Setting Up String Lines for Screeding Pavers

Today we talk about using string lines for pavers to set up for excavation, base preparation, and to screed to lay your pavers.
String Line Collars Seen in Video:
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[@redsugar723]

Thank you for this video! I have searched and searched for a detailed video on setting up string lines for a pathway, including how to measure for a slope, and this is by far the best! I'm installing a flagstone pathway, and this is my first time doing anything like this. I'll definitely be checking out your other videos and content. Thanks!

[@iamahardscaper]

Glad it helps!

[@surf2trails]

Again, awesome video... Figuring out string lines was my next question from the last one you answered... and again, spot on with great info. Especially the string line collars. I was using wood stakes and wrapping string that sagged and wondered how to get a tight line... and there it was. Awesome. Thanks,

[@iamahardscaper]

Thank you! Glad you found it 👍

[@davefulton7428]

Hey happy spring! Gotta get me some of those string line collars, look super handy.

[@iamahardscaper]

Happy spring Dave! They are great to have on hand 👍

[@davidfehringer4113]

Very, very helpful. Very easy to follow.

[@iamahardscaper]

Thank you! Glad it helps

[@johnpanico6267]

Great approach…super helpful ❤ 👍 Thanks!!!

[@iamahardscaper]

Glad it helps!

[@sc3639]

This is the information that I wanted. ty

[@iamahardscaper]

Glad it helps!

[@kidp73]

Thank you for the video. I am going to attempt to install a 300 sqft backyard patio soon and I feel a bit more confident now after watching your video! Wish me luck! Lol

[@iamahardscaper]

Amazing! Good luck 👍👍👍

[@Kenandlizabeehaven]

@@iamahardscaper How long would a 300 ft² patio take the lay down removing the grass and all

[@wilsonbobcatservice4151]

How did patio go?

[@kidp73]

@@wilsonbobcatservice4151 Hey! Thanks for asking! It went quite well! Completed now and looks fantastic! Thank you again for your informative content.

[@madworld5762]

Brilliant. Thank you.

[@iamahardscaper]

👍👍

[@distinctlawnworks9460]

Great videos every time. What are the pieces called your tightening onto your steaks to secure the string?

[@iamahardscaper]

I think they are just called stringline collars. There is a link in the video description for them

[@ohmdome3030]

This is really great information, thank you!! I'm getting ready to DIY a rectangular patio. You mention 1/8" - 1/4" slope per foot. I've heard a minimum of 1/4" per foot (~2% gradient). Are there different considerations for different climates or soil types or precipitation levels? What do you usually recommend?

[@iamahardscaper]

I would never go more than 1/4". But here is the video with all your questions answered: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpq4p3SciJ5ngs0

[@eltigredetejas2328]

The Ghostbusters Vacuum Paver Lifter is 💪🏿✅

[@iamahardscaper]

😂👍

[@joseph-ch6gw]

Sir, where did you get those orange string guides for the stakes? Nice video btw. Thanks

[@iamahardscaper]

Thank you! Check the link in the description for them on Amazon.

[@mutatioveritas4559]

Great video as always! Kind of a string line and slope question... any suggestions for how to ease the transition between a slope change? I've all but given up on trying to run two strings to account for a slope change (without hammering a spike in the middle of my pad), so I'm just running string for the main walkway before a drop for the driveway. e.g., 1/4" slope for a patio/walkway that has to make a drop to meet the driveway over the last 5 feet. I also have a stoop and step units installed below it that is level from side to side as you face it and slopes away from the house toward you at a 1/8" slope. As you face it, that level rectangular stoop/step area that comes toward you as you face the house, has the noted 1/4" sloped walkway to the left that heads toward the driveway, so it's a transition between level and a 1/4" slope. Problem being, the product I was steered to by our landscape designer was Techo's Blu 60 multi-piece. If I had it to do over, I might've gone with Eva or something else for the smaller pieces and the ability to make these slope transitions a bit more smoothly without the larger pieces making awkward angles over those slope changes. All of that said, any pro tips for us DIYers in making those slope transitions smoother for slabs? e.g., raking and compacting the slope change to create more of an arc rather than a sudden angle change? If that's feasible, I imagine it would make sense to run bedding screed bars parallel to the slope change, if that make sense. Most videos I've seen about screeding just show the bars running side by side down slope. If I do that where the slope changes, the bars will just hang over the slope change and reinforce the noted angle with my bedding material. If I run the bars perpendicular to the slope at those transition points, it would allow me to "bridge" the slope change with less of an angle, correct? 🤔 Probably also worth asking, I know we would ideally want a continuous slope to work with, but in terms of any changes, is there typically a slope change that is a firm no-go? e.g., 1º change (from 1/8" to 1/4")? 2º change (level to 1/4" slope)? Or to put it another way, what kind of slope change would you be able to account for? I had two offers with this project, and both companies said that they could make it work with the recommended Blu 60 slabs, so I imagine there has to be some mojo that will help pull things together. Any ideas are immensely appreciated!

[@mutatioveritas4559]

Thoughts? 😬 Anxiously wondering if I’m overthinking this and that the product will do fine with transitioning over 1-2° of slope change. 🙏🏻🤞🏻

[@patl2699]

I would appreciate it very much also could be ASAP I hate to ask that but I am in need of those parts like now thank you so much have a blessed day

[@iamahardscaper]

👍

[@patl2699]

I ask you some questions and your responded with a thumbs up . Are you going to be able to answer my questions

[@iamahardscaper]

I answered your questions, go check the comment where you asked those questions 👍

[@patl2699]

@@iamahardscaper ok I will im so sorry. Thank you and you have a blessed day

[@patl2699]

@@iamahardscaper I'm laughing at myself I cannot believe I did that what what I wanted to know was what was the name of that little red thing that you had that coupling that was over do you know where you got them and who you got them from and the number or email address also have you heard of anything called shur wedges for freestanding walls. Now I can ask would you please send that ASAP please thank you so much how funny of me you have a blessed day sweetheart thank you

[@jasonm17]

If you're trying to slope in two different directions, would you just run your screeds in a diagonal direction or would you essentially set up two different string lines one going vertical, one going horizontal?

[@iamahardscaper]

You would want two string lines to be able to measure down from to set your screed bars

[@juanmbenavides]

I'm trying to wrap my brain around the slop needed for a patio. You explain it very well, however I have a question. What I was wondering if you lay out the lines and adjust for the slope, when you start laying down base material and compacting, how do you make up for the slope when laying the pavers? if you compact everything and get a uniform screed on the paver base, won't the paver heights extend over the level line at the lower side of the patio? Idk if I'm explaining myself correctly.

[@iamahardscaper]

The base is prepared to the slope of your pavers as well. Excavation follows the same slope. Everything should be sloping away from your foundation so any water that enters the system moves through your base material, into your subgrade and away. Hope that helps.

[@juanmbenavides]

@@iamahardscaper So basically if you are excavating, and you are adding a base, you need to measure that the compacted base is the same height from the sloped line to the base at all points along the line?

[@iamahardscaper]

That is correct

[@juanmbenavides]

@@iamahardscaper Thank you very much for that info! Another question for you when you have time. I'm thinking about using the brock paver base panels, should these be used exactly the way the manufacturer details they should, and is there a better time to buy paver material during the year? I want a back porch area to place some grills I have but I'm trying to do this the most cost effective way.

[@iamahardscaper]

Yes, we use Gator Base. Its the same material but it has tongue and grooves for the panels to lock together. But follow the manufacturers specifications. If they say to use concrete sand, you can use HPB (1/4" angular clean chip) instead and you do not need to compact it prior to laying the panels on top. There is no better time to buy paver material, prices do not change through the year. You may be able to go to a landscape supplier and see if they have anything on clearance or discontinued product, but typically there are minimum purchases.

[@johnramirez6849]

I would like to know how to layout footings for a 10x14 pergola,

[@iamahardscaper]

Measure off of what you are squaring it to, set a string line like you would for a wall or pavers parallel to that structure and set two posts to that. Then I would either use the 3,4,5 triangle method to make sure your next string line is square or just do a 10 x 10 and measure the diagonals (if they are equal then it is square), and then add the 4 foot string lines for the next post using the 3,4,5 triangle method. This is likely a video to be able to visualize this, but hopefully this gets you started.

[@MystMyth]

If i'm using a dense graded base with a 1 inch sand screed, how much do I need to account for settlement after I run the plate compactor on the pavers?

[@iamahardscaper]

Anywhere from 1/8” to 1/4”

[@rowlandclay1069]

Do you ever use pvc pipe to screed off of? I’m trying to achieve basically a domed surface so water will run off to either side of the adjacent properties

[@iamahardscaper]

No, I have not. I’d probably opt for more of a crown rather than a dome with a slope moving away from the house and to either side.

[@ryancheek273]

Mike, where do you set your string lines in comparison to your patio. I’m not sure where to set them given I’m excavating 1’ outside the perimeter of my finished top of paver to install base and will be relying on string line and string levels alone to find my excavation depths, base and sand heights by measuring down from string. Should I set my stakes just a bit long outside my excavation area and cross the lines? This is a rectangle patio up against a house. Thanks

[@iamahardscaper]

For excavation it doesn’t really matter. Set them where convenient. It’s not until you start to use the string lines to run your screed bars or lay your pavers that you’d want to make sure your setting them up probably

[@dtm8073]

Another great video! How much will that 1" of 1/4" stone pack down?

[@iamahardscaper]

Almost nothing. It’s about 90% compacted by just placing it.

[@dtm8073]

@@iamahardscaper Thanks for the reply.

[@mrosas2403]

At what point to strings lines come into play since the beginning of the project to mark the project ? Or once your ready to screeding to give it the slope ??

[@iamahardscaper]

To start the project to know final paver height and to dig down from for excavation level. Then you will need it to measure down from during base prep, screeding, and laying pavers.

[@socalsand86]

At the 5:00 minute mark in your video you screed rails are slightly lifted off the base sitting on your screed material to adjust height. Is that ok if using sand even though it causes more than a 1” layer? I’m trying to raise mine 1/4” without having to add more base material.

[@iamahardscaper]

Up to 1.5” maximum for your screed layer. Also note that concrete sand will compact more than what I’m using here

[@socalsand86]

@@iamahardscaper Thanks

[@AlaPic3005]

Advice for a pea gravel patio base? I have hard clay and some low spots so thought I do thin DG layer over landscape fabric…but then what? Non-woven geo fabric then pea gravel??

[@iamahardscaper]

Pea gravel patio base to put pavers on top? If you have hard clay, try adding some 3/4” and maybe some type s mortar and compact that into the clay. Then woven or non woven fabric depending on drainage. Then your base but it shouldn’t be pea gravel.

[@AlaPic3005]

Thanks…sorry to confuse. No, not pavers just pea gravel but want proper drainage below it. We have a beautiful tree nearby with top roots and fear cutting roots for pavers will damage it..as per arborist. Were foind to use blue stone

[@iamahardscaper]

Definitely, then what you initially wrote will be good 👍

[@AlaPic3005]

Kind of you to reply.

[@arthurtreyenterprises843]

So when I tie my string line on the stick I tie it at the measure ment of the paver right? And then I set my slope correct

[@iamahardscaper]

Yes, measuring down from the screen line to set base heights and bedding layer height.

[@g-man9684]

I forgot to put fabric under the base layer should I put it on under the 1" of 1/4" screedings or just forget it?

[@iamahardscaper]

I would just forget it

[@kylevietti8700]

If I’m laying pavers for a walkway where one side is against the porch step and the other is against the foundation, where would you recommend tying a string line to for my corner? Since I can’t put the stake outside the are a I need to excavate and work?

[@iamahardscaper]

For measuring excavation depth and screeding depth, I would just stake it in the walkway area. When using the string line to be square and on a line when laying, I would just lay a little and place the string line with a weight on top of the pavers and adjust if necessary.

[@kylevietti8700]

@@iamahardscapermake sense. So I’m assuming when you take it out you just do your best to fill the small hole with the fill and bedding material?

[@iamahardscaper]

Yup 👍

[@manscapedlawncare7759]

Where can I get the string and the string clamps you used??

[@iamahardscaper]

Clamps link is in the description and yo can find the stringline on Amazon too

[@davehutchinson5118]

Thanks so much for the video. I am currently building my first patio and this was really helpful. However, I am having trouble keeping my string lines taught, despite using the "friction knot" someone demonstrated. Is there a device that is useful for adjusting and holding the string lines tight? (I am using string pitch levels for my sloped lines and string levels for the other axis.) Thank you!

[@iamahardscaper]

In the description of this video is a link to string line collars. They are perfect for this.

[@davehutchinson5118]

@@iamahardscaper I am using collars to set and maintain the elevation of the lines on the round metal stakes in case the string collapses which it has. (but sometimes from my big feet) I found another video about string knots so I believe I am tying the knot wrong. Thanks again! Btw I love the collars too!!

[@figofigo7908]

How far from the ground to the string in inches or cm

[@iamahardscaper]

Depends what you are measuring to. Have to count the layers. Base height + bedding layer height + height of pavers.

[@bilalaoun1981]

How do you slope your paver patio towards one corner?

[@iamahardscaper]

Applying the slope to all sides of the patio/string lines towards that corner.

[@bilalaoun1981]

@@iamahardscaper thanks 😊

[@eltigredetejas2328]

0:24 was that asphalt? Or wet chip rock

[@iamahardscaper]

Wet 1/4” crushed

[@eltigredetejas2328]

If it’s close to the house especially one with no gutters I suggest a 2 in drop per 8ft don’t ask me why 🤦🏿‍♂️

[@iamahardscaper]

Nothing wrong with a 2% slope 👍

[@BTRLandscapingLTD]

what size gas pipe?

[@iamahardscaper]

We use 3/4" inside diameter which is 1" outside.

[@patl2699]

The tightening peace that you're using what is it called and where did you get them and could you give me the address telephone number email address something to where I can locate it also by chance do you know the piece that it's a plastic wedge that you tap between the bricks to make sure they're level have you seen those who called shur wedges for freestanding walls

[@iamahardscaper]

The collar that the string line ties to? There is a link the description of this video. Don’t know the exact name for them, but check them out there. I haven’t seen the shur wedge, I’ll check that out. If we need to shim walls we use pieces of geogrid.

[@patl2699]

Thank you for responding. I never thought of using Geogrid. Thanks for letting me know. You have a blessed night thank you again

[@rankhan590]

How I can contact you or how I can send you email I start pavers buisness I want to know couple things

[@iamahardscaper]

Go to our website How to Hardscape

[@dannydangelo762]

Sorry, too confusing for me.

[@iamahardscaper]

Ah man

[@tigerbear3038]

Too much talking. Actually show some graphics or show us doing what you're talking about. It's hard to follow instructions if it's just read out like that.

[@iamahardscaper]

Glad it helped! Check this video out it may help more with what you are looking for: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGLaaIaFqd-XoLs