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Paver patio using only screening?

BennyT | Posted in General Discussion on March 20, 2009 11:14am

I live in the Charlotte NC area, and I have a contractor that’s going to install a paver patio in our yard.  I’ve always heard a base material of crushed gravel is required prior to putting down the sand bed.

This contractor says the base material is not required if you use screening (which is like fine rock material), since the screening acts to “block” the water penetration (much like the base material would), and is much better than sand that DIY’ers use.  Essentially, he’s saying the screening will take the place of the crushed gravel and the sand.

Is this correct?  Or should I be worried about not having a base of crushed gravel?

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  1. florida | Mar 20, 2009 11:36pm | #1

    Around here, south Florida, screenings are all that's ever used. I've never seen or heard of gravel or sand being used in a professional installation. I also noticed that on This Old House, Roger the landscaper used screenings.

  2. mike_maines | Mar 20, 2009 11:46pm | #2

    You may want to block water penetration at the surface, but you certainly don't want to block it once it has started to penetrate.  You want it out of the way ASAP. 

    There's actually a good argument for making patios as porous as possible, to minimize water runoff issues, but I won't get into that.

    What type of soil do you have?  If it's anything but gravel or sand, look for another hardscaper.  What is directly under the pavers actually isn't as important as what is under that anyway.  It's all about good foundations.

    1. BennyT | Mar 20, 2009 11:49pm | #4

      My soil is like clay.  He further compacted it down with his excavator.

      1. BennyT | Mar 21, 2009 12:01am | #5

        His logic may not be right about the screening blocking the water, but I think he's right that people typically install it that way around here.

        If anyone else has anymore input, please let me know.  thanks.

      2. mike_maines | Mar 21, 2009 12:03am | #6

        Maybe the other guys are right, I don't have experience in non-freezing locales, but I do know that clay is NOT a good base for anything.  It's only a patio, not a house, but I worry that your patio will not stay flat over time.

        Our landscaper likes to use Polysand between pavers--it locks up tight like mortar.  Personally I like big gappy paving stones with moss and thyme growing in between, but that look's not for everyone.

        1. BennyT | Mar 21, 2009 12:08am | #7

          These are interlocking pavers (Pavestone "Plaza" series).  A sand/mortar mix will be swept into the joints.

          Again, if anyone can give me anymore input, I'd appreciate it.  Thanks again.

          Edited 3/21/2009 7:24 am ET by BennyT

      3. Stash | Mar 21, 2009 04:29pm | #8

        With clay soil, I'd put in a layer of separation fabric so the clay doest't eat your base. For the base you would probably be better off with stone- crusher run or whatever your quarry calls it - 3/4 minus, abc, etc. Drains better, packs better. Use the polymeric sand mentioned above- the dry mortar can stain the blocks and will crack and crumble, the polysand will flex with the freeze thaw.Steve

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    Sphere | Mar 20, 2009 11:49pm | #3

    I think thats fine there in Charlotte. And have seen sand used by diy'ers that had grass and ants in no time. I think the screening is sharper, and ants are less prone get in it ( or out).

    As long as it drains ( which it does better than sand) you should be good.

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