GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post

14-04-2005, 11:43 AM

wrote:
My apology for cross posting.

I have a question regarding laying some concrete pavers to make a trail
at the side of my house. I am talking about those 24" X 24" type you
see in big box stores.

Every book I read one needs to put a few inches of gravels plus one
inch of sand for foundation. When my neighbour did his two years back
he did not put down any foundation at all. In fact he did not even
remove the sod ! Two years later every still looks fine to me. In fact
it has a certain rustic look to it that is not available in jobs done
properly !

What disasters I am looking at if I follow his lazy way ?

The biggest problems over time are likely:

1. The pavers will settle unevenly in the sod making them hard to walk
on at some point - this may take 5-10 years.

2. They may crack due to the uneven support that also contributes to 1
above.

However, some may consider this part of the rustic look so if you don't
mind some uneven settling and cracking, then go for it.

Personally, I'd prepare a proper base and then put topsoil around the
pavers and re-seed to get the rustic look of grass around the pavers.

Matt