how do you lay down 16x16 patio block and keep it level?

Answer 1

First you need to grade out the total area to the desired depth and remove any excess soil in the area, preferably down to the "hardpan" or hard clay depth. This should only be a few inches, even if you don't reach the clay level it will be ok, but if you do, the better. Spread out a layer of sand over the entire area to a depth of about 2 or 3 inches. Water the entire area with a hose that has a spray nozzle with a shower type spray. This will settle the loose sand and compact it a little to accept the patio blocks. After wetting it down thoroughly, you can begin laying down the blocks one by one. You'll need a rubber malet and a carpenters level for the next step. After placing the first block, take the malet and wack the block a few times to set it into the moist sand. Eyeball it to the level you wish, if you are butting it up to something, like a lawn or walkway etc. Take the level and lay it across the block for a precise reading, side to side and front to back. Any adjustments can be made with by using the malet to lower it into the soil if need be. If you get the first block level, you can go off of that one, to keep the level close. But the final reading will have to come from the carpenters level. Each block will need to be done this way.
After the you have all the blocks down like you want them and they are level, take more sand and backfill into the cracks and in between each block if they are not plush. You can use a shovel for this. Take a push broom and sweep the sand back and forth to further fill the cracks. Then water the entire area again, to settle this new backfilled sand and to make it more solid. You will need to repeat this backfill once more, due to the sand being settled into the cracks. After the second round you should have a solid patio area. Hope this answers your question...

Billy Ray

Answer 2

How To Lay Patio Blocks

Answer 3

Get some screenings from the limestone quary people, they sell those like dirt cheap. Then surround the area with a 2x4 box to which you dig out the center, then fill that box with screenings, wet it good, refill and level across with a straight board.

Then sprinkle the area heavily with portland cement and rake it in just a bit. Relevel across with that board, let it set up and next day lay down the blocks. This will give you a perfectly level substrate to work off of and it will stay level. The cement of course, is only a temporary thing and isnt structural in any way. I saw this done in Rome on vacation last year where they do lots of brick overlays onto screenings and discussed it the the contractor who said it is really a cost savings in labor too because no tomping or leveling or adding sand here and there and NO CALL BACKS.

Answer 4

The best leveling method I have found is to form the area with 2x4 or 2x6 boards and leveling the form (it may be necessary to section off the area in small sections if you are doing a large area) and use a good straight 2x4 longer than the form. then fill the area to be paved with at least a 2to 3inch layer of sand, which will aid in leveling and give you good drainage of the area, smooth the sand out using the long 2x4 to level the sand base. You may want to water down the sand a couple of times to aide in settling the area but be sure to re level prior to installing blocks. This will give you a long lasting level base for your tile and use a treated lumber if you want to leave the forms in place and untreated if you plan on removing them......I hope this will help

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
how do you lay down 16x16 patio block and keep it level?

Answer 6

Sorry; thought you said weeds. Will leave that info in. Yup, Round Up WILL KILL GRASS ALRIGHT ! I would suggest weedeating it first and blowing or sweeping away the debris first. That way the Round Up can reach the roots easier & you'll have to buy less ! Still, refill w/pebbles: see below. Have a good restroration ! I've heard spraying w/vinegar is a nice non-toxic way to do it. Roundup can hurt other plants and may not work, actually !! If you like meditative outdoor work--try handweeding them out w/a typical straight garden weeder tool, or one of your own choosing; some come w/curved blades. This will get it root and all; then, replace the pebbles. Repeat w/vinegar as needed; if pebbles are small and thick enough (about 1/2") they should come out by hand rather easily; esp. best to do after it's rained. Frankly I like the meditative part; but, it takes patience & time. And, some weeds are just "repeaters." Again, vinegar.

Answer 7

if it's only for pedestrian use and not vehicular, dig down the depth of your pavers plus about 1 inch or so and as level as possible. lay two pieces of rigid 1 inch conduit (or anything 1 inch thick and straight) and pour paver sand (sold at big chain home store) to cover. take a 2x4, lay it on its side across the conduit and pull it down the length to get the sand worked down and level. pull your conduit up and lay your blocks. if it's for car use, you need to put several inches of GAB under the sand layer and make sure your pavers are rated for vehicular use. if you really wanted to, you could put down a weed control fabric before putting the sand down. and also, check your level across the conduit before adding the sand. good luck!

Answer 8

16x16 Patio Pavers

Answer 9

make form use 2x4, level, use sand or( b19gravel go to it)