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Retaining Wall Installation

Retaining Wall Installation

Retaining wall installation has to start from the bottom.  Base preparation is the most vital part of the wall installation process. Begin laying out the trench with a string line. Dig a trench 6″ to 12″ deep and about 4″ wider than the width of the style of blocks you intend to use. If your property slopes, step the trench up or down, allowing for at least half the height of a block to be buried. This saves time and material. Compact the trench and fill it with 3″ to 6″ of gravel (see “Base Thickness Chart” below). Rake out, level, and compact the gravel.

Laying the First Row

Some retaining wall products must be split. Use a 3-lb. mallet and a 3″ – 4″ chisel to split blocks along the center groove. This gives each unit the natural split face appearance. If your design has a corner, start by using a corner unit. Place each unit directly on the compacted gravel base to begin the wall installation, leveling each one with a carpenter’s level. Take your time and do this properly.

Laying Additional Rows

Sweep debris off the top of the first row and place your first block, starting at a corner if you have one, offsetting it by half a block. This will ensure your joints will be staggered, which is necessary for proper stability of the wall. Cut a block in half to complete the beginning of the row. Continue in this fashion until you reach your previously determined height, backfilling every two rows.

Backfilling

Gravel is used behind the wall as backfill to allow for drainage. Be sure to backfill every two rows as you progress in height. A filter fabric material is used to separate the native soil from the gravel to ensure the gravel won’t become clogged and prevent proper drainage. Make sure you allow enough fabric to cover the final height of the wall. To ensure proper drainage behind the wall you should install a drainage pipe.

Coping

Coping units are used to finish off the top of the wall. They are glued in place with masonry adhesive. If your wall is curved you may have to cut the coping units to fit.

Steps

Step creation is similar to installing a retaining wall. The difference is, with steps you must compact the gravel behind each row (or riser). Place the first row of wall units directly on to the compacted base. Line up the area behind the row with the filter fabric, then fill with gravel and compact to the top of the blocks. Fit and glue the coping units (or treads). Place the next row of blocks directly behind the coping for your second tread and repeat these procedures for any additional steps required. One attractive option is to create a longer tread by installing pavers between the risers.

Raised Patio

To build a raised patio, follow the same procedure as for retaining walls. Backfill with gravel to within three inches of the top of the final height of the patio. This allows for a bed of screeded sand and the height of a paver.

Planters

The difference between constructing a planter and a raised patio is that you backfill and compact the gravel to within 6 inches of the top of the coping. Place a filter fabric over the gravel, then fill with topsoil for planting.

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Paver Installation

Paver Installation

Paver installation begins long before you put them on the ground.  Planning and design starts with a clear idea of what you want to accomplish. A detailed, measurement inclusive sketch of the overall area is necessary to determine product quantities and project budget. This can range from a simple, drawn sketch or one completed by a landscape professional. Bring us your sketch and our installation experts can determine the quantity of materials required for your project.  Then, you can move forward with the multiple steps involved in paver installation.

Base Preparation

Begin by marking out the area to be excavated. Excavating removes loose topsoil or fill and allows for the placement of a compacted gravel base. Small areas are easy to excavate by hand, but for larger areas you may wish to hire an excavating contractor. Before you excavate you will need to call local utility companies (e.g. phone, gas, and electric) to ensure that the area in which you plan to dig is free of underground cables or pipes. Technicians will come and mark these areas, usually at no charge. Always excavate the area to be paved slightly wider to give you some breathing room. Fill the area with the correct amount of gravel (see “Base Thickness Chart” below), then grade your base material as closely as possible to the final contour of the patio surface. Remember to slope all installations away from the house for drainage purposes. An attractive alternative to excavating for a patio is creating a raised patio using retaining walls.

Compacting the Gravel Base

The base preparation is the most important part of the entire installation process. Appropriate base material, thickness, and compaction are essential to ensure your installation will last a lifetime. Use either a hand tamper or plate compactor and firmly compact the gravel base material. For best compaction, compact 4″ layers.

Screeding

Pavers are laid on a bed of coarse sand. This bed should be 1″ to 1-1/2″ thick, no more, and is placed directly on top of the compacted base material. Using screed guides (1″ to 1-1/2″ in diameter) placed on the base, level the sand evenly by pulling a straight board along the guides. You can check the final level of the pavers by placing a paver on a guide. Once you’ve completed an area, remove the guides, filling the grooves, and continue screeding.

Laying

Begin placing the pavers directly on the screeded bed of sand, leaving a small space of approximately 1/8″ between each paver. Start laying along the longest straight side of the area to keep lines straight. This will minimize the amount of cutting required. It is important that the lines of your pavers are square, 90 degrees to each other, to fit properly. If you are installing circles, fans, or a soldier course (a border of pavers around the perimeter of an area) you will want to place these first before installing the rest of the pattern.

Cutting

You may need to cut pavers that don’t fit along edges or around objects. Mark the pavers and cut with either a guillotine cutter or masonry saw. A guillotine cutter is the easiest cutting method, but for an exact cut a masonry saw works best.

Edge Restraints

Edge restraints are a critical element to the durability of a paver installation, as they prevent the pavers from moving and shifting over time. There are several options for restraint, including plastic edge restraint that is economical and effective. Various concrete edging materials also work well with color and texture.

Compacting the Pavers

After the installation is complete, including edge restraints, the pavers must be swept clean and then compacted with a plate compactor. This helps settle the pavers into the bedding sand and creates a smooth, flat surface.

Jointing Sand

Sweeping specially graded jointing sand into the joints of the pavers further locks the pavers together.

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Choose a Brick Paver Style

choose

Choose a Brick Paver Style

choose

How to choose brick pavers

For anyone trying to choose a brick paver, there is an over-abundance of choices from many manufacturers.  It can be very daunting.  The topics below outline why Unilock products are the perfect place to start and reduce stress.  Choose the best brick paver style for any application using these points, as well.

Consider the following elements to be confident in a paver product selection:

Application Type

A homeowner’s project design should begin with careful consideration of how the space will be used. Will the brick paver installation see vehicular traffic (as in a driveway), or pedestrian traffic (as in front entrances, walkways, patios, & pool decks)? Following the recommendations for each paver block and application type is essential for quality, durability, and longevity.

*This chart should only be used as a guide. Site conditions, base materials, pattern, and frequency of use are variables that can alter the performance.

Paver Selections

There are over 30 brick pavers found within the Unilock product list. This wide variety is broken down, by product features, into four main categories:

Classic pavers are designs that have been requested year after year. This is a timeless, transitional mix of pavers, some of which have been in the Unilock line-up for 40 years.
StoneMark pavers have the texture and color of natural stone, but the durability and precision of a manufactured paver.
EnduraColor divides the thickness of a paver into two parts, the base and top layer, which enhances the strength and lasting color.
EnduraColor Plus combines EnduraColor traits with the, “best of the best,” ingredients to create the highest-performing architectural finishes.

“U-STYLE”

Unilock realizes that style is unique to everyone. The widest selection of exclusive products is presented to you by Unilock to help create your own custom one-of-a-kind outdoor space; the best selection to express any style.

The numerous color and style choices, in addition to the possible laying patterns and accent borders, truly allows for each homeowner’s individuality. There is even a UVISION Kiosk in the AreA Landscape Supply showroom to help visualize your end result. View the Unilock Brick Pavers product line by clicking here, or view this year’s five most popular paver styles below.

Top 5 of 2015

Our best-selling Unilock Pavers for 2015 are: Hollandstone, Brussels Block, Camelot, Beacon Hill, and Holland Premier.

View the Top 5 Decorative Stones from last year to see how they compare!

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Plan ahead: Applying Brick Paver Sealers

paver sealers

Plan ahead: Applying Brick Paver Sealers

paver sealers

Adding Paver Sealers – The Planning Process

Adding paver sealers can be very simple; however care should be taken with the prep work.  Before beginning the paver-sealing process, follow the check points below to ensure the best possible application. These tips are specifically for Joint Stabilizing Sealer, Natural Look (Satin); however, most apply to other paver sealers as well.

In all cases, read your sealer manufacturer’s label, in full, before starting your project. Refer to the full application instructions included with the sealer.

Surface Prep
  • Wait

    until all pavers are free from efflorescence. This may take up to one full Outdoor Living season (a calendar year).

  • Clear

    entire surface of all dust, debris, fallen leaves, Maple Tree helicopters…etc. Use a broom, and/or a leaf blower for best results.

  • Clean

    with an appropriate paver cleaner for your installation.
    What are you cleaning?

      • Efflorescence
        Plant Stains
        Oil/Grease Stains (on driveways, or near grills)
        Existing sealer from a previous application
        Rust Stains
        Paint, Tar or Rubber

    There is a cleaner for that!

  • Dry

    surface and joint sand for a consistent application. Moisture from any source, including cleaning or rain, may affect the finished look and stabilizing ability.

Weather Considerations
  • No rain while applying sealer, plus 24 hours for initial cure time.
  • No high winds.
  • No excessive heat or cold. Low 70’s + Low humidity = ideal.
  • Dry time could be 30 minutes – 3 hours.
  • Initial cure time (joint sand stabilization) for rain and vehicles is 24 hours. The full curing process will take extra time.

HELPFUL DOWNLOADS:

Sealer Coverage Chart
Natural Stabilizing Sealer
Enhancing Sealer
Wet-Look Stabilizing Sealer

Brick Paver Cleaners & Sealers

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Landscape Lights for Fall

fall safety

Create Fall Safety with Landscape Lighting

Fall Safety with Landscape Lights

Believe it or not, fall safety an landscape lights can be directly connected.  Daylight hours are diminishing and Daylight Savings Time will soon come to an end. How might this affect your lifestyle? You will pull up to a dark house after work. Visitors will be parking in a dark driveway and walking along a dark side walk. The dog will be let out into a dark yard. Avoid the dreadful dark; Brighten your nights with landscape lights and create fall safety, in addition to accents to the architectural elements of your home!

Already have Landscape Lighting?

Great job!  The potential benefits are already there, now just make sure that fall safety is at it’s peak.

Check that all components are in working order:

  • Replace burnt-out bulbs (beware of bulb type & temperature!)
  • Repair, or replace broken posts / shades / housings / mountings
  • Replace defective Photo Cells
  • Set timers to appropriate on / off times
  • Adjust clock-based timers with the “Fall-Back” time change

 

HELPFUL DOWNLOADS:

Bulb Color Chart(Kelvin Temp)
Digital Timer(X-TM-D)
Digital Timer(X-TM-DM)

Need Landscape Lighting?

No problem!  We can help you get started and sort through the options to give the optimum fall safety scenario.

Installation of low-voltage landscape lighting can be either a do-it-yourself, or a professional project. To start, a lighting plan should be made that includes the general placement & type of lights, placement of transformer, and the location of an existing power source (GFCI outlet).  You can also contact us for a free estimate from a Local Contractor.

HELPFUL DOWNLOADS:

Wiring Diagrams
Energy Cost Chart

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Top 5 Decorative Stones of 2014

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Top 5 Decorative Stones of 2014

top

Welcome to our 2014 Top 5 list of decorative stones.  Decorative Landscape Stone at AreA Landscape Supply is available in Bulk (tons), and by the bag. We have a variety of over 20 different stones. (CLICK HERE to view our entire Decorative Stone selection.) Colors range from a pristine white New York Marble to Black Lava Rock, and the sizes are just as diverse. Considering all of the options could be a daunting task to some. To make the decision a bit less intimidating, try choosing from our top 5 best-selling stones of 2014!

Top 5 Most Popular Decorative Stone Colors:

Large Bark Nuggets

Large Bark Nuggets have the look of weathered wood chips and coloring that is mostly brown tones with some grays. The stones are fairly lightweight and generally about the size of a golf ball, however, dime-sized pieces are a common occurrence. This stone is similar to Autumn Smoke (see below).

Slate Chips

As the name eludes to, this stone has the appearance of a gray slate chips. The thin layered fragments of this stone could also be described as shale-like. The deep gray color glistens in the sunlight. The characteristics of this stone provide a strong contrast and a unique, but sophisticated, appearance.

Autumn Smoke

Autumn Smoke is darker than Large Bark Nuggets, consisting mostly of charcoal grays with some brown tones. The texture is porous and lightweight. Neutral house color schemes could benefit from the deep neutral tones found within Autumn Smoke.

American Heritage

A mixture of bold and pale colors that include creamy white stones, beige stones, gray granite & pink granite. The surfaces of the stones are mostly smooth, with some tumbled stones as well. The size of American Heritage can roughly be compared to the size of an egg.

Meramec

Meramec is a stone family that comes in a medium and a large size, large being the most popular at just bigger than a golf ball. The colors are bold shades of gold, caramel and tan. These stones have a textured surface and inconsistent shape which leads to a more rustic landscape.

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Beginning an Installation

installation

How to Begin an Installtion

installation

Installation – Before you begin

How, or where to begin is often the most complex part of any job.  Hardscape installation isn’t any different.  So, you have made the decision to tackle an outdoor project yourself: installing brick pavers, or a retaining wall. Now what? PLAN & PREP!

1) Plan!

Start with sketches & diagrams; think both horizontally and vertically in all cases.
Measure existing structures that will dictate shapes and placements (doors, air conditioning units…). Mark dimensions & grade elevations appropriately.

Decide on the amenities (outdoor kitchen, built-in grill, fire-pit, water feature, lighting, etc.) you want your patio to have now, and in the future. Looking at this now, may alleviate the need to tear up anything down the road.

Select style and color of pavers and wall block. Verify that your selection is the best type of product for your installation. Ask the AreA Landscape Supply sales staff for a quote.

Products you may need:

  • Paver/Wall blocks, accent pavers, coping/caps, steps
  • Base Gravel (3/4” crusher run gravel/sand mix)
  • Bedding Sand (coarse concrete sand)
  • Jointing Sand
  • Edge restraint
  • Drainage Pipe
  • Filter Fabric
  • Adhesive

2) Prep!

Call JULIE, 8 – 1 – 1 , to locate buried utilities. Also, check nearby utility boxes for any additional phone numbers.

Mark out perimeter & placement.

Reference utility location & depth with our Base Thickness Charts.

Use our Common Formulas to help calculate the quantities of the necessary materials.

Tools you may need:

  • Wheel barrow
  • Rake
  • Level
  • String
  • Tape Measure
  • 3# Mallet
  • 3” Masonry Chisel
  • Masonry Saw and/or guillotine
  • Shovel
  • Hand Tamper or Gas-powered Compactor
  • Gloves
  • Safety Glasses