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Paving Stones & Sand: Damp vs Dry?
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(PeteCresswell)
Dec 24, 2012, 1:04:54 PM12/24/12
to
In the few videos I've watched, they tamp/compact the gravel, but
not the sand that is layed over the gravel.
In my test fit, I'm using about 2" of sand over solid shale. viz:
http://tinyurl.com/d7lfk4j
A local playground is being re-done and there are piles and piles
of sand there for the taking.
Problem (?) is that it is damp and I do not know how that goes
down paving-wise.
What I'm finding is that I can hand-tamp a 2" layer of the stuff
down almost 1/4".
Don't have any dry sand to compare with, but I'm wondering if the
tampability is due to the dampness, or is that just the way it is
with all sand.
I'm thinking settling over the years...
Bottom Line: Am I asking for trouble if I chince out and use the
free (damp) sand? Or should I pony up the cash and buy some dry
stuff?
--
Pete Cresswell
not the sand that is layed over the gravel.
In my test fit, I'm using about 2" of sand over solid shale. viz:
http://tinyurl.com/d7lfk4j
A local playground is being re-done and there are piles and piles
of sand there for the taking.
Problem (?) is that it is damp and I do not know how that goes
down paving-wise.
What I'm finding is that I can hand-tamp a 2" layer of the stuff
down almost 1/4".
Don't have any dry sand to compare with, but I'm wondering if the
tampability is due to the dampness, or is that just the way it is
with all sand.
I'm thinking settling over the years...
Bottom Line: Am I asking for trouble if I chince out and use the
free (damp) sand? Or should I pony up the cash and buy some dry
stuff?
--
Pete Cresswell
Oren
Dec 24, 2012, 3:24:07 PM12/24/12
to
On Mon, 24 Dec 2012 13:04:54 -0500, "(PeteCresswell)" <x...@y.Invalid>
wrote:
I do not see a problem using damp sand. Never installed a paver walk
myself. My experience was leveling out a pool pump pad with a bag of
sand from HD, just a few bucks for 50#.
Seems to reason the damp sand will be more compact and stable for the
pavers. Some videos I've seen even wet the sand before placing pavers.
From what I have read is that the base be stable or you get movement
in the pavers over time.
If you use dry sand it will get wet when you clean the final walkway
work ...
wrote:
myself. My experience was leveling out a pool pump pad with a bag of
sand from HD, just a few bucks for 50#.
Seems to reason the damp sand will be more compact and stable for the
pavers. Some videos I've seen even wet the sand before placing pavers.
From what I have read is that the base be stable or you get movement
in the pavers over time.
If you use dry sand it will get wet when you clean the final walkway
work ...
Pat
Dec 24, 2012, 6:37:25 PM12/24/12
to
>
> In my test fit, I'm using about 2" of sand over solid shale. viz:
> http://tinyurl.com/d7lfk4j
>
or dry. If the sand layer is too thick it can pump and move under the
pavers. If you need to use 2" of sand I would add some cement so it would
set up solid. I think this is called thick set.
k...@att.bizzz
Dec 24, 2012, 7:44:08 PM12/24/12
to
where one can add some concrete mix to it (unmixed) but it's always
been 2", probably so one can get a good, level surface.
It should be compacted but I've found that wetting it and leaving it
for a few days works. If it rains, all the better.
Pat
Dec 24, 2012, 8:34:48 PM12/24/12
to
>
> The instructions I've seen all call for 2" of sand. I've also seen
> where one can add some concrete mix to it (unmixed) but it's always
> been 2", probably so one can get a good, level surface.
>
Here is a link to some directions that say no more 1 1/2"
> The instructions I've seen all call for 2" of sand. I've also seen
> where one can add some concrete mix to it (unmixed) but it's always
> been 2", probably so one can get a good, level surface.
>
http://www.wikihow.com/Install-Pavers
There is a paving stone manufacturer near my home and I have attended their
seminar a couple of times. They say 1/2". I have used 1/2" on all my
projects. I have watched a contractor use 2" of thick set under pavers on a
project.
Here is a link to paving stone installation instructions that call for 1"
http://www.westerninterlock.com/techcenter/installation/paving-stones
Jim Elbrecht
Dec 25, 2012, 12:13:02 AM12/25/12
to
On Mon, 24 Dec 2012 13:04:54 -0500, "(PeteCresswell)" <x...@y.Invalid>
wrote:
wrote:
>In the few videos I've watched, they tamp/compact the gravel, but
>not the sand that is layed over the gravel.
>
>In my test fit, I'm using about 2" of sand over solid shale. viz:
>http://tinyurl.com/d7lfk4j
I've always tamped [machine tamped if possible] both the gravel layer
>not the sand that is layed over the gravel.
>
>In my test fit, I'm using about 2" of sand over solid shale. viz:
>http://tinyurl.com/d7lfk4j
and the sand [or, as I prefer, fines.
Wetting them helps the tamping process. After it is tamped to a
point where it will compact no more- I spread a very thin layer
[1/4"?] to bed the paver, which I pound into place with a 4-5lb
dead-blow mallet.
>
>A local playground is being re-done and there are piles and piles
>of sand there for the taking.
place for years- then it might be sharp sand. If it was play-sand,
then leave it. You want sharp sand under those pavers.
>
>Problem (?) is that it is damp and I do not know how that goes
>down paving-wise.
>
>What I'm finding is that I can hand-tamp a 2" layer of the stuff
>down almost 1/4".
You can bust your hump for 100 hours- and do it all over again in 2
years. . . or rent a machine- tamp *Sharp* sand down in an hour or
two- and not have to touch it for a decade.
-snip-
>
>Bottom Line: Am I asking for trouble if I chince out and use the
>free (damp) sand? Or should I pony up the cash and buy some dry
>stuff?
I'd buy *sharp* sand-- and rent a tamper for a 1/2 day. All money
>Bottom Line: Am I asking for trouble if I chince out and use the
>free (damp) sand? Or should I pony up the cash and buy some dry
>stuff?
well spent.
Jim
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