Do I need to mark the excavation area?

Yes. It is always a good idea to use marking paint or a garden hose to draw out the area for excavation.

How deep do I need to excavate?

Sidewalk or ground level patio- 8 inches.
Driveway or driveway ribbons- 12 inches.
Retaining wall- 4 to 6 inches, depending on soil conditions. If your soil contains lots of clay, then excavate 6 inches.
*This does NOT include sod/grass..

How wide do I need to excavate?

Always add at least 4 inches on each side for edge restraint. For example, if you a constructing a 3 foot wide walkway you will need to excavate an area that is 3 feet and 8 inches wide.

What is slag? And why do we use it?

Slag by definition is the vitreous mass left as a residue by the smelting of metallic ore. We use slag because it is easier to work with and it is readily available in Southeastern Michigan due to the steel industry. At Stonescape Supply, we carry two different sizes: 21AA and 30A. 30A slag sand is the fine particles only. It is used for the top layer of base in order to set the pavers level. 21AA slag mix has fine particles mixed in with bigger pieces. It is used on the bottom layer of base under the 30A slag sand. For more information on slag and its uses please contact the National Slag Association at www.nationalslagassoc.org

Can I use slag with all products?

No. Some products such as clay pavers, Stone Tile, and other large modular pavers are better suited for 2NS sand.

How many inches of base material do I need?

For a sidewalk or ground level patio, you will need 4 inches of 21AA slag mix and 2 inches of 30A slag sand. The remaining 2 inches of excavated area allows for the brick. For a driveway or driveway ribbons, you will need 8 inches of 21AA slag mix and 2 inches of 30A slag sand. The remaining 2 inches of excavated area allows for the brick. It is also recommended that you install geo-blanket under the base material for driveways and ribbons.

Can I compact all the base material at once?

No. It is recommended that you compact base material every 4 to six inches. This will allow even compaction and avoid any air pockets.

How much Pitch should my pavers have?

A 2 pitch (quarter bubble on a level) is more than adequate for your pavers. Pavers should always be pitched to carry water away from structures or poor draining areas.

Paver Installation:

Where do I start laying my pavers?

It is generally good to start laying your pavers at a 90-degree corner unless you a incorporating circles. If circles are involved, start laying them from the center of the circle.

How do I lay my pavers?

Do not drag them across the base material. This will cause you to have large gaps between the pavers. Instead, butt them up to the next brick and set them in place.

Can I cut pavers with my circular saw?

No. It is not recommended to use a circular saw to cut pavers. A brick splitter or a high-powered saw with a diamond blade is recommended. These are readily available to rent at equipment rental stores. For a few cuts, we can cut them for you for a small charge.

What about edge restraint?

Edge restraint is available in 3 basic forms: plastic, aluminum, and concrete. All 3 types can be used effectively. Be sure to install your edge restraint on top of the prepared base material. This will maximize the strength and durability of the edge restraint.

Are brick pavers high maintenance?

No. Most brick pavers only require power washing and replacing any joint sand that has washed away, as needed. This is a simple process that is completed in a short time.

Do I have to seal my brick pavers?

No. Sealing is a personal choice. Sealing can help enhance colors, protect against stains, and prevent joint sand from washing out.

What kind of sealer do you recommend and how do you apply it?

We recommend Stonescape Paver Sealant. It is usually applied by rolling it on, making sure to push the bead in one direction to prevent pulling up the joint sand. *Do not mix different types of sealer.

How do I fix a low spot?

Due to the severe weather conditions of this climate and uncontrollable shifts in the ground, some settling is possible. If that happens, just pop out one brick using two screwdrivers, remove the surrounding bricks, fill low area with 30A slag sand or 2NS sand, tamp, and put bricks back in. It is a very simple fix. For hard to remove bricks, we sell a Paver Extractor to help.

What type of fabric do I put behind my retaining wall?

Weed barrier.

Do I need drainage material behind my wall?

This depends on many factors and varies from job to job. Please contact one of our sales representatives for more information.

Where should I start building my wall?

It is recommended to start at a 90-degree corner. If there are no corners, then you may start at either end.

Do I need to install geo-grid?

For the majority of smaller jobs it is not necessary, but it also depends on many factors and varies from job to job. Please contact one of our sales representatives for more information.

Can Stonescape Supply deliver my materials?

Yes. From simple dump trucks to full semis, Stonescape Supply can deliver your entire order to your jobsite. Free delivery is available on direct ships. Please contact one of our sales representatives more details on delivery.

Can Stonescape Supply help figure out my materials?

Yes. In most cases, just bring in a rough drawing or sketch with your measurements and we can figure your materials. It is recommended that you double-check your figures since Stonescape Supply is not responsible for overages or shortages.

What else can Stonescape Supply do to make my project easier?

Stonescape Supply can move materials into your backyard or around your jobsite saving countless hours of labor. We can also remove excavated debris from your jobsite and dispose of it.