Step 1: DESIGN
Every successful project begins with creating a plan! For this part of the process, you can be as involved or uninvolved as you would like. Whether you already have your dream landscaping design worked out, or you're not sure what you want and would prefer we come up with our own ideas tailored to fit your needs, we've got it covered. Big Block Interlock will map out your future project with state-of-the-art design software so we can visualize your plan and come to a consensus on a final layout. From there, it's up to Big Block Interlock to get it done!
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Step 2: Requesting Locates
Step 3: Excavation
Everything is ready, now it's time to get to work. The first step in any hardscape project is to dig out the soil in order to make room for the structural gravel base that your stone project will sit on. The depth and compaction of the base will determine the longevity of your project. Many landscape contractors will try to cut corners on this step by not digging deep enough, which causes the stonework to sink and settle over the following years. Big Block Interlock sees to it that your hardscape project lasts a lifetime. That's why we always dig for 8" of base underneath any interlock intended for human traffic, and 12" for interlock driveways.
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Step 4: Preparing The Base
Preparing the base is the most important step to keep your project looking good and lasting. First, a geotextile fabric is laid between the compacted soil underneath and the crushed stone aggregate that will make up the base. This fabric prevents the aggregate from sinking into the soil over time, which would cause your project to settle.
From there, we fill the excavated area with crushed stone aggregate, firmly compacting it with powerful tampers every 3 inches. Once the base is nearly up to height, we set the final grade with stone dust. Stone dust is a finer aggregate that allows us to be more precise when setting the final grade that your stone project will sit on. This final layer is expertly graded so that the interlock that sits on top of it will shed water away from your house's foundation. Pictured is a Big Block Interlock project unaffected while supporting a mobile crane truck weighing around 60,000 lbs. This is made possible by our superior base preparation. |
Step 5: Laying The Stone
Finally, all the preparation is done! Now it's time for the fun part! We begin by stacking any retaining walls that are incorporated in the design, then we start laying the pavers. Before you know it, your project will take shape before your eyes. Once everything is in place, we run snap edge around the perimeter of the interlock pavers and secure them with 12" spikes driven into the earth. This retains the interlock and prevents the stones from shifting from side to side over time.
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Step 6: Finishing Touches
Everything is in place! All that's left now is to fill the joints between the stones with polymeric sand. Polymeric sand is a special sand infused with polymers that cause it to solidify and stick like glue when exposed to moisture. First we sweep the sand into the joints between the stones, then we spray the area with water. This causes the sand to seal up the cracks between the stones and then solidify as it dries over the following days. The solid sand keeps water from making its way between the stones, and also prevents weeds from growing.
At Big Block Interlock, we take every precaution to disturb your lawn as little as possible during the building process, but unfortunately, some disturbance of your grass is a fact of life while we make your dreams for your property a reality. That's why we always make sure to repair your lawn with soil and grass seed before we leave! |
Step 7: Sit Back And Enjoy!
For more information, Contact us!