So I’m expanding my firepit with an already existent supply of 8"x8" blocks. I started with the easiest side.
I turned the dirt over and tried to smooth, I didn’t do the best job.
I first laid down landscaper (weed blocking) cloth and have framed the stones into place. I’m thinking of adding something like sand or diatomaceous earth (DE) to finish the leveling and fill in the small gaps that will eventually accumulate dirt and then weeds.
Will sand do the job, is there something better to use?
The other sides need to built up a bit, so using sand would hopefully solve two issues.
Replacing that fence is another job, but probably one for professionals.
Sand levelling base is the standard. Technically, a paver detail will be 4-6" of crushed aggregate stone, fabric, 1" of sand then the pavers but you can try without the aggregate base for such a small area. You can get paver edge (plastic, L-shaped edging) for the borders to keep it tight. Really depends a bit on how much traffic it’ll get or if you’ll just be setting something on it versus walking/sitting on it.
Nothing much to do for the weeds except spray them if they poke up.
Weed blocking cloth won’t affect a common source of weed growth between paver blocks, which is seeds blown into and sprouting in spaces between blocks. Use of polymeric sand is supposed to form a hard seal between blocks, but even that isn’t 100%, and needs replacement every few years.
When we had a paver patio the installation was supposed to be weed-proof, but I wound up having to burn weeds out with a propane torch on a regular basis.
I was seeing a sand/fine gravel base and then polymeric sand for the gaps and grooves. Looks like that might be the best way to go. But I take it the claims of up to 10 years is an exaggeration?
This is true. But I’d still put down fabric because it’ll slow the process of your compacted soil sub-base and then sand layer just becoming sandy dirt and the pavers getting out of alignment. Weeds are usually a top-down problem though.
A buddy of mine got a backpack “flamethrower” for his birthday from his wife. The only real use he’s found for it is killing weeds between patio blocks.
No barrier under the pavers is going to be able to fully stop weeds, it’s recommended you regularly sweep the area with a broom to at least try to get ahead of seeds sneaking into the cracks, but there’s really nothing that is 100%.
I use polymetric sand on mine but it still gets weeds every year. Every year I spray the weeds (actually, it’s mostly grass) and then dig out the dead stuff and fill with polymetric sand. Don’t skip the spraying part. I did that for a few years - dug up the live weeds/grass from the roots - and it’s not worth it. Kill it first.
Honestly, you should build up with sand or stone dust to make the pavers even with the concrete pad. You’re going to trip over that lip. No advice on weeds, though.
This thread is about “leveling patio blocks” AND “preventing weeds in seams.” At least that’s what the title says.
Maybe you should ask a mod to edit the title.
We just got pavers put down to replace our driveway. I paid extra for this product. So far I’m very happy with it. Dries very hard, but lets water through. A leaf blower clears it off, and it can withstand pressure washing. I’m quite confident we’ll have no weeds for at least a few years.
After removing your paver blocks and anything other base material covering the soil, compact the soil and lay at least 1" of a paver base - usually finely crushed stone. Compact it and then a layer of paver sand - compact it and screed (level). Lay you block - pour additional sand on top and sweep to fill paver block joints. Water the surface, allow it to dry and refill joints with sand if necessary.
Make sure you measure the depth of the area first to calculate the desired finished height of your paver block after you install your base material.
