Considering Installing My Own Pavers...

GabeTX · Jun 14, 2005

You can actually use Google to double check your math--the "search" box is also a calculator that can do units.

If you go to www.google.com and "search" for:

1000 square feet x 7 inches to cubic yards

It comes back with:

(1 000 (square feet)) x 7 inches = 21.6049383 cubic yards

I "discovered" that a few months ago and I've been using it a lot lately. Very handy...

plaindave · Jun 14, 2005

The installed price for the pavers isn't that bad. I have been quoted $11 - $14 a sq/ft here in Michigan.

As a DIY project the pavers I looked at were $4 a sq/ft. So for my project when you add in the cost of the base materials, equipment time, and labor the price isn't too bad.

For me I decided to have the work done as it included steps and I didn't want to take on that challenge, flat work I would have tried. That I and wanted it done this summer, as opposed to "when I get to it".

I get to try out my toothbar and remove the old concrete walk and the steps - and isn't that what it's all about anyway, Tractor Time? Laying pavers can't be done in a tractor.

gsganzer · Jun 15, 2005

I just put in a paver walkway myself. It was only 42" wide by 35' but it is very easy to do yourself. I'll tackle a 10' x 20' patio next year when the wife gives me my new allowance. I scraped out the existing soil using my boxblade and it worked well. I highly recommend renting a plate compactor. I also rented a pavestone "breaker" instead of a wet saw. All of my cuts were square. The breaker is like a guillotine and only cost $20 for a weekend.

I don't know if you've already decided on the type of pavers your using, but take a look at the "Pavestone Tumbled Plaza". I intermixed square and rectangular in a "Muster K" pattern. They'll show the pattern on their literature. It looks real nice and has a little softer look then the standard pavers with the crisp edges.

flenn · Jun 15, 2005

We have an existing 20 year old red brick walkway with rotted railroad ties that border it. The whole thing looks pretty rough. I’d like to replace the walk with pavers and a nice border. I’ll probably have someone do the work because I have steps (and a large retaining wall) leading to it and two sets of steps leading away from it, making the whole job more complex. I plan to remove all the bricks myself. My question is will the fact that there is an existing walk (and wall) make the job substantially easier for the person(s) who does the work? How much prep work will be saved?

gsganzer · Jun 15, 2005

( My question is will the fact that there is an existing walk (and wall) make the job substantially easier for the person(s) who does the work? How much prep work will be saved? )

I couldn't tell from your question, but it sounds like you're replacing both the wall and the walk? I'd think it'd be a lot easier because the grade is already established for the walk and the hill cut has been made for the wall, so the hard part is over with. Is the walk running along the top of the wall? How much of the walkway gets disturbed when the wall gets torn out?

EddieWalker · Jun 15, 2005

( We have an existing 20 year old red brick walkway with rotted railroad ties that border it. The whole thing looks pretty rough.

My question is will the fact that there is an existing walk (and wall) make the job substantially easier for the person(s) who does the work? How much prep work will be saved? )

You didn't say if the rough part is from the rotting railroad ties, or the bricks. If the bricks have settled, moved or come apart, you might not have a good base under them.

Allot of older brick walkways were put right on top of the dirt. No base rock or sand.

Removing what you have now will definiatley save you some money, but if they have to remove dirt to make room for base rock, then that's a step that will cost you a fair amount.

It allways comes down to the base.

Eddie

imported_OWDouglas · Jun 15, 2005

tripled checked the math on the constuction calculator...21.6 cu yds

Lawnjocky · Jun 15, 2005

I know everyone here likes to play with their toys but for the digging you would be better off renting a skid steer (Bobcat). It will do a better job faster and you will still save money. You can use your FEL for the other stuff.

OhioGuy · Jun 15, 2005

I installed about 600 square feet of pavers two years ago. I used a crushed limestone base. I used a rear tine tiller to excavate/cut the soil and my FEL to remove it. I did about a 4 to 6 inch base and 2 years later they ae holding up well. I was amazed how well a tile saw could cut brick, I cut a couple of 1/8 inch slices just playing with it, it was an enjoyable project.

Curt