What Do You Put Under a Paver Walkway?
When building a paver walkway, it is important to think about what goes beneath the surface. The materials and layers you put underneath the pavers play a big role in how well the walkway works over time.
This means that you need to focus on getting the right drainage, stabilization, and long-lasting durability. Having a good foundation makes the paver walkway ideas safe, pretty, and functional.
Base Layer
The first layer you need is a base layer. This is usually made of crushed stone or gravel. The base layer helps to support the weight of the pavers on top and prevents them from sinking over time. It is essential to use a material with good drainage properties.
This means that water can flow through it easily. If water cannot drain properly, it can cause the walkway to crack or settle unevenly. For concrete walkway ideas, you should lay down at least four to six inches of this material and compact it well.
Drainage Layer
Next, you need to think about the drainage layer. This layer is very important, especially in areas that get a lot of rain. If water collects or puddles around your walkway, it can cause damage. To prevent this, you can include a layer of coarse gravel on top of the base layer.
This layer should be about one inch thick. It helps to move water away from the walkway, ensuring good drainage. The coarser the gravel, the better the drainage will be.
Sand Layer
Another crucial layer is the sand layer. After the base and drainage layers are in place, you will need to add a layer of sand on top. This layer usually has about one inch of concrete sand. This sand layer provides a smooth bed for the pavers.
It also helps keep them in place once they are set. When you lay the pavers on this layer, they will lock together, making the walkway more stable.
Slope Considerations
It is also important to make sure that the layers are put in at the right slope. A slight slope helps the water flow away from the walkway instead of pooling on top of it.
A slope of about one inch for every eight feet of walkway is often recommended. This small slope can make a big difference in how well your walkway drains over time.
Joint Sand
Once the pavers are laid down on the sand layer, it’s good to add joint sand in between them. This sand fills in the gaps and locks the pavers in place. It helps to prevent weeds from growing between the stones, which keeps the walkway looking neat.
After putting the joint sand in, you can lightly spray the walkway with water. This helps settle the sand into the joints and makes the pavers more stable.
Edging
For long-term durability, you should also think about edging. Edging can be made from bricks, metal, or plastic. This keeps the pavers from shifting out of place and provides a clean, finished look to the walkway.
Without edging, the pavers may move, and the walkway may not stay as neat and durable as you want it to be.
Endnote
In summary, paver walkway ideas involve much more than just laying stones on the ground. You need to prepare several layers beneath them. Start with a solid base layer of crushed stone or gravel, followed by a drainage layer of coarse gravel. Then, add a sand layer that provides a smooth surface for the pavers. Ensure the walkway has a slight slope for drainage and fill the gaps with joint sand. Adding edging around the walkway completes the project and keeps everything in place
These steps will help realize your beautiful and concrete walkway ideas and these paver walkways last for years while providing good drainage and stability.
Want Durable but Cheap Walkway Ideas?
If you are looking for professional paver walkway installation, get in touch with Vero Outdoor Living.