Written by Barkman Concrete Published on September 14th, 2021
BASIC SLAB & PAVER INSTALLATION
NOTES FOR:
· Grand Flagstone
· Dimensional Flagstone
SAFETY
Make safety your top priority when installing our paving products. Before starting your project, be sure to address the following points:
Contact your local utility marking service prior to making any excavation.
Be sure to follow all governmental safety regulations. Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, steel toed boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, respiratory protection, and any other needed safety gear.
Flagstone slabs are heavy. Utilize mechanical installation when possible. Follow proper lifting techniques to avoid back injury. Also, use two people to set larger pieces.
PROJECT PLANNING
The first step in installing our paving products is to plan your project. Paver layout and placement is important to insure a functional and good looking installation.
Remember, Flagstone products are suitable for pedestrian loading only (patios, walkways, etc.) and will not support the load of a vehicle.
EXCAVATION AND BASE PREPARATION
Once you are ready to start construction, you will need to lay out the project area. Mark out the area of the installation with marking paint. Mark a second line 12 in (305 mm) outside of the first line that indicates the area to be excavated. This over-excavation will allow for proper base installation.
Excavate to the required depth and grade for the installation of the specific paving product you are installing (see cross sections for minimum recommended excavation depths). Once the excavation depth has been established, compact the sub grade well using a vibratory plate compactor. At this point, Rosetta Hardscapes recommends laying a woven geotextile down before applying any granular base materials.
PERMEABLE INSTALLATIONS: Unless specified, avoid compaction of existing sub-grade soils if installing a permeable pavement.
PLACE THE COMPACTED GRAVEL
BASE
For standard paver and flagstone installations, begin by spreading half of granular base material in the excavation. (Note: Lifts should not exceed 6 in (150 mm) in thickness.) Compact this first lift to 98% standard proctor using a vibratory plate compactor and adding water as needed. Add the
second lift of granular material and compact in the same manner as the first. For permeable paver installations, install open-graded sub-base and base course material as specified in the project drawings.
KEY POINT: When installing granular base materials, be sure to consider proper grades to prevent water from standing on the surface and make sure water is directed away from building structures