Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Can I really do this?
If you are not afraid to try something new, and you’re not afraid of a little bit of physical work, then you can really do this.

How much money will I save by doing it myself?
While markets vary, you can usually save between 66% and 75% of the cost if you had hired a professional contractor.

Will my job look as good as if I would have hired it done?
By following the easy steps presented in the “Average Joe Teaching Series” you will have full access to the same installation methods used by most professional contractors.

How do I figure out how much material to order?
Refer back to the planning process on the DVD where it talks about creating a scaled drawing. Take this to your local do it yourself landscape supply yard and they will help you determine the proper amounts to order.

Why should I attempt my own project?
Besides saving money, there is nothing more rewarding than the completion of a project that you have completed yourself.

How much maintenance will my pavers be?
If they are not sealed, then occasional re-sweeping of the sanded joints is all that you would need to do.

Sidewalk

How wide should my walkway be?
As a general rule, front walkways are a minimum of 4’. Backyard, or
occasional use walkways are a minimum of 3’.

How will I know what color of pavers to choose?
Visit your local Do-It-Yourself landscape supply yard. Once there, choose some samples and take them back to your house to pick the best color to compliment your home.

Is it easier to lay a straight walkway, or a curving one?
If you follow the methods taught in the DVD, then a curving sidewalk
is not any harder than a straight walkway.

Why do I need to slope my pavers?
If you do not slope your pavers away from the house, you could trap water between the house and the sidewalk.

How do I avoid a lot of cutting of my brick pavers?
If you lay your rows parallel along your walkway, then you will only
have cuts at the ends.

If I want to have a circle in my walkway, when should it be laid?
All your circles should be laid first.

How do I install a circle pattern?
When you purchase your circle bundle, it will come with a row by row
installation guide.

Why Do I need to lay a Soldier course?
A Soldier course adds a decorative edge, and strengthens the outer edges of your walkway.

Can I install a walkway without steps if my yard runs downhill?
If you can comfortably walk the slope now, then you can install your
walkway without steps.

How long will my pavers last?
Most manufacturers will guarantee them for life.

Raised Patio

Is there any difference in laying a ground level patio verses a raised patio?
The main difference is in the base, and the steps. The actual
laying of the pavers is the same.

Do I need to use a laser to find grade?
A laser is the easiest way to find grade, but you also can use a string with a line level.

Do I really have to remove all the grass before I start my raised patio?
Yes you always want to remove any vegetation before adding base material.

When building a raised patio, do I need to build my steps first?
Yes. When your steps are in, they will hold your base material in place as you finish your patio.

Do I need to pour a foundation under my steps before I install them?
No. A layer of compacted base material is plenty.

What should I look for when choosing a stone step for my raised patio?
Look for one that is flat and even, between 6-8” thick, and the proper length and width for your project.

Can I use fill dirt for my patio foundation?
Fill dirt is not recommended. 21AA compacted in 3” lifts, with 2” of 2NS sand or 2” of Slag sand would be the best base for building up your raised patio.

Will I have a problem with my raised patio settling?
If you compact the base in 3” lifts, then you shouldn’t have any problems.

How do I retain the edge of my raised patio?
There are several methods, here are a few: manufactured retaining wall system, boulders, flat stacked stone, planting birm.

Do I need to install a railing around my patio?
If you want the look of a railing, then yes, otherwise check with your local building codes to see if they require it.

Retaining Wall

Can I install a retaining wall?
By following the step by step instructions in the DVD, you to can be successful.

Do I have to bury the bottom course of wall stone?
Yes, the manufacturers all recommend that you bury the bottom row.

If my wall stone has a lip on the bottom, do I need to remove it for the bottom row?
Yes, if your base is hard and even, removing the lip will allow it to sit flat and level on your base.

What keeps the retaining wall from falling over?
With proper installation and using drain tile, pea stone, and geo-textile fabric behind the wall; this will eliminate the hydrostatic pressure build up behind the wall that would otherwise push the wall over.

What stops the dirt from coming through my wall?
By installing a Geo-Textile fabric behind your wall, it will act as a filter allowing the water only to pass through.

How high can I build my wall?
Every wall system is different, so check with the specific manufacturer for their maximum height.

Will a retaining wall be strong enough to shore up my driveway?
As long as you follow the proper installation methods, you should have no problems.

Do I need to install a capstone on top of my wall?
A capstone is purely decorative.

Do I have to fasten my capstone down, or can I just place it on top?
You should fasten them with an adhesive specifically formulated for that type of installation, so they don’t move.

Do I need to use the big blocks for a raised planter?
If you are not going real high, then you can use a smaller product such as a garden stone retaining wall block.