I am planning on building a 600 sq foot patio using patio pavers. The
previous owner of my house had put down a 8"-12" thick layer of pea stone
where each stone is about 1/2"-1" in size. This was a retaining wall
project which the previous owner started. Is the stone going to cause a
problem with shifting?

What can I do to create a surface that's suitable for a patio? I've read
that a layer of crusher run or stone dust and then possibly a layer of sand
is good for laying patio pavers. Someone had suggested putting a layer of
crusher run on the existing stone. The crusher run would work its way
between the existing stone creating a stable surface.

Or should the existing stone be removed completely? I would really like to
avoid that if there is a good alternative solution. Below the stone lies
topsoil.

Wes

To install concrete pavers correctly you should remove the pea stone,
install a 4-6 inch base of compressed crushed base rock ("3/4-"), and spread
an even 1 inch layer of sand. Then compress the pavers into the sand, and
finally spread masons sand or stone dust over the top and into the gaps
between the pavers. Pavers are designed to be installed this way. Incorrect
installation will result in an uneven surface and/or weeds/roots growing
through between pavers and it will look like crap. Do it once, do it right.

The paver manufacturers have installation instructions online. For example:

http://www.calstone.com/listCategori...crete%20Pavers

M.Paul

"Wes Pogorzelski" wrote in message
...
I am planning on building a 600 sq foot patio using patio pavers. The
previous owner of my house had put down a 8"-12" thick layer of pea stone
where each stone is about 1/2"-1" in size. This was a retaining wall
project which the previous owner started. Is the stone going to cause a
problem with shifting?

What can I do to create a surface that's suitable for a patio? I've read
that a layer of crusher run or stone dust and then possibly a layer of
sand
is good for laying patio pavers. Someone had suggested putting a layer of
crusher run on the existing stone. The crusher run would work its way
between the existing stone creating a stable surface.

Or should the existing stone be removed completely? I would really like
to
avoid that if there is a good alternative solution. Below the stone lies
topsoil.

Wes

Wes Pogorzelski wrote:
I am planning on building a 600 sq foot patio using patio pavers. The
previous owner of my house had put down a 8"-12" thick layer of pea stone
where each stone is about 1/2"-1" in size. This was a retaining wall
project which the previous owner started. Is the stone going to cause a
problem with shifting?

What can I do to create a surface that's suitable for a patio? I've read
that a layer of crusher run or stone dust and then possibly a layer of sand
is good for laying patio pavers. Someone had suggested putting a layer of
crusher run on the existing stone. The crusher run would work its way
between the existing stone creating a stable surface.

Or should the existing stone be removed completely? I would really like to
avoid that if there is a good alternative solution. Below the stone lies
topsoil.

Wes



This is Florida, no frost heave. We have much smaller area - about
10'x15'. Smoothe top soil, lay down landscape cloth, lay down large
square pavers, put river rock down between pavers (about 6" apart).
Used the cheap landscape cloth, which I believe is "five year". There
is sturdier stuff. Border with timbers to contain rock. Can use masonry
borders. Makes nice patio. Occas. weed grows, but blow off dirt and
leaves. Got the grill, flower pots, etc.