Flat laid Belgian block for driveway edges.
#1
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Flat laid Belgian block for driveway edges.
I am planning to install belgian block alongside my paved driveway edge. I have decided, or at least my father convinced me to lay the blocks flat. (they are the jumbo blocks). I like the idea because it will allow someone to ride over the block and not knock it out of its spot. I was originally going to lay down some gravel, pour a cement footing, lay the bricks, and fill in joints with mortar. But im wondering how i will fill the joint next to the paved driveway since I want the blocks to be level with the driveway. My father then began to insist that cement was not needed, just edge restraints and joint sand/poly sand>? What do you guys think is the best route to take? I have roughly 150 feet total blocks to lay, so its a tough job by myself.
#2
The concrete is not needed if you have a well compacted base sloped for drainage (if any) and 1" layer of screeded clean concrete sand for a setting bed. Edge restraint is very important for stability. You can use Belgian block on edge to be deeper and provide restraint and setting those in mortar will help. A concrete slab under the pavers and sand can trap water, causing the pavers to "swim" and rock.
If you want to true up the surface a bit, you can run a vibratory plate compactor to seat the stones and smooth out the top surface of the drive way.
Dick
If you want to true up the surface a bit, you can run a vibratory plate compactor to seat the stones and smooth out the top surface of the drive way.
Dick
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so basically, youre saying to lay them like a traditional paver style, since im laying the blocks flat. With crushed gravel base sloped, and 1" of bedding sand. would the use of polymeric sand to fill the joints be a good idea?
#4
I am not a great fan of polymeric sand since the proper sand has worked for centuries for pavers that are still working with normal untreated sands.
If you happen to have large joints due to the shape or irregularities of real Belgian Blocks or the pavers, polymeric might be worth the cost and possible staining or discoloration problems that seem to occur occasionally.
Dick
If you happen to have large joints due to the shape or irregularities of real Belgian Blocks or the pavers, polymeric might be worth the cost and possible staining or discoloration problems that seem to occur occasionally.
Dick
Last edited by Concretemasonry; 07-05-13 at 10:17 AM.