# 1 Excavation
Determine the location of the path or patio. Trace the excavation 12 inches wider. Before the excavation ensures that no infrastructure is present (contacted INFO EXCAVATION free service). An excavation of 12 inches deep is required for pedestrian use and of 18 inches for vehicular use
# 2 Geotextile membrane
Spread a geotextile membrane in the bottom and on the sides of the excavation. This will prevent contamination of the aggregate foundation with existing soil. The use of nail’s or staple to hold the membrane in place.
# 3 Backfill and compaction
Backfill the excavation with stone MG 20 mm or 0 3/4. Depending on the type of machinery used for the compaction the backfill must be done per layer to ensure good compaction (generally a 6-inch layer is appropriate). Water the stone to facilitate compaction and reduce dust. Once the compaction is finished the base should be equal and ready to receive the laying bed. Please note that a slope of 2% (1/4 inch per foot) is required at a minimum to ensure a good flow of water.
Laying bed # 4
The laying bed consists of concrete sand or Stone dust. It is best to use a maximum of one inch thick for the laying bed. Stone dust and Concrete sand are extremely course so it can be compacted uniformly and allows for adequate water drainage. This type of sand will also lift slightly into the joints between the pavers when they are being leveled, helping to lock the pavers in place. Also locks together tightly enough in paver joints to help stop water from seeping under the pavers and lifting them. When compaction of the polymer sand there will be a drop of 3/8 inch. It must therefore be included in the final height calculations.
# 5 The installation
Several laying pattern can be used (Linear, Modular, Herringbone, etc.). Always make sure to keep the lines straight during installation. It is recommended to use the house as a guide for alignment (parallel, to be square) (some situation prevents it) it creates a beautiful visual effect.
# 6 Filling the Joints
The filling of the joints is done with polymer sand.-1 Spread sand and sweep to fill all joints. -2 Use a vibrating plate with Teflon to get the sand into the joints without damaging the pavers. 3-Sweep again to removing any excess. 4-With the help of a leaf blower, remove the small dust left by the sand. 5-first hose down with a (mist) mode.6-wait ½ hour, time to dry 7- second watering use the shower mode. * The techniques may vary a bit depending on the brand of the polymer sand. This is only a general summary always referred to the manufacturer’s directive.