12 EASY STEPS TO LASTING BEAUTY

The following directions are for the installation of a typical Barkman patio or sidewalk. Before your start it is important to have your project fully designed on paper. If you require assistance with creating your design, or have any further questions regarding installation, please consult Patio World, your knowledgeable Barkman dealer.

1. CREATE OUTLINE

The first step is to take your completed patio design and transfer it onto the ground where you will be installing your patio. You can use spray paint to mark the patio's outline, using a garden hose for guidance on the curved areas and long 2x4's for straight areas.

2. EXCAVATE

After tracing your wall's pattern it is time to excavate. First, remove any top material (grass) to approximately 8" outside of the boundary of the spray lines. Important: before you begin any excavation, remember to call your local utility companies to determine if it is safe to do so.

3. SET ELEVATIONS

Next, use a 2x4, stakes and a level to set the slope of your patio (a slope of approximately 1inch to every 8 feet is usually ideal). Now set your stakes and string lines to mark the top of finished patio and excavate material a uniform 7" below the string lines.

4. SPREAD GRANULAR BASE

Spread 3/4" down granular base to a depth of 4" over the entire surface. Measure down from string lines to ensure base thickness is correct.

5. COMPACT BASE
Using a plate compactor, compact the base material, adding additional base material where required to maintain the 4" base depth.

6. INSTALL CURB
Install the plastic curb on the base using 10"-12" spikes. For straight lines, precast concrete curbing may be used.

7. SPREAD BEDDING SAND

Now spread 1" of bedding sand over the compacted base. Then, level off the sand by dragging a notched 2x4 along the curbs. For larger areas, a long pipe works well as a center screed guide.

8. LAY PAVERS

After screeding the sand, you can begin laying your pavers using the patio's straightest edges as your starting point. (Hint: using a soldier course along the outside perimeter makes for a nicer finished look, especially on curved edges.)

9. KEEP PAVERS SQUARE

To keep the pavers straight and square as you work, use a string line running in both directions as your guide. If your pavers start to get off square, you can get them into proper position by gently tapping them towards the string line.

10. CUT TO FIT

Many of the pavers that butt into the soldier course will need to be cut to fit properly. Cut each paver one at a time - marking it, removing it, cutting it (see 10b) and placing it before proceeding to the next one. Install the soldier course as you go along.