Get Perfect Edges With Plastic Paver Edging
A key feature of any patio paver project is whether or not paver edging was used in the project. Many novices may think the term edging refers to paver brick edging (the row of bricks turned on edge to form a border around a patio or walkway. Actually, paver edging refers to the plastic restraints that go around the paver’s edge and keep them from moving.
Previously, contractors formed a ledge of cement around pavers to keep them in place. However due to recent technology, plastic and aluminum have become the premiere means of keeping a perfect edge on pavers.
Overview of How to Install Paver Edging
1. Lay unilock pavers on the area of ground you wish to install pavers
2. Arrange pavers as they will be placed in the paver patterns.
3. Outline area with spray paint, adding one foot to entire diameter.
4. Did the foundation trench out, carefully following outline.
5. Dump and rake no more than four inches of stone aggregate into trench.
6. Using a compactor, pack the fill down by passing over the entire surface four times.
7. Continue adding aggregate at the rate of no more than four inches each time, compacting after each addition of aggregate.
8. Place plastic paver edging around entire circumference of trench. Use recommended method of securing plastic edging in place. Some edging is held in place by nails, others use an interlocking system. Check manufacturer’s instructions for further information and instruction.
9. Fill with one inch of sand and level surface with a two by four laid flat and skimmed across sand. You should have a lip (plastic edging) sticking up that will catch and hold the grass pavers in place once installed.
10. Moisten and pack down sand.
11. Install pavers atop of sand and using compactor go over each ones surface to settle them into the sand.
12. Hose down paver surface and allow drying.
13. Sweep when finished.
If you will be installing plastic edging around an existing driveway; you can dig a trench around the outside perimeter of the driveway; install edging and then back fill to secure in place.
There are several different types of paver edging on the market today. Some things to consider when evaluating which is right for your project consider these items:
• Skill level of installer.
Some of the edging is very easy to install; others are not. If you have little experience with this type of project; you may want to consider one of the snap together types of edging that doesn’t need any hardware to hold it into place.
• The maximum weight load the pavers will carry.
This will help you decide how heavy you need the edging to be. Check manufacturer’s specifications for information on the capabilities of individual products.
• If tempted to omit paver edging, keep in mind most contractors agree that the minimal cost of the edging is well worth the benefits. When edging is not used, pavers will shift and eventually have to excavate to realign or move them.
