I also usually use a conduit style pipe that is a little bendable in comparison to a rigid gas pipe you suggest.. Another great Idea.. Would save time instead of running the level parallel down each pipe when setting them. Anyhow... Absolutely great work and end results. I have yet to have any jobs that have gotten wavy or failed in well over 20 years I actually checked back on my first couple jobs and they are still as level within reason (maybe 1/4" tops) however I definitely like your ideas top to bottom. Again, great work from someone who has a very trained eye.... FYI I use the EXACT methods you do to layout... Looking forward to implementing your ideas. Thanks for the video I will checkout some more of yours. I only have a fraction of your subs but I will give you a mention on a video when I use your upgrade ideas.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks for the great comment! I built quite a few patios and walkways on dense grade gravel / sand before switching over to this method and I agree that you can do a very good job with that method. But this way has proven to be far more effective in my opinion. I will never go back. At the end of the day, it is not only the method that gives a good result, it is doing it well. That's why your projects lasted so long, you did the method well. Good on you for that brother, we need more guys out there like that. But with this method done properly, it will last even longer simple because of the added drainage benefits. Water is the killer of any paver project. I will check out your channel for sure! Thanks again for the feedback! ✌

[@KenMrKLC]

@@TheChristianHardscaper I'm sold... I will try it next patio.

[@clintonweldon7310]

It makes my back hurt plus you see no roots nice to not have that problem those pipes are electric conduit

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

A lot of bending over in this trade for sure, no trees too close to this install was nice. And those are galvanized steel gas pipes, not conduit. Condition is to thin and doesn’t stay straight enough ✌🏻

[@jeffsimonsen8449]

Would you be against pea stone for basic firepit ?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Nope, pea stone will work just fine for something like that

[@Twobirdsbreakingfree]

So you don't have to compact this 1/4 inch crushed stone base before screeding? What about if using sand? Would you compact the sand before screeding?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No you don't. You compact the pavers into this stone after you lay them and install the polymeric sand. If you use sand (which I do not recommend) yes, you should compact it before screeding.

[@minilegacy9582]

In my area a lot of contractors use a mix of 3/4 stone and stone dust as a paver base and then a sand screed layer. Is that base still permeable? Is straight 3/4 stone preferred over this type of base? I was also wondering about compaction, I noticed you don’t pack the subsoil or rock. Could that cause a problem in settlement?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Prior to 3 years ago, that is how I installed pavers as well. We called that material "Dense Grade" and used "Mason Sand" for our bedding sand. We switched to this permeable "Open Grade" base technique for every install since. There are so many Pro's to this method than there is Con's... The most important thing is that 3/4 inch clean stone is proven to be 98% compacted once raked out.... I have a few videos on my channel talking about it and showing why, Check them out!

[@markadler8968]

This guy is a novice at best. ALL pavers require the substrate to be compacted.

[@TwistysGunShow]

If you did that where I live in Canada it wouldn't last a year especially without compacting the sub base

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

​@@TwistysGunShow The sub base was compacted, you would need to go check out my backfill video of this project ✌ Here is a link to that video, if you are interested...👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ6mqHaHq6ahfJI

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

@@markadler8968 The sub base was compacted, you would need to go check out my backfill video of this project ✌ Here is a link to that video, if you are interested...👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ6mqHaHq6ahfJI

[@jessegomez8982]

How close is your business to Corpus Christi, Tx.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I am in Massachusetts, so not very close....LOL ✌

[@honestlyforreal6304]

When you say 1/8 of a pitch, is that 1/8" per foot?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Correct, 1/8 pitch is 1/8 inch slope per foot or 1 inch per 8 feet.

[@persistentone3448]

What are the exact specifications for the HDPE gas pipes you are recommending?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

So I actually found out they are not (Gas) pipes, they are just regular galvanized steel water pipes. But they are 1" interior diameter which makes it about 1-3/8" exterior. Very strong and does not bend, gives you a nice flat screed. ✌

[@persistentone3448]

@@TheChristianHardscaper And these are standard 10 foot pipe lengths?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

@@persistentone3448 Correct

[@mattluongo7763]

Good video. Any one every tell you look like Ben Affleck

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you. I have heard it a few times on hear. Never really noticed it until I got the comments though... LOL ✌

[@elio9207]

What size is on tha gas pipe in mm.? Is it. 1 1/4 ?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

They are 1 inch interior and 1 - 1/4 inch exterior pipes

[@roberto.gallegos]

How deep is your 3/4 inch base

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

About 6 inches 👍🏻

[@EvaHaberlova]

I agreed you ! Not use sand ,bec I found under step in patio and there are many red fire ants . They steals sand and makes hill her home . Thanks for sharing your shown video 👍👏 You are a wonderful and talent job .

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

The ants definitely love living underneath patios that were laid on sand, great point! Thanks for the support! ✌🏻

[@scottpratson7766]

I love that band "A Perfect Circle"!!!!!

[@concious2]

Hope my question doesn't sound dump but I am laying in sidewalk to eventually go all the way around house! I've layed the base which is C6 and leveled! I did not see in your video where you used a tamper machine is it necessary or no? Also it may rain do I need to cover base my understanding is it gets hard not sure from water or tamping? Also the stone you used for top, you said 1/4 inch chip stone? I'm shopping at the Stone Store and I don't see that size or does it go under another name? Thanks for you reply! 😃

[@tillmansr2002]

What is the diameter (outer) of the pipes? Or rather what is the thickness of the final bedding layer? Lastly its mention in the video the use of 1/4” angular crushed stone (for bedding) however there is reference to 3/8” for this layer (in the comments and in the video). Is it 1/4 or 3/8”.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

The pipes are 1" interior and about 1-3/8" exterior. The chip stone we use for the bedding can be either 1/4" or 3/8". Some places in the country do not have 1/4" so if you can't find that, 3/8" will be just fine. Here is a link to another video I made which explains my backfill method in much more detail 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZnEe5hpf9Z3bKs

[@florencefoo9258]

What is that black stuff on the top?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

If you are talking about the bedding stone that I am leveling off, it is 3/8 inch or less clean, crushed bluestone.

[@tallybobba]

What is a pitch

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

"Pitch" is how sloped the grade is to account for water run off. Every patio / walkway we do is installed with a slight pitch for surface water to run off and drain so that there is no puddles in the middle of your install. ✌

[@headstockharem4]

Man! That is nice and flat! Awesome job! Might try a patio myself....

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! It just takes some basic understanding of the concept and confidence to give it a try. ✌

[@eddiezorro1]

You guys are Pro! Congratulations, excellent Job.

[@huckwild6464]

Aayyyyyy no four corners finally a KZbin patio video that the person actually knew what they were doing when laying the patio.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣✌ I hear you man, the paver video game is weak on KZbin....

[@martinsimko5308]

Great video. Thank you for your efforts. Craftsmanship like yours is hard to find these days. Respect...God bless!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem, thanks for the support ✌🏻

[@mazsinger78]

Don't roast me for my comment/question, but when you remove the PVC pipe it leaves an area unfilled. Then when it's shown again it's smoothed out. Do you just fill in that void? That part is always skipped.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem with that question at all. Once we remove the pipes, we fill the void with a shovel and smooth it out with a 16 inch hand float (like they use in concrete. Not sure why I didn’t include that in this video but I go over it in more depth with this video right here 👉🏻How To Screed For A Paver Walkway (DIY) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGq1Yaycr9iXaJY

[@chrispennington6890]

It's funny another business in my business decided to try this out we both had great success and I have made the switch to doing this

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

That’s awesome to hear man! Once I tried it, I have never gone back to gravel and sand…. ✌🏻

[@tymb278]

Good video w/ interesting sites. Thumbs up despite some really ATROCIOUS distracting music which contributed nothing.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, I don't agree that the music is atrocious but i know it is very loud... Unfortunately KZbin doesn't allow you to edit volumes after uploaded and this was 1 of my 1st videos i made. Was not very educated with sound / video editing at the time. My new videos are more balanced with audio now I think.... ✌

[@antoniopecora9837]

I'm looking to lay pavers on my own and my understanding is to put down 4 inches of 3/4 inch crushed gravel and 1 inch of concrete sand. My question is: could I just put down 4 inches of HPC and then polymeric sand to cover the gaps between the pavers? Thanks!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Here is a video I made on how to prepare the base for pavers in more detail 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZnEe5hpf9Z3bKs

[@mikejohnson-h6i]

Question. How do u get the polymetric sand to the bottom of the pavers ( down the joint lines ) . Would tampping it be a option or just keep brushing it in. I think tampping it might make the pavers not level . I just feel that the sand won't get deep into the joints. Thx for the help

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

We use tampers / compactors to settle the sand. Here is a link to a video I made about how to install polymeric sand 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/iom6e6x4o7uElck

[@dh1335]

A better way to screed is using screed hooks with steel pin’s like concrete people use for concrete flatwork

[@The_One_Cosmos]

Bro, not sure if youve ever been told, but you legit sound like Ben Affleck in Good Will Hunting

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣 I get that here and there in the comments. We do have a similar accent for sure ✌

[@mitchellkasdin1899]

1” screed pipes? The 3/4 crushed gravel has no fines? I’m assuming you went 3” or did you go four inches? Compacting between the 2” lifts? I don’t remember seeing a plate compactor, maybe I need to watch it again? That would be a lot of hand tamping, Did you use a permeable material, non woven geo textile, for the ground or that was the purpose of the slope to provide drainage? I like your method over using a class 5 recycled road base for the base. Would you still use the 1/4” crushed for artificial grass or go with washed mason sand?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Check out this video of how I backfilled for this project right here 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ6mqHaHq6ahfJI

[@cookeatshare9347]

Are you compacting that 1/4” chip stone?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Nope, you don’t have to compact the chip stone. You compact the pavers into the chip stone after ✌🏻

[@cookeatshare9347]

@@TheChristianHardscaper thanks for the quick reply. As few more questions: are you using a plate compactor on the pavers? Are you compacting them after or before the concrete edging? Finishing off with sand? Thanks for the channel videos!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

You can do it either way. Plate compactor or hand tamper. If you use a plate compactor, you should use a pad so it doesn't crack any pavers. And the best way to do it is concrete and polymeric sand at the same time. After you spread the concrete, do the sand. That way you can fix any concrete that may shift. With that being said, I have done poly sand after concrete many times, sometimes you just have to...

[@mikevincent2811]

I did not see you shoot any grades. I assume you did it off line. Since you are adjusting the pitch with the pipes, did you lay the 3/4” crushed gravel level all over? Also, is that pitch 1/8”/ft or 1/8” over the length of the pipe?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

We grade the base stone with the same pitch as we need the pipes. 1/8 pitch means 1/8 of an inch per foot. 1 inch per 8 ft. this patio was 20 ft wide, so we had 2.5 - 3 inches of slope from the high side to the low side. ✌

[@alexiapepicelli1626]

I thought this was a Good Will Hunting sequel following Ben Afleck

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

😂👌 LOL, Nice! I get that on here pretty often, never really seen it myself though... ✌

[@ifiwooddesigns]

Great work. So I’m in the process of installing modern style slabs so there will be openings between slabs of several inches. Sand will not be an option as it’ll wash away. Was planning on putting 1/4” limestone on fabric, then paver bases before laying pavers spaced out. I’m in NY so susceptible to freezing/thawing. People tell me to use sand under bases. What do you suggest???

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I always use 3/8" crushed / 1/4" crushed, clean stone for my bedding material. I would use it in between the slabs as well. I stopped using sand over 4 years ago. I have a couple videos on my base method as well as a better video about screeding this stone. Here is a video on my backfilled method👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpXacpiEa6eZjbM Here is a video on screeding for a patio (more in depth than this one)👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2bPaKuCeL-Yr80

[@angelgonzalez6678]

how thick is your layer of 3/4 stone and how thick the layer of screening? Thanks

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

6-8 inches of base rock, 1-1.5 inches of bedding stone.

[@tommikehappy]

Good Job! Just wondering why you lay the black builder film under the crushed rock? Is it permable material?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks, it is called “ Geotextile stabilization fabric “ it’s made of woven plastic and it is permeable. The most important thing in my opinion. It really helps stabilize the base as well as prevent the subsoil from mixing in with the crushed rock. ✌🏻

[@A10Cobra]

I use a concrete rake for gravel. Best thing I have used. Nice work!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I see a lot of people use them, never tried it... maybe someday ✌

[@mychannelnotyours]

That’s beautifully done 🤩

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! ✌

[@mychannelnotyours]

@@TheChristianHardscaper you’re welcome ☺️

[@jasonm17]

Literally all of the landscape supply places here where I live all have fines in their rock. Is it the end of world if that's all I can use? I'm in Arizona by the way

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

That's crazy man, I get that response from a good amount of people. It is very surprising to me. I feel like 3/4 inch clean, crushed stone is a very common building material. They use it in concrete and under concrete all the time. But if you can't find any clean stone for the base, just use gravel with fines mixed in. With you being in Arizona, you don't have to prep the base for freeze / thaw issues like we do here in Massachusetts.

[@jasonm17]

@@TheChristianHardscaper should I then stick with the normal mason sand base after as well? I ask for 1/4 clean stone for my bedding and they always look at me funny because that apparently isn't a thing here either

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

1/4 inch crushed clean stone is pretty hard to find sometimes. Look for 3/8 inch crushed clean stone, that will be a fine alternative. Some call it crushed pea stone. If you cant find that, than mason sand for your bedding material is fine as long as you use gravel with fines in it. Long story short, A clean crushed stone base needs a clean crushed stone bedding. A gravel base with fines, needs a mason sand bedding. In your climate, both will work well.

[@jasonm17]

@@TheChristianHardscaper awesome, thank you so much for the info! Your videos have been incredibly informative

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem, thank you! ✌

[@ricksmith7110]

Beautiful work, great prep, love the wet look. About the net stone that water will wash away........to where, did you install French drains, what happens is the water stays right there traped by the soil around it that is more dense than the airy net stone. Can't really agree on using net stone instead of 0-3/4, then stone dust.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, but I disagree. Water permeates down through the subsoil. The only way it will be held up is by very dense clay, but even then it will very slowly permeate. I get a lot of comments with that same concern. Before I put a patio in that spot, what happen to the rain / surface water? It permeated down into the grass, through the top soil and into the subsoil. The only thing this open grade base method does is help the water permeate even quicker which is exactly what you want. I have installed so many patios, walkways and walls with this method. No call backs of it becoming a pool are… lol ✌🏻

[@finnoconnell7262]

What pavers are those?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

They are made by (Genest). The main pavers are called (Grand Katahdin) with a color blend called (Meadow). The border pavers are called (Hollandstone) and the color blend is called (Charcoal)

[@TeslaBoy123]

obviously is not a easy task to complete is a lot heavy labor involved but look beatifull nice work 👍👍👍👍

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you 👍

[@corski]

Good info! I have a bunch of brock paver panels for a super small patio (60Sq ft). I figure I'll tamp the mulch/dirt, put an inch of paver sand (because i already bought it) then the pads, with pavers on top. After seeing your video I wish I would have just gone with the 3/8 stone. Any thoughts on those paver panels?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

The paver panels are definitely very helpful with stabilization, even on sand. Just make sure the sand is compacted before you screed it. Meaning, spread the sand higher than it needs to be, compact it tight, then screed it. That will make sure the sand is firmly set before you lay the panels. ✌🏻

[@krisfg5647]

Beautiful work! If we wanted to put paver patio, but the said patio is currently pea gravel, what do you recommend to put on top or around to stabilize it for sand and pavers eventually? Just sand? Special type of sand? Thank you in advance!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks! If you live in a “freeze / thaw” climate, I would recommend excavating the entire area down 8-10 inches so that you are able to install a new base material that will hold up to the elements better than pea gravel. If you live in a climate that does not freeze in the winter, I would just recommend covering the pea gravel with geotextile landscape fabric and cover with chip stone ( 3/8 inch clean crushed stone ) to lay the pavers on to. I do not use sand anymore, only clean crushed stone for my base material ✌🏻

[@krisfg5647]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Thank you so much for taking the time to reply! We live in Texas. I appreciate the advice. I think we can do the second option, climate is mild through the winter for the most part. It took us so much time to dig in preparation for the pea gravel, we would like to avoid that if at all possible😁.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

@@krisfg5647 no problem at all, and I totally agree with not digging it up if you don't have too. Living in Texas, you will be all set with laying fabric over the gravel with the bedding stone on top of that and your all set to lay pavers! ✌

[@tigere3528]

I didn't see exactly how you set the height of the pipe? Are you just knocking the pipe deeper into the 3/4" gravel until it's 1/8th pitch lower?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Yes, I use a dead blow hammer to set the pipes at the correct pitch. If it ends up being a little less chip stone, its not a problem. But if it seems like the 3/4 is to high and you keep hammering, then the best thing to do is pick up the pipes and remove some stone to correct the pitch of the 3/4. ✌

[@kranerwheatens]

Went to the stone yard today and not sure if they sold me the right stuff. Its a small angular down to dust. I don't want it to hold water or settle to a lower height of the garage concrete I'm leveling to.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

It might be stone dust…. How big are the actual stone pieces? Stone dust is usually 1/4 or less with the dust still in it. Not sure what to say…. If it seems really dusty, it probably isn’t very permeable and may shift easier. But hard to tell without seeing it…

[@kranerwheatens]

@@TheChristianHardscaper thank you for your help. It does seem to drain well as I did a Shadowbox kind of thing for a test. Of course it settled about 3/8 inch. I called them up and asked for concrete sand but she says everybody calls it different they have what they call manufactured, masonry and natural. They sold me what they call screening. Want to make sure I do it right. I really don't want to pull up 3,000 bricks. LOL

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I hear you on not wanting to pull them up.... lol. If it seems to compact a lot with water, you should compact it before screeding. You can do that by spreading out the material inside the screed pipes slightly higher than the desired height, then use a tamper or compactor to tighten the material up. Then you can screed it, that way you pre compacted the material and will have much less possibility for any sunken areas.

[@kranerwheatens]

@@TheChristianHardscaper excellent. That's what I thought. I just haven't seen anybody else do that on youtube. Sounds like the preferred material is something with at least a little bit of sediment in it to help pack? Especially being a driveway

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

@@kranerwheatens Driveways are definitely different than patios. Compaction is key. But also keep in mind that if you use a clear stone for your base and use a stone dust for bedding material, the dust and fines can easily migrate into the base stone.... The most important thing about my backfill technique is that there is no dust or fines in either the base material or the bedding material. This allows water to travel freely through, unlike dense grade, sand and stone dust..... If you are using sand or stone dust for a bedding material over open grade (clear) stone, you will need to lay fabric over the stone before installing the sand / stone dust. Otherwise, all that material will migrate into the open gaps that the clear stone naturally has. My bedding stone has next to no dust in it. So my base stone and bedding stone is clear of all dust and fines. Then the geotextile fabric I use under the base rock keeps the soil from migrating into the stone.

[@leosrule5691]

Must be nice to have skills...

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Skills are usually developed from the motivation to gain them. You have to work hard at something that you want to do, I have been doing this for awhile now. Gained the skills little by little throughout my career. ✌

[@leosrule5691]

@@TheChristianHardscaper yes, that is the only way.

[@resourcefulgirl]

Okay, now I'm marathon watching and it's nearing midnight. My gosh this is good info. I am officially subscribed and now I'm hitting the bell. I know great info when I see it. I love guys with talent like you have. My dad was a builder and my uncle was a mason. This stuff is in my blood. Funny for a nephrology clinical educator lol!! What's better than improving your property and doing it outside??

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

😂✌ That's awesome! thank you for the feedback! The construction industry is the main heartbeat of the country, we need more people out there doing it. Outdoor projects really do increase property value as well as make your outdoors more inviting. I have always enjoyed residential landscape construction. ✌

[@MariaPNW]

Awesome work and understanding of materials, grades, and weather impact. Wish you guys were in Seattle WA! Do you know of or recommend a team as good as you for hire in Seattle?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much! Unfortunately I don't have any recommendations for Seattle... ✌

[@vadimplesca2862]

I notice you use only chipstone under the pavers. Is blue pea stone fine to use under the pavers?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I use 1-1.5 inches of chip stone under the pavers and 6-8 inches of 3/4 clean crushed stone under the chip stone. But yes, if you can’t find the crushed chip stone, pea stone is a fine alternative. ✌🏻

[@emadsafi8166]

I ❤you because you are a professional guy I wish you are living in California

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, California is far from here...... 🤣✌

[@avalosoadm]

Would you recommend the same base for Artificial Turf? if not, what?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Yes, you could certainly use this for artificial turf.

[@thevoigts651]

I am in the middle of doing a 320sq ft patio and retaining wall at my home. I cannot find anywhere locally here in TN 3/4" stone, only #57, and nobody carries that HPB or 1/4" stone. The closest I can find to 1/4" is 3/8" bagged gravel which is expensive. Will #57 and concrete sand work OK? I really appreciate your videos and have watched many of them and am modeling much of how I'm approaching this project from your work. I'm even going to use Easyjoint (which I've already purchased) instead of polymeric sand.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks for the feedback and I'm glad my videos helped you! So most regions call the 3/4 stone I use (#57) so you are good there. As far as the bedding material, the 1/4 inch stone is very hard to find, I actually haven't used it in over a year... I use 3/8 inch, clean, crushed stone which is mainly 1/4 inch stones but with quite a few bigger pieces mixed in. I would recommend calling around for (3/8" clean, crushed stone) before you go with concrete sand. If you can't find that anywhere, you have 2 options in my opinion... 1- Use 3/8 inch (pea stone) which is rounded but will work... or 2- use concrete sand but you have to cover the 57 stone with geotextile fabric before spreading out the sand or else it will migrate down into the 57 stone, causing the pavers to sink in the future. So if you have to use sand, just make sure you have fabric under it. Good luck! ✌

[@thevoigts651]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Thank you so much for the helpful reply. I will call around as you suggest, and thanks for the alternatives. If I can't find 3/8", I will go with the small pea gravel.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem at all, good luck!

[@DHSFEMA]

Your videos & work are absolutely Beautiful, this is my first time putting down Pavers which are 16x16 with 2 inch in height ,it’s an 8x80 I now have just Dirt on the ground, which crushed concrete do I use? #57 3/4 or 1/4, Thank u for your Help

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much, I'm glad you like them and they are helping! Here is a link to a video that explains the method I use in detail 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZnEe5hpf9Z3bKs

[@DHSFEMA]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Thank u so much for the link, it shows & explains exactly what I need to do my project, your a huge help.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

@@DHSFEMAMy pleasure, I'm glad it gave you some more info! Good luck with the project!

[@bmarie8965]

What is aggregate?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Aggregate is crushed stone. There are many types of stone that gets crushed around the country but the universal word is aggregate. The 3/4 inch crushed stone I use for my base and the 3/8 inch crushed stone I use are different types of stone and sizes but they are both still considered aggregates. Aggregate can be the crushed stone in asphalt or concrete. It can be drainage stone, the stone in gravel road base materials. All the above… Aggregate is just a very broad term for crushed stone.

[@JA-wp6cj]

You remind me of Ben Aflac sir. Thank you for the video

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣 I get that on here every once and a while... Thanks for the comment! ✌

[@elvirablas14]

What state are you in? Thanks

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Massachusetts - (Worcester County) ✌

[@elvirablas14]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Thanks, wish you were in CA. Happy & healthy new year!

[@movietimeoutdoor]

Love the videos. We started installing a new patio with your video guidance. One question has come up. Do you run a compactor over the pavers when they are set? Thanks! Keep up the great work. We are in CT

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, glad you enjoy the videos. We compact the pavers after the first sweep through of polymeric sand has been completed to settle both the pavers and joint sand down nice and tight. ✌🏻

[@MrNice-gw5dt]

nice work im sure mine will turn out great after your videos ! thanks!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you and good luck with your project, I'm sure it will come out great! ✌

[@billmaharry4874]

What area of the USA are you hardscaping in ? I’m curious as to what aggregate is available in your area vs mine?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Hey Bill, we are located in Massachusetts. 9 times out of 10 you will be getting either crushed granite or crushed bluestone around here. I know some areas are mainly limestone, which is fine for a foot traffic only install but not strong enough for a driveway install. ✌

[@myatix1]

Nice work! Would you lay porcelain pavers on this or???

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks! I would absolutely lay porcelain pavers on that chip stone. Any flat work really, pavers, natural stone pattern stock or flagstone. ✌🏻

[@CliffordAllison]

Great Video ! What is that black plastic that you used under the 3/4 stone?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, it is a plastic geotextile stabilization fabric which is also permeable so that water can drain into the sub soil. ✌

[@johndaniel21343]

Damn 8' pipe are impossible to find in my area. They only gave 36-48"

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

That stinks... You should still be able to make it work, just takes more time. As long as it is strong steel, the stronger the screed pipe the better ✌

[@johndaniel21343]

@@TheChristianHardscaper thanks

[@bonanzatime]

Didn't see you compact that base with the plate compactor.??

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

There is 3 or 4 videos before this one in this playlist, I did all the prep and compacting in those videos. ✌🏻

[@thegoodchad3578]

Beautiful work. Where can I find that type of stone? Does it have a name?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, around here it’s called chip stone or chip rock. Not sure what it’s called in your area but it’s just 3/8 screened, clean crushed stone✌🏻

[@substation996]

Thanks bro. I adapted an aluminum ladder section for screed and level.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem, That sounds like a great idea! I would never have though of that, good move brother ✌

[@mandoaddict7154]

Wow! You guys do outstanding work, & are truly skilled. Gorgeous result...

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much!

[@susanschremser9800]

I am in the Pacific Northwest and our local source for gravel products only offer Seal Rock (granite) that is free of dust and is small angular pieces. Would this be considered HPB?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

If the stone is considered 3/8 of inch or less, then yes. It is all about the size of the stone. The base stone we use is 3/4 of an inch or less. Then we top it with the HPB ( 3/8 of an inch or less clean (free of dust), crushed (angular) stone) and granite is one of the strongest types of stone, so that's a plus!

[@susanschremser9800]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Thank you so much!

[@roberto.gallegos]

I still can’t find either 3/4’’ clear crushed and 1/4 chip either. Everything they have here has tons of fines.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Damn, that stinks... I hear that from a few people on here. I can't believe it honestly. They are very common materials around here. The 1/4 however can be tough to find. I have used 3/8" chip dozens of times because I could not find the 1/4. Good luck with your search ✌

[@roberto.gallegos]

@@TheChristianHardscaper I Santes to ask you. I’m doing my own landscaping because we can’t afford to hire anyone. I’m kind of at a stuck point though. I was curious if I could brainstorm with you a bit about how I can do some of the stuff I’m thinking about doing.

[@mikebarnes5480]

@@TheChristianHardscaperI can’t find 1/4” crushed stone. But I found 1/2” . Will that work okay?

[@josephgmann3878]

I really want to learn this trade. Stone work has always intrigued me. How would one start?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

It’s an awesome trade man, very fulfilling. And as far as starting, it’s just like anything else… you just got to send it. If you really want to learn, do everything you can to get a job in the field, then learn everything you can. Knowing this work will always keep money in your pocket 👍🏻

[@danielfalkowski9960]

Get youself a hamerr

[@tylerk.7947]

I learned stonework by just getting a job at a landscape company

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

That’s the best 1st step brother 👍🏻

[@Dearninja]

I live in Texas and all I can find is 3/8 crushed limestone or road base is your 3/8 base made from lime stone . What kind of rock is your stones made of

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

We have a lot of granite and bluestone here in Massachusetts. Limestone will work just fine though ✌

[@josemena7644]

Thank You 🙏🏼

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

✌

[@JimmyHuynhdesign]

Very great video man

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks ✌

[@JLThisisMe]

It's really a blast watching your content. It got me so motivated, in fact, that I started on my own paver patio. I'm wondering if I can use screed rails to lay the class II paver base (not chipstone or stand) out properly. Otherwise, I'm not sure how I can get the surface both uniformly level and the right slope. Thanks.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Some people do use the rails for the base material. I just rake it out and check it with the rails on top and correct what needs to be corrected. Good luck with your project! ✌

[@JLThisisMe]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Thanks for the response.

[@Luckypekka]

Do you think 1/4 clean stone is also good in artic weather were frost moves objects? In finland everybody still uses stonedust or sand. Im thinking to use that clean one! So many videos seen now about this! Thank you!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Yes, I absolutely do. I operate in Massachusetts where there is many freeze / thaw cycles during the winter and that is where this method works the best. Here is a link to another video I made that explains my base prep method in much more detail 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZnEe5hpf9Z3bKs

[@Luckypekka]

@@TheChristianHardscaper great! Doesnit have to be water washed or is filtered clean stone good enough?

[@Luckypekka]

@@TheChristianHardscaper and another questing. Or yards soil has been changed to the base rock and then filled mostly with clean stone and someplaces with 0-1,2 inch stone with dust. Do I still need plastic underneath?

[@grahamfreer7157]

You don't have to pack it down with with a tamper?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Only the base material, check out the video before this one in the playlist that it is in.

[@adamleblanc1011]

does it hold water because the woven geo fabric? do you use geo grid?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No, the fabric is completely permeable, water travels right through it and keeps the soil separated from the stone base we install. I use Geo grid in walls but not in the base for pavers

[@nathanielmilligan9040]

I thought it was a 1/4 inch drop

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

You can do a 1/4 if you would like. It's overkill in most applications in my opinion though. That is 1 inch of slope every 4 ft. So a 20 ft patio would have 5 inches of slope. thats alot... 1/8 pitch is 1 inch of slope every 8 ft, so it would be a little over 2 inches of slope for a 20 ft patio. Which will definitely keep water running off it. I sometimes split the difference if I want good run off, but almost never do a full 1/4.✌

[@philipjenkins1377]

Holy shit, Ben Affleck owns a hardscaping company...

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣🤣👍🏻😎

[@njahselector]

LABURAZO MAN, SALUDOS DESDE ARGENTINA, TIENEN MUCHISIMA MAQUINARIA USTEDES, NOSOTROS SOMOS PODEROSOS PERO NO TENEMOS HERRAMIENTAS DE CALIDAD AL ALCANCE DE LA MANO

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you

[@MrVictorwu2011]

pro

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

✌

[@abelramirez7391]

The top layer is it 1 1/4 or 1/4 aggregate

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

1/4 inch - 3/8 inch clean, crushed bluestone (any aggregate at this size works, here its bluestone)

[@idomingo37]

What do you think about pea gravel as a base?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

If that’s what you have, you can. But I still recommend the 3/4 clean crushed stone simply because it locks together tighter than pea stone. That being said, I think clean pea gravel is better than regular crushed gravel with sand and stone dust still in it..✌🏻

[@tonyperkins3505]

Where I am we don’t have that material, would crushed limestone be an acceptable material?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Yes, limestone is fine. Different regions will have different types of aggregate, we have mostly granite and bluestone for crushed aggregate here in Massachusetts. If limestone is what you have, that will do. ✌

[@nickolilbj]

How about crushed concrete?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

@@nickolilbj I know a lot of people use concrete sand for their bedding material but I dont think it is a very good idea for pavers or natural stone. The dust particles in it restrict water flow. The clean, crushed stone allows water to drain quicker than any other bedding material. But as I said in this video, if you cant find it or a comparable crushed pea stone, mason sand is the next best alternative. However if you use open grade base, you will need a layer of fabric installed over the stone before the sand so that it does not migrate.

[@anonymousgenre]

Nothing like the smell of a freshly pressure washed pave patio!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I totally agree! ✌🏻

[@MrCalrichy]

Is there any reason someone would use 2.5 feet thick of screed and another half foot of gravel under patio stones. this was a very large area surrounding most of the backyard around a large house. (Just digging the area out would be grueling because there is no way to get a machine back there.) I don't do patio stones to often but I thought it was pretty crazy. Maybe some kind of drainage reason?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

That seems like a pretty crazy base.... sometimes people use what they have or what cost the cheapest. Not sure why in your situation, but if you get down 1-12 inches and you are on a decent sub grade, just compact, lay stabilization fabric and backfill with the 3/4 inch clean crushed stone to your desired height. ✌

[@XroorX]

@@TheChristianHardscaper at what slope would you lay down Geo grid on the crushed stone? I have a slight decline and bc of the tree roots I cannot install railroad ties for a retaining wall

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

You can lay it at any slope necessary really. It will help stabilize the base in your situation but if there is a significant grade change, some kind of retaining wall is recommended ✌🏻

[@XroorX]

@@TheChristianHardscaper thanks for your reply! I have a sloped area where I keep livestock that mulch gets washed away with heavy rains. Thanks

[@cliffordharley4322]

Great info! Thank you! My only problem with your video is the volume kept changing and the music was to loud!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! I wish I could go back and edit the volume levels… this was one of my 1st videos and I was not to good at editing ( clearly… lol ) the sounds and volume are a lot more balanced in my newer videos. Thanks again! ✌🏻

[@cliffordharley4322]

@@TheChristianHardscaper keep up the good work and video’s! But don’t make it look to easy then everyone will think they can do it themselves and you’ll be out of a job! lol

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣🤣Thanks for the support, the more that know, the better the community will be! ✌

[@dylanspitz827]

What’s the best way to prepare my patio for above ground hot tub? Slab?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Yes, we will pour a concrete slab just a touch bigger than the size of the hot tub. Then we lay our pavers around it but at the same height. The slab should only have to be 4-5 inches thick as long as you put some steel reinforcement in it. Once the hot tub is installed, you will only see the outer edge. ✌

[@dylanspitz827]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Thanks!

[@scottdonbrosky5968]

I am a subscriber to your channel and love your knowledge and content. But I have a few questions. I live in south east Michigan where the temps hit the high 90°s + and as low as -20° in the winter. My property soil is sandy, do you still recommend using 3/4” clean crushed stone and 3/8” chip stone for the base materials? Do you also recommend using a weed barrier? I’m getting ready to lay 2 sidewalks 42” wide x 25 feet long and a 12x14 patio using natural granite cobblestone.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks for your support! This technique works the best with sandy subsoils. Definitely use plastic geotextile stabilization fabric. I live and work in Massachusetts which has multiple freeze / thaw cycles in the winter and that is why i use this technique in the first place. Check out this backfilling video to understand it more 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHXIZKeDj7aMa9E Good luck with the projects, I love granite walks and patios!

[@scottdonbrosky5968]

@@TheChristianHardscaper thank you for the response

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No Problem ✌

[@carlalexander2540]

Is this compacted enough to drive a car on once flags are down?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I would backfill and screed with the same materials but in a little different way to make sure it is strong enough for vehicle traffic. Like excavate deeper, add geogrid to the base stone and compact with a heavy reversible compactor. But basically the same concept...✌

[@carlalexander2540]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Thank you.

[@percyfaith11]

How would you screed the base for a 60 foot curved walkway that is 4 feet wide. The beginning and end points are out of sight of each other. When I originally did it I secured wooden strips to rebar pounded into the earth outside the base area. That way I could curve the wood to follow the cured path of the walk way. The plastic brick edging that I use has spread with the ice and now the spaces have really opened up between the bricks.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

On long stretches, I use a string line to find the elevation change. Once I find that, I set my pipes to the string line (a pavers height below it. You can set the pipes at different angles to match the curve of your walkway. I would also recommend pitching the walkway sideways to make sure no water sits on it. And that damn plastic edging always fails… use concrete on the edge.

[@percyfaith11]

@@TheChristianHardscaper thank you for your answer. Can you tell me how you would do the concrete brick edging? I thought of doing that but I worried that freezing would crack and lift the concrete. Would you dig a trench and put a base of gravel and then pour the concrete on top of that? Would you lay rebar to reinforce the concrete?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I would definitely recommend using concrete. If you want to add rebar, it would certainly help with its strength. When excavating the walkway, you should be at least 6 inches further than where the edge of the pavers will be on each side. That being said, you will want to make a small trench outside the paver edge and slope the concrete towards 1 inch below the top of the paver.

[@avilla2499]

Best channel on pavers I've come across. Great job fellas. 👍👍👍

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks again, I’m glad you like it!

[@c_norm8]

Your the first not to use what we call crush-n-run as the 1st base. Is this because it doesn’t drain well enough? And you use the 57’s clean stone instead?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

That is exactly why, the system I use is specifically used for permeable paver applications but has proven to be better in all paver applications ( in my opinion) especially here in MA where there is many freeze / thaw cycles. We want the water to drain into the sub soil ASAP….. I stopped using crusher -r- run / sand 4 years ago when I gave this system a shot ✌🏻

[@c_norm8]

@@TheChristianHardscaper thank you we have many here in NC I can’t wait to give this a try on our backyard patio and front walkway! Love the content

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Nice! Good luck with your walkway and patio, this system will not fail you. Thanks for the support!

[@Justadude1904]

An 1/8th of a pitch? 🤨

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Yes sir, here is a link to a short video I made which explains the 1/8th pitch 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/goSyf6aXpNZohrM

[@JorgeReyes-ps4fc]

Hi! Does that work for flagstone?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

It certainly does, works awesome for natural stone! ✌🏻