Thanks for your great videos. Because of your awesome content I took on my own patio paver project. Went with all stone instead of sand/ mason dust that was recommended at all the landscaping distributors and am very pleased with my finished project. Couldn’t have done it without the very thorough step by step tutorials. You’re the best ! I would love to show you the timeline of my project. And please quit smoking.
Thanks for your support and awesome feedback! I'm so glad that my videos helped you with your project. It is wild to me how little other contractors actually use this technique. It is just far superior to the dense grade / sand technique..... Sometimes I wonder if I overexplain in my videos, but I try to be thorough with my understanding of the trade. I would love to see the timeline, check out my channel for my email if you want to send some pictures... ✌
Been watching your videos a couple days now. Just worked my first paver patio today for my mom’s house and real happy how it turned out. Poly sand tomorrow. Love your work and videos 👍🏼
Beautifully done. I have donepatio paver work in the past. I made a walkway in front of my shed 10 years ago. It's held up great. Used polymeric sand then and I plan on extending the area and redoing the joints. Rethinking the color of sand since watching this. Thanks for the help.
You have a wonderful disposition and your product and expertise truly matches. Your explanations and directions are quite obviously consistent and clear. On top of that, this is not just informative but is entertaining as well. Thank you so much for your efforts in sharing this. May God Continue to Bless you and your work.
Hey man. Me again. I comment on alot of your videos. I like how you didn't destroy the yard to install the patio. That's how I like to do our patios. 6-8" past our paver mark, grass doesn't get touched. We follow that up with a clean, straight down cut with an edging shovel. That gets raked into the rest of the dirt that gets dug out with the equipment. Then the geo and so on. It makes the yard fixin part SOOO much easier. Sometimes it's me, sometimes it's the plant guy, either way, everyone wins. Keep up the good work
I always appreciate the comments man! It is nice when others notice the details of a well thought out plan. I completely agree with what you are saying ✌
As a smoker and landscape supervisor myself, I offer this advice Benny; Smoke like a chimney all you want, but be respectful and smoke outside the work truck if no one else smokes. That’s just basic human decency. Non-smokers and bosses/owners of said work vehicles hate that smell. Always time to have a quick puff before the ride or right after stopping. I give my crew that respect and they give it back in work ethic and efficiency. When you’re ready to quit, you’ll stop smoking altogether. Until then, keep up the awesome work you guys do and work hard 💪😎
Nothing wrong with this comment at all. Great advice and you are 100% correct. People should have the freedom to do what they want while having respect for others 👌 ✌
this is awesome. thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I am RIGHT at the stage of doing the polymeric sand and get such mixed messages about the different brands. this brand seems to be top notch so I will go with them! thanks again.
Hey Benny. I quit smoking 4 times over about 40 yrs. Last time, 10 yrs ago, stuck. I just figure two things. I didn't come into this world smoking so it's a lot more natural to not be smoking. I know. It's obvious but I found it easier to quit, thinking about it that way. 2nd; A person has to want to quit. Again, obvious, right? Some people, in spite of everything else, don't 'really' want to quit. That's it. Good Luck. "Don't force it" 👍
great video! I have done several of these patio projects. Yet, I am always looking for ways to improve how I do things and I picked up quite a few things I could do better!
😂 Nice! I don't think that is crazy at all. But it will certainly take a lot of effort and time. As long as you know that going into it, I'm sure you could do it. Just be sure to make a good plan and make sure you are not scared of some hard days of work ✌
A few times here on RUclips actually... I never seen it before but after a few comments I looked at a bunch of his pictures, definitely a little resemblance. 😂✌
Just started diy 11x22 similar project colors. Great videos. Thanks very much. Benny I smoked for 26 years about. Gave em up 10 years ago. Best thing I ever did. You’ll only do it when you’re ready. Read the book “How to quit smoking “. Chase the dragon. ☮️
Oh sweet! Glad the videos helped and good luck on the project, I'm sure it will come out great. And you are 100% right, you can only quit when you know inside that it is time. I quit about 12 years ago now and I agree it was the best thing I ever did too. ✌
Very nice! You have me sold on the black poly sand. Do you have a video on cutting the border pavers around the fire pit? It also looks like you left 1" of stone between the pit and the pavers, correct? This is exactly what I am doing in a 15ft round patio with a fire pit.
Nice man, the black poly adds so much character 👌 I do have a video on how we cut the pavers around the fire pit. here is the link to that video 👉ruclips.net/video/1Z09RARiWaM/видео.html
Hi brother. I very like this style. Can you tell me about this paver color and size.also can you tell me about how much and where are buy it. I live Arizona.
The Pavers used on this job are all manufactured by (Genest) out of Maine, the name of the main patio paver is called (Grand Katahdin) and the color tone is (Granite). The border pavers are called (Eastern Bay) with a color tone of (Charcoal).
Benny when you quit smoking you are going to feel so much better. If you have an urge just smell second hand for a while and you’ll realize it is helping you kick the habit. Good luck.
love your videos thank you for sharing your experience! Does water drain through the poly sand? Can you use with open graded base? Or Does water flow on top of the surface and not get through into the base?
Thank you! Those pavers are made by (Genest) and the style is called (Grand Katahdin) with a color tone of (Granite). The border pavers are called (Eastern Bay) with a color tone of (Charcoal)
They are typically laid in concrete adhesive and just placed right next to each other. But when used for coping on a pool, sometimes they are laid in mortar and they also get laid with a joint of mortar in between each other.
I love the videos. I have a question. Should the sand be to the top of the paver. The sand is down in the joints on my patio like 1/8” below the surface.
thanks for the video. I did hear before that you should not use so much water that it runs off. I just did my pavers and used just enough to wet the polymeric sand, and I did 2 passes 15 min apart, but I did not use as much water as you did to see so much white "polymeric activation".
No problem, there is definitely a balancing act you need for the right amount of water. If you put too little, it will not get through the layers enough to activate the entire depth of sand, causing it to be very weak and possibly peel up later.. If you water too much, you could wash out the sand before it sets. What I do is start at the lowest point and lightly shower it up to the highest point. Then I immediately go back to the low point and saturate it all up to the highest point. You don't want to be bashful with the water, you just need to watch out for sand washing out of the joints, but if it does not wash out, more water is better. Here is another polymeric sand video that I made which shows how much water I use 👉ruclips.net/video/TXWJyBnVQ_g/видео.html
Depending on the amount of film you bring out. You will always see some film but if you over water, it can cause problems down the road.... But yes, the little bit of film you see will go away. With the sun hitting it and rain storms after, it all works out good. ✌
I don't really know anything about the Dominator brand to be honest... But there are a lot of manufacturers out there making poly sand. When installed properly, most of them will be just fine.
Another beauty! Have you seen or have any thoughts on EZ grout? The stuff looks amazing. I think Im going to give it a shot. Pricey but if it does what it claims🤷♂️. ✌️
Yes I have, it is a very good product but way to expensive to use on big projects. Check out my how to use EZ Joint video right here 👉ruclips.net/video/1AnHxcdY8F4/видео.html
I don't really have a recommendation. Rock salt is better than calcium tablets. It is easier to clean up and does not get into the pours or the pavers as much. But always use as little as possible and clean up any excess after everything melts so they don't get damaged.
Ok, question, my pavers are old and pretty porous. So the polymeric sand is really sticking to the pavers. Am i going to have to brush off each paver individually, or will it work out if i leave it there and it'll wear away with time? What do you suggest? Still thinking on this.. do i need to seal my pavers somehow? (First time home owner here and took on a project im starting to think was outside of my skillset)
Hey, man. I can't thank you enough! Your videos got me through laying the base for a backyard paver project. It was really hard work, I had to move all of the stone by shovel, through a gangway, and into my back yard. But it was very enjoyable. I live in the city and had 5 cubic yards of 3/4" and 2 yards 3/8" stone dropped on the sidewalk in front of my house. My neighbors lost it! Anyway, if you don't mind, I have a question on using polymeric sand. The guy at the materials shop I used told me using poly sand on open grade base is a no-go. He said the sand eventually works down into the stone base, and that open grade base requires permeable stone or permeable sand in the joints. He recommended a smaller chip stone. The other thing is I'm installing Holland pavers which have a smaller space than the pavers you're using. I know nothing about pavers, and you've done hundreds of these, so I wanted to reach out and ask you what you thought. You're using it, so I'm assuming it's fine. Sorry for the long message. Wishing you well from Chicago!
🤣 That is hilarious about the stone delivery! I'm glad my videos were helpful, thanks for the feedback on that. I use regular polymeric sand on 99% of my projects even with Open Grade Base. Once the polymeric sand hardens, it will not sink in to the stone. Been doing it for almost 5 years now with no issues. Good luck and congrats! ✌
Hi my name is Ruben and I have a question for you, if my base rock yard after compacting need to be finish at 4" compacted base rock for 2756 Sq. ft land how many Yards of base rock I need to order? I was thinking to order what vendor told me I need which are 34 Cubic yards, but I ask if the 4" is after compacting? or loose and they couldn't answer my question, so I will appreciate if you replay back
Hey Ruben, I just double checked the math and got 33.68 cubic yards so 34 is right on with the number. An extra yard or 2 may be safe incase you go deeper ore wider than expected. Either way, that math is correct. Good luck with that huge project! ✌
Great vid, lots of info. How do you deal with the haze left over from the polymeric sand installation? How do you clean the haze before installing the sealer? Thanks!
Most Polymeric sands that are out now, leave no haze. If it feels sticky or looks hazy, just rinse with water a few times. If that does not work, there are many paver cleaners out there that will help.✌
Hello I have a question, how many years before I would need to re-apply polymetric sand? My installers workers said once every 2 years but the installer himself said maybe every 5 years. I can't seem to get a good answer lol. If I need to re-do it, would I have to hire a contractor to do it?
Hey there, the answer he gave you is basically correct. If done correctly and assuming the polymeric sand is top notch quality, you could get 2-8 years. Closer to the 2 year side if the pavers are in a shady / constantly wet area. Closer to the 8 year side if the pavers are in a sunny / very dry area. Unfortunately that is the way it goes with poly sand. They have been coming out with stronger joint sands throughout the past few years but they are very expensive and more time consuming to install. DIY Polymeric is definitely possible but keep in mind that you can really ruin a project if you make mistakes installing it. Hopefully that helps. Good luck ✌
Great stuff thanks for info. I’m building a timber a pavilion and paver patio. Posts are already in place. How long after applying the poly sand can I work on top of the paver to finish my heavy framing and roof? Def don’t want to ruin the pavers or the poly sand app
If I'm doing porcelain pavers, should I be tamping or compacting them? Everything I'm reading says you can't run a compactor over porcelain due to potential damage
Yea, I would not run a compactor over them. They are to fragile for that. But I would recommend hand tamping them with a nice heavy duty piece of foam so you are not tamping them directly. But especially with porcelain, you need to make sure you fill the joints as much as possible. Just be easy and you should be fine. If you use a piece of (Gator Base) the 1 inch piece of foam that some people use under pavers in hard to excavate areas, that works really good ✌
I would like you to travel out to nevada some day and make me a back yard patio like the one you have done here ,except the fire pit will be 4 times bigger and it will be a fountain .I priced the material you use for between 1150. and 1350 .00 a pallet but its good stuff and that the kind i hope to have out here some day,
I just found ur channel and just subscribed!!! :) I just got a house and the front pavers have settled and are not leveled with a pitch away from the house. The poly sand is all gone and weeds are growing in between the pavers. What’s the best way to fix the pitch?? What tools do u use to lift the pavers up? Also, is the border pavers cemented in place, bc it seems like mine has a cement border near the grass. Any advice would be helpful!!! Thanks!!!! :)
Nice, thanks for the support! I'm sorry to hear that your pavers are settling. It is a more common issue than you may think though... To fix, you need to pick up and relay all the pavers that have sunk. If there is concrete around the edges, you just need to break it up and remove it. Then you should be able to start lifting the pavers from the edges. When you pick up the pavers, you need to scrape the remaining poly sand off the edges and brush them off. Once the pavers are removed, you need to remove the sand / stone dust under them and put new clean, crushed stone to prevent them sinking in the future again. I have a lot of videos on how to lay pavers and how to backfill for them. Just look through my channel and I'm sure you will learn everything you need to know so you can fix the problem yourself. ✌
Did I miss a video? I’ve gone through your videos a couple of times and can’t find how you edged your patio. What did you use for edge restraint for your patio?
Sorry, I did not video that step on this project. But here is a video I made that explains how we concrete the edges to lock it all in place. 👉ruclips.net/video/_X1tCmMJQqk/видео.html
You can definitely use pea stone, the only thing in my experience is that the customer usually finds out that the stone is much harder to walk on, set chairs on, etc... than imagined. Especially the round pea stone, it moves around very easily. So I guess it depends on the area you are wanting to do it in, will it be heavy foot traffic? If so, maybe pavers are better. Up to you though ✌
Hey there, firstly love all your videos. Have a question regarding your fire pits. In this video you installed all the pavers and then circled the line for the pit. In the previous job where you had the breeo I thought you put the fireplace in first. Is there a right way or not really? Looking to start a DIY job at home and that will be a figure 8 and in one of the circles will be my pit for a breeo install so keen to get your thoughts
Hi, Thank you! You can do it either way really. The circular patio I did was to be built around the firepit as my center point. This project had to be laid out just right before I could find the center point for my firepit. so with this one, I had to lay the pavers first and then build the pit. It may vary depending on the job or the plan so whatever works best in your mind when planning the layout. It sounds like a cool project man, good luck! ✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper thanks so much for your quick reply. I’m based over in Washington state (Seattle) and we get a lot of rain. I’m keen on using your method for underlay however some of the landscapers where I’m getting the pavers are suggesting to stick to the crush rock sand model of old, however I love how clean and easy your method looks. Wanted to see if you know of others that are out west that have done similar bases to you?
@@social_euge5896 No problem, Unfortunately a lot of contractors are refusing to switch to this backfilling technique.... All I can say is that I used the crush rock and sand technique for 5-6 years prior to switching to this method 4 years ago. I will never go back. The most important reason to me is that this system does not hold on to or absorb water. The crushed grave and sand absorbs water like a sponge. This causes a lot of shifting and settling over the years to come after the install. It also cause the base material to freeze and heave more because it holds onto water. The end goal of all drainage is to get the water to permeate into the subsoil. no material does that better than open grade 3/4 clear stone. ✌
Thanking God for some sound patio paver advice! And thank you sir! What kind of polymeric sand would you recommend for pavers that I only have a 1/8 inch joint? Also, are there any good synthetics/resin sands That would work with 1/8” joints?
No problem, glad it was helpful! I would use polymeric sand even with 1/8 inch joints. It may take a couple passes and tamping, but thats really the finest sand that I know of.... Some polymeric sands are finer than others. The one I use most is made by (Alliance) and its called (G2) and I usually use the color tone (Black Diamond) very fine sand particles.... ✌
Hello and thanks again for these videos and advice! I’m just about done laying the borders, and am getting ready for concrete edging and then poly sand. How long Do I need to let the edging harden before poly sand and compacting/tamping?
Oh nice, your moving right along! So I would actually recommend doing them at the same time if possible. doing the sand wand tamping while the concrete is still wet is the best way. You can trowel the concrete the way it needs to be in a small section at a time, then sand that section, tamp it, then sand it again. At which point you can trowel the concrete one more time to be sure the bond is still good on the pavers. Then move to the next section. I try to do it like that as often as possible, unfortunately a lot of times, it doesn't work out that way.... At which point, you want the concrete to set for at least 12+ hours. And when you tamp, go a little easier around the edges so you don't completely ruin the bond between the concrete and the pavers. Hope that makes sense...✌
Hey Christian love the job, well done. Had a quick question for clarity on the video. Where you have the pitch of the grade when it comes to the firepit area is that level or does it follow the grade of the rest of the patio area. Hope that makes sense
Thanks for the feedback! The entire patio slopes down and away toward the far and by the firepit. There is no perfectly level spots in the patio. I generally always slope pavers (walkways and patios) in 2 different directions to insure the water stays away from the house / structure. ✌
Love your videos, especially using crushed clean instead of sand and QP. Seems like it’ll hold up way better here in the north east. Can the bedding layer of 3/8 crushed be 1” thick like sand or is 1 1/4” needed? Just asking since all of my screed pipes are 1” OD that I normally use for bedding sand.
Have you noticed any problems with Alliance G2 polymeric sand? I watched another video said Alliance had changed their formula and now only the top layer of the sand was actually setting up but the sand beneath was still sticky and it never set up.
I have.... It is almost like the sand / polymers are so fine that the water can not travel through it while soaking it down. Which causes the sand to fail much sooner... however depending on how you watered it, it may last longer / not as long. This project a many others from last year are holding up good. Been using a new manufacturer this year. (Techniseal) is who makes it.
If you area re-sanding pavers that have been in place for 17 years, do you need to tamp any of the pavers or sand? or can you get by with just the broom?
If you are just sweeping the new sand over the old sand, it will probably not hold up for to long. If you are re sanding pavers, the joints need to be cleaned thoroughly ( power washer is usually the best option ). Then once the pavers are dry, follow all the steps like this video (including tamping) to get the best result ✌
Thank you, we concrete all edges that are not right up against a solid structure. The house and bulkhead would be considered a solid structure, so no concrete there. ✌
I am not a big fan of sealers... things can go wrong and ruin the pavers, plus the sealers only last a couple years at best so you will have to do it over and over to keep the look.
Guess the poly sand part in your new project will come some days later so I'll ask here :P IIRC you put on concrete edging first and then compact/shake the paver with sands. Do you have to avoid the rim pavers in this case? Or else will the concrete got damaged or the bricks shaken apart from the concrete ? Thanks a lot!
The absolute best way is to do the polymeric sand at the same time as you concrete so that you do not break the bond. With that being said, you always have to be careful when tamping the pavers around the edge... I set my border pavers lower than the main pavers just a tad with my dead blow hammer so that I know they are all set for when I do the sand and compact. Most times I concrete the edge before Poly sand. This helps hold everything tight. Then I tamp the edges easy to settle the sand in and prevent breaking the bond with the concrete. Hope that makes sense... ✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper Thank you very much for the hint. I can tell that "tad lower" requires lots of experiences. My paver is about 1k sqft and based on my 1st timer DIY pace, doing them together is likely impossible. I probably need to find a small area to test out first, see how much give the final compact can make. I've heard people saying 1/8'' - 1/4'' but it is already a big range. Any suggestions?
I always say that a 1/4 slope is better than a weak 1/8 slope. You want to make sure the water can run off the pavers. Using a 1/4 slope is a great way to be sure of no water build up. And when your walking on it, you will never tell the difference…. Better safe than sorry sometimes ✌🏻
Hey benny Hey dont worry i quit around 42 yrs old Hey benny hey im 64 now feel just fine but maybe you should try tijuana smalls it will give you a diffrent looking style to the out look of it all hey just trying to help
When I smoked it didn’t help people telling me why it’s bad and I should quit. There is already enough mental anguish knowing your addicted to something difficult.
I totally know what you mean, It was not meant to nag him but when I decided to quit myself, the voices of a few people in my life really helped me change my perspective and ultimately helped me quit. So it kind of depends... You should not nag someone about it and be on them about it, but there is nothing wrong with expressing your opinion on it to your loved ones or friends. ✌
polymeric sand has a problem where the top dries too quickly and doesnt let the bottom get wet enough to work....try EASY JOINT...it applies wet and activates when it dries...just get a hydro broom and ur all set
EZ-Joint is an excellent product, I agree. But way to expensive and time consuming for projects this size. Poly Sand is tested and true when installed correctly. ✌
I use to smoke and worked like you doing landscaping Now I can't walk more tan 100 feet and I am on oxygen. I haven't smoked in 13 years. I am 64. Please quit.
I hope he does someday! Polymeric sand will most likely get damaged by pressure washing. We recommend using a cleaner and long handled scrub brush for situations like that. Then just rinse it down with a hose to prevent the poly from being damaged. ✌
Thanks for your great videos. Because of your awesome content I took on my own patio paver project. Went with all stone instead of sand/ mason dust that was recommended at all the landscaping distributors and am very pleased with my finished project. Couldn’t have done it without the very thorough step by step tutorials. You’re the best ! I would love to show you the timeline of my project.
And please quit smoking.
Thanks for your support and awesome feedback! I'm so glad that my videos helped you with your project. It is wild to me how little other contractors actually use this technique. It is just far superior to the dense grade / sand technique..... Sometimes I wonder if I overexplain in my videos, but I try to be thorough with my understanding of the trade. I would love to see the timeline, check out my channel for my email if you want to send some pictures... ✌
Been watching your videos a couple days now. Just worked my first paver patio today for my mom’s house and real happy how it turned out. Poly sand tomorrow. Love your work and videos 👍🏼
Nice, congratulations! It is very fun to step back and look at something you built like that ✌
Beautifully done. I have donepatio paver work in the past. I made a walkway in front of my shed 10 years ago. It's held up great. Used polymeric sand then and I plan on extending the area and redoing the joints. Rethinking the color of sand since watching this. Thanks for the help.
Oh nice, this black polymeric sand really makes the pavers pop more.... ✌
excellent video. Thank you so much. Doing the job and acting as a videographer at the same time times talent!
It definitely takes a bit of work...lol 🤣✌
You have a wonderful disposition and your product and expertise truly matches. Your explanations and directions are quite obviously consistent and clear. On top of that, this is not just informative but is entertaining as well. Thank you so much for your efforts in sharing this. May God Continue to Bless you and your work.
Very good job and very professional.
Thank you ✌
Hey man. Me again. I comment on alot of your videos. I like how you didn't destroy the yard to install the patio. That's how I like to do our patios. 6-8" past our paver mark, grass doesn't get touched. We follow that up with a clean, straight down cut with an edging shovel. That gets raked into the rest of the dirt that gets dug out with the equipment. Then the geo and so on. It makes the yard fixin part SOOO much easier. Sometimes it's me, sometimes it's the plant guy, either way, everyone wins.
Keep up the good work
I always appreciate the comments man! It is nice when others notice the details of a well thought out plan. I completely agree with what you are saying ✌
Thanks a bunch!! Helped me a ton to do my paver patio. Polymeric sand tomorrow. God bless!
Excellent video! And great job with the patio. The attention to detail is impressive.
Thank you very much! ✌
As a smoker and landscape supervisor myself, I offer this advice Benny; Smoke like a chimney all you want, but be respectful and smoke outside the work truck if no one else smokes. That’s just basic human decency. Non-smokers and bosses/owners of said work vehicles hate that smell. Always time to have a quick puff before the ride or right after stopping. I give my crew that respect and they give it back in work ethic and efficiency.
When you’re ready to quit, you’ll stop smoking altogether. Until then, keep up the awesome work you guys do and work hard 💪😎
Nothing wrong with this comment at all. Great advice and you are 100% correct. People should have the freedom to do what they want while having respect for others 👌 ✌
Exilent job men keep it up
Love your videos
Awesome to hear! ✌
Awesome work by you and Benny.👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thanks again for the support brother! ✌
this is awesome. thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I am RIGHT at the stage of doing the polymeric sand and get such mixed messages about the different brands. this brand seems to be top notch so I will go with them! thanks again.
My pleasure, glad it was helpful!
I love your work from France
Thanks for the feedback!
❤ thanks for another wonderful video mate from Melbourne Victoria Australia 🇦🇺.
I have quite a few times but there is risk of breaking pavers without a mat under it which I do not have for my compactor yet...
Happy 4th my brother!
Thanks for the education!
Late on the response, sorry brother. Happy 4th, hope you had a good one! Thanks for the support!
I learn something new every video . Thank you for sharing 👍
Glad to hear it, Thanks for the support! ✌
Hella huge shoutout! Thanks = ) Super informative !!
Enjoying your video 🎉🎉🎉
Nice, I’m glad to hear it and thank you for all the feedback. I really appreciate it ✌🏻
Hey Benny. I quit smoking 4 times over about 40 yrs. Last time, 10 yrs ago, stuck. I just figure two things. I didn't come into this world smoking so it's a lot more natural to not be smoking. I know. It's obvious but I found it easier to quit, thinking about it that way. 2nd; A person has to want to quit. Again, obvious, right? Some people, in spite of everything else, don't 'really' want to quit. That's it. Good Luck. "Don't force it" 👍
Great advice man, I totally agree. I quit a couple times and then did it for good at about 22, 10 years ago. Best thing I ever did. 👍🏻
Beautiful work, brother🎉
Another great one looking forward to the next project 👌 good to see your subscribers numbers going up a lot of work put into your channel ✌
Thanks for the support man, Patience is key with RUclips I am finding out ✌
Great job. Beautiful pavers. Looks awesome.
Thanks again man! ✌
Looks good bro. Working on mine now.
Nice, Good luck! ✌
Great work and great job with these videos.
Thank you, glad you like them ✌
Thank you very much for this video, helped me a lot on my patio
No problem, glad it was helpful!
Excellent video..
Hey, hey,...Ben Affleck. I like your style. Very nice.
🤣🤣 Thanks man! ✌
Looks great !!
Thanks! ✌
great video! I have done several of these patio projects. Yet, I am always looking for ways to improve how I do things and I picked up quite a few things I could do better!
Thank you! Progress is always important. I have spent my career trying to get better on every project... so important.
Finally someone who knows how to water polysand, most people just soak it and wash the poly out
I hear you, That is the most important part. I see people mess it up on the regular... lol ✌
Good job guys
Thank you ✌
Wish you 2 lived in my neck of the woods. Beautiful workmanship.
Great job and great video!
Thank you! ✌
Dude; I watched the whole series tonight cause I think I'm gonna take on doing a 450sq ft patio, alot like this one, myself. Is that crazy?
😂 Nice! I don't think that is crazy at all. But it will certainly take a lot of effort and time. As long as you know that going into it, I'm sure you could do it. Just be sure to make a good plan and make sure you are not scared of some hard days of work ✌
Hermoso trabajo, en que estado trabajas?
Im really enjoy your video and learning
Happy to hear that, thanks for the feedback!!
Anyone ever tell you you kinda look like Ben Affleck? haha thanks for the Paver video, very helpful!
A few times here on RUclips actually... I never seen it before but after a few comments I looked at a bunch of his pictures, definitely a little resemblance. 😂✌
I was about to post the exact same thing after saying a good job on the patio. Look just like him dude.
Just started diy 11x22 similar project colors.
Great videos. Thanks very much.
Benny I smoked for 26 years about. Gave em up 10 years ago. Best thing I ever did.
You’ll only do it when you’re ready.
Read the book “How to quit smoking “.
Chase the dragon. ☮️
Oh sweet! Glad the videos helped and good luck on the project, I'm sure it will come out great. And you are 100% right, you can only quit when you know inside that it is time. I quit about 12 years ago now and I agree it was the best thing I ever did too. ✌
Good video,good info
Glad it was helpful! ✌
Didn't know Ben Affleck did hardscape😂. Seriously, very informative. Wicked nice patio
🤣 hank you very much! ✌
Very nice! You have me sold on the black poly sand. Do you have a video on cutting the border pavers around the fire pit? It also looks like you left 1" of stone between the pit and the pavers, correct? This is exactly what I am doing in a 15ft round patio with a fire pit.
Nice man, the black poly adds so much character 👌 I do have a video on how we cut the pavers around the fire pit. here is the link to that video 👉ruclips.net/video/1Z09RARiWaM/видео.html
Love the videos and the pavers. Does anybody know where I could buy the same in the UK? Thanks.
Thank you, not sure about the pavers over in the UK. ✌
Hi brother. I very like this style. Can you tell me about this paver color and size.also can you tell me about how much and where are buy it. I live Arizona.
The Pavers used on this job are all manufactured by (Genest) out of Maine, the name of the main patio paver is called (Grand Katahdin) and the color tone is (Granite). The border pavers are called (Eastern Bay) with a color tone of (Charcoal).
good job... Guys
Thanks! ✌
Do you always have an inch separation from the house when the pavers border the house?
Benny when you quit smoking you are going to feel so much better. If you have an urge just smell second hand for a while and you’ll realize it is helping you kick the habit. Good luck.
Totally agree brother ✌🏻
love your videos thank you for sharing your experience! Does water drain through the poly sand? Can you use with open graded base? Or Does water flow on top of the surface and not get through into the base?
Great job , where did you get the pavers. And what kind they are ?
Thank you! Those pavers are made by (Genest) and the style is called (Grand Katahdin) with a color tone of (Granite). The border pavers are called (Eastern Bay) with a color tone of (Charcoal)
Good show! Is it advisable to do a small section of paved areas at a time? I'm going to tackle a driveway by myself.
Thanks! I typically do small sections at a time on big projects, it helps you be more accurate
Patio is awesome.... how do you calculate the number of blocks when you are using dissimilar sizes?
Thank you. All you need to calculate is square footage. the 3 sizes come premixed on the pallet and you just have to lay it out properly.
@@TheChristianHardscaper thank you
End result....♨️♨️♨️💯👍💯
✌
How are rounded bullnose pavers, which are used for the rounded step we have, how are they joined together?
They are typically laid in concrete adhesive and just placed right next to each other. But when used for coping on a pool, sometimes they are laid in mortar and they also get laid with a joint of mortar in between each other.
I love the videos. I have a question. Should the sand be to the top of the paver. The sand is down in the joints on my patio like 1/8” below the surface.
Glad to hear it! We install the polysand just below the top of the pavers. it helps let the water flow through the joints.,
thanks for the video. I did hear before that you should not use so much water that it runs off. I just did my pavers and used just enough to wet the polymeric sand, and I did 2 passes 15 min apart, but I did not use as much water as you did to see so much white "polymeric activation".
No problem, there is definitely a balancing act you need for the right amount of water. If you put too little, it will not get through the layers enough to activate the entire depth of sand, causing it to be very weak and possibly peel up later.. If you water too much, you could wash out the sand before it sets. What I do is start at the lowest point and lightly shower it up to the highest point. Then I immediately go back to the low point and saturate it all up to the highest point. You don't want to be bashful with the water, you just need to watch out for sand washing out of the joints, but if it does not wash out, more water is better.
Here is another polymeric sand video that I made which shows how much water I use 👉ruclips.net/video/TXWJyBnVQ_g/видео.html
Can a tamper be used to compact the hardcore and paving sand?
It certainly can for foot traffic areas only. ✌🏻
The white film from the Poly dries clear?
Depending on the amount of film you bring out. You will always see some film but if you over water, it can cause problems down the road.... But yes, the little bit of film you see will go away. With the sun hitting it and rain storms after, it all works out good. ✌
Good stuff thx
No problem 👍
if I can't get my hands on the Alliance Gator stuff, what other brand would you recommend? Is the 'Dominator' brand comparable?
I don't really know anything about the Dominator brand to be honest... But there are a lot of manufacturers out there making poly sand. When installed properly, most of them will be just fine.
Another beauty! Have you seen or have any thoughts on EZ grout? The stuff looks amazing. I think Im going to give it a shot. Pricey but if it does what it claims🤷♂️. ✌️
Yes I have, it is a very good product but way to expensive to use on big projects. Check out my how to use EZ Joint video right here 👉ruclips.net/video/1AnHxcdY8F4/видео.html
If the poly sand wont drain water do you have to use it.
Do you recommend a particular salt for winter?
I don't really have a recommendation. Rock salt is better than calcium tablets. It is easier to clean up and does not get into the pours or the pavers as much. But always use as little as possible and clean up any excess after everything melts so they don't get damaged.
Ok, question, my pavers are old and pretty porous. So the polymeric sand is really sticking to the pavers. Am i going to have to brush off each paver individually, or will it work out if i leave it there and it'll wear away with time? What do you suggest?
Still thinking on this.. do i need to seal my pavers somehow? (First time home owner here and took on a project im starting to think was outside of my skillset)
Hey, man. I can't thank you enough! Your videos got me through laying the base for a backyard paver project. It was really hard work, I had to move all of the stone by shovel, through a gangway, and into my back yard. But it was very enjoyable. I live in the city and had 5 cubic yards of 3/4" and 2 yards 3/8" stone dropped on the sidewalk in front of my house. My neighbors lost it! Anyway, if you don't mind, I have a question on using polymeric sand. The guy at the materials shop I used told me using poly sand on open grade base is a no-go. He said the sand eventually works down into the stone base, and that open grade base requires permeable stone or permeable sand in the joints. He recommended a smaller chip stone. The other thing is I'm installing Holland pavers which have a smaller space than the pavers you're using. I know nothing about pavers, and you've done hundreds of these, so I wanted to reach out and ask you what you thought. You're using it, so I'm assuming it's fine. Sorry for the long message. Wishing you well from Chicago!
🤣 That is hilarious about the stone delivery! I'm glad my videos were helpful, thanks for the feedback on that. I use regular polymeric sand on 99% of my projects even with Open Grade Base. Once the polymeric sand hardens, it will not sink in to the stone. Been doing it for almost 5 years now with no issues. Good luck and congrats! ✌
Hi my name is Ruben and I have a question for you, if my base rock yard after compacting need to be finish at 4" compacted base rock for 2756 Sq. ft land how many Yards of base rock I need to order? I was thinking to order what vendor told me I need which are 34 Cubic yards, but I ask if the 4" is after compacting? or loose and they couldn't answer my question, so I will appreciate if you replay back
Hey Ruben, I just double checked the math and got 33.68 cubic yards so 34 is right on with the number. An extra yard or 2 may be safe incase you go deeper ore wider than expected. Either way, that math is correct. Good luck with that huge project! ✌
Great vid, lots of info. How do you deal with the haze left over from the polymeric sand installation? How do you clean the haze before installing the sealer? Thanks!
Most Polymeric sands that are out now, leave no haze. If it feels sticky or looks hazy, just rinse with water a few times. If that does not work, there are many paver cleaners out there that will help.✌
Hello I have a question, how many years before I would need to re-apply polymetric sand? My installers workers said once every 2 years but the installer himself said maybe every 5 years. I can't seem to get a good answer lol. If I need to re-do it, would I have to hire a contractor to do it?
Hey there, the answer he gave you is basically correct. If done correctly and assuming the polymeric sand is top notch quality, you could get 2-8 years. Closer to the 2 year side if the pavers are in a shady / constantly wet area. Closer to the 8 year side if the pavers are in a sunny / very dry area. Unfortunately that is the way it goes with poly sand. They have been coming out with stronger joint sands throughout the past few years but they are very expensive and more time consuming to install. DIY Polymeric is definitely possible but keep in mind that you can really ruin a project if you make mistakes installing it. Hopefully that helps. Good luck ✌
I laid my pavers on a sand bed. Will hand tamping still work, or should i rent a compactor? Thanks Kyle.
Hand tamping will be fine, even with sand
Great stuff thanks for info.
I’m building a timber a pavilion and paver patio. Posts are already in place. How long after applying the poly sand can I work on top of the paver to finish my heavy framing and roof? Def don’t want to ruin the pavers or the poly sand app
Oh nice, glad the video helped! I would give the sand 24-48 hrs. If you touch the sand it is really hard, you will be all set ✌🏻
If I'm doing porcelain pavers, should I be tamping or compacting them? Everything I'm reading says you can't run a compactor over porcelain due to potential damage
Yea, I would not run a compactor over them. They are to fragile for that. But I would recommend hand tamping them with a nice heavy duty piece of foam so you are not tamping them directly. But especially with porcelain, you need to make sure you fill the joints as much as possible. Just be easy and you should be fine. If you use a piece of (Gator Base) the 1 inch piece of foam that some people use under pavers in hard to excavate areas, that works really good ✌
I would like you to travel out to nevada some day and make me a back yard patio like the one you have done here ,except the fire pit will be 4 times bigger and it will be a fountain .I priced the material you use for between 1150. and 1350 .00 a pallet but its good stuff and that the kind i hope to have out here some day,
I just found ur channel and just subscribed!!! :)
I just got a house and the front pavers have settled and are not leveled with a pitch away from the house. The poly sand is all gone and weeds are growing in between the pavers. What’s the best way to fix the pitch?? What tools do u use to lift the pavers up? Also, is the border pavers cemented in place, bc it seems like mine has a cement border near the grass. Any advice would be helpful!!! Thanks!!!! :)
Nice, thanks for the support! I'm sorry to hear that your pavers are settling. It is a more common issue than you may think though... To fix, you need to pick up and relay all the pavers that have sunk. If there is concrete around the edges, you just need to break it up and remove it. Then you should be able to start lifting the pavers from the edges. When you pick up the pavers, you need to scrape the remaining poly sand off the edges and brush them off. Once the pavers are removed, you need to remove the sand / stone dust under them and put new clean, crushed stone to prevent them sinking in the future again. I have a lot of videos on how to lay pavers and how to backfill for them. Just look through my channel and I'm sure you will learn everything you need to know so you can fix the problem yourself. ✌
Did I miss a video? I’ve gone through your videos a couple of times and can’t find how you edged your patio. What did you use for edge restraint for your patio?
Sorry, I did not video that step on this project. But here is a video I made that explains how we concrete the edges to lock it all in place. 👉ruclips.net/video/_X1tCmMJQqk/видео.html
If I may ask, is it advisable to use pea stone as a finish top on a road fill base for a patio area? OR, would you advise using pavers?
You can definitely use pea stone, the only thing in my experience is that the customer usually finds out that the stone is much harder to walk on, set chairs on, etc... than imagined. Especially the round pea stone, it moves around very easily. So I guess it depends on the area you are wanting to do it in, will it be heavy foot traffic? If so, maybe pavers are better. Up to you though ✌
Hey there, firstly love all your videos. Have a question regarding your fire pits. In this video you installed all the pavers and then circled the line for the pit. In the previous job where you had the breeo I thought you put the fireplace in first. Is there a right way or not really? Looking to start a DIY job at home and that will be a figure 8 and in one of the circles will be my pit for a breeo install so keen to get your thoughts
Hi, Thank you! You can do it either way really. The circular patio I did was to be built around the firepit as my center point. This project had to be laid out just right before I could find the center point for my firepit. so with this one, I had to lay the pavers first and then build the pit. It may vary depending on the job or the plan so whatever works best in your mind when planning the layout. It sounds like a cool project man, good luck! ✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper thanks so much for your quick reply. I’m based over in Washington state (Seattle) and we get a lot of rain. I’m keen on using your method for underlay however some of the landscapers where I’m getting the pavers are suggesting to stick to the crush rock sand model of old, however I love how clean and easy your method looks. Wanted to see if you know of others that are out west that have done similar bases to you?
@@social_euge5896 No problem, Unfortunately a lot of contractors are refusing to switch to this backfilling technique.... All I can say is that I used the crush rock and sand technique for 5-6 years prior to switching to this method 4 years ago. I will never go back. The most important reason to me is that this system does not hold on to or absorb water. The crushed grave and sand absorbs water like a sponge. This causes a lot of shifting and settling over the years to come after the install. It also cause the base material to freeze and heave more because it holds onto water. The end goal of all drainage is to get the water to permeate into the subsoil. no material does that better than open grade 3/4 clear stone. ✌
Thanking God for some sound patio paver advice! And thank you sir!
What kind of polymeric sand would you recommend for pavers that I only have a 1/8 inch joint? Also, are there any good synthetics/resin sands That would work with 1/8” joints?
No problem, glad it was helpful! I would use polymeric sand even with 1/8 inch joints. It may take a couple passes and tamping, but thats really the finest sand that I know of.... Some polymeric sands are finer than others. The one I use most is made by (Alliance) and its called (G2) and I usually use the color tone (Black Diamond) very fine sand particles.... ✌
Hello and thanks again for these videos and advice!
I’m just about done laying the borders, and am getting ready for concrete edging and then poly sand.
How long Do I need to let the edging harden before poly sand and compacting/tamping?
Oh nice, your moving right along! So I would actually recommend doing them at the same time if possible. doing the sand wand tamping while the concrete is still wet is the best way. You can trowel the concrete the way it needs to be in a small section at a time, then sand that section, tamp it, then sand it again. At which point you can trowel the concrete one more time to be sure the bond is still good on the pavers. Then move to the next section.
I try to do it like that as often as possible, unfortunately a lot of times, it doesn't work out that way.... At which point, you want the concrete to set for at least 12+ hours. And when you tamp, go a little easier around the edges so you don't completely ruin the bond between the concrete and the pavers. Hope that makes sense...✌
Tomorrow it will be going down… thanks again!
Sweet, good luck brother!
For a small walkway project, would you think it is possible to hand tamp the base?
Absolutely, a little more work but if you don't have a plate compactor, it will work just fine ✌
Hey Christian love the job, well done. Had a quick question for clarity on the video. Where you have the pitch of the grade when it comes to the firepit area is that level or does it follow the grade of the rest of the patio area. Hope that makes sense
Thanks for the feedback! The entire patio slopes down and away toward the far and by the firepit. There is no perfectly level spots in the patio. I generally always slope pavers (walkways and patios) in 2 different directions to insure the water stays away from the house / structure. ✌
Love your videos, especially using crushed clean instead of sand and QP. Seems like it’ll hold up way better here in the north east. Can the bedding layer of 3/8 crushed be 1” thick like sand or is 1 1/4” needed? Just asking since all of my screed pipes are 1” OD that I normally use for bedding sand.
Thank you and the clean crushed stone is key! And yes, a 1" layer is just fine ✌
Have you noticed any problems with Alliance G2 polymeric sand? I watched another video said Alliance had changed their formula and now only the top layer of the sand was actually setting up but the sand beneath was still sticky and it never set up.
I have.... It is almost like the sand / polymers are so fine that the water can not travel through it while soaking it down. Which causes the sand to fail much sooner... however depending on how you watered it, it may last longer / not as long. This project a many others from last year are holding up good. Been using a new manufacturer this year. (Techniseal) is who makes it.
If you area re-sanding pavers that have been in place for 17 years, do you need to tamp any of the pavers or sand? or can you get by with just the broom?
If you are just sweeping the new sand over the old sand, it will probably not hold up for to long. If you are re sanding pavers, the joints need to be cleaned thoroughly ( power washer is usually the best option ). Then once the pavers are dry, follow all the steps like this video (including tamping) to get the best result ✌
Looks great! Do you concrete the edges against the house/bulkhead?
Thank you, we concrete all edges that are not right up against a solid structure. The house and bulkhead would be considered a solid structure, so no concrete there. ✌
Will this stop weeds coming up? I’m tormented with them
It certainly will. It hardens like mortar and prevents weeds for sure ✌
Thank you
You should come to Australia 🇦🇺 and do a tv 📺 show.
🤣 I don't think I have what it takes to live down there.... I don't do snakes.... 🤣
Which sand did you use?
On this project I used (Alliance) (G2 Polymeric Sand)
Thanks.
Former smoker here, quit in 2000... you can do it man! Save your lungs and some $$ too! Great video guys, thanks again!
Good for you, I quit in 2012 and it was the best move I have ever made... So I agree 100% ✌
Excellent video! Quit smoking Benny if you haven’t already.
How do you feel about using a wet look sealer on your paver project?
I am not a big fan of sealers... things can go wrong and ruin the pavers, plus the sealers only last a couple years at best so you will have to do it over and over to keep the look.
Guess the poly sand part in your new project will come some days later so I'll ask here :P IIRC you put on concrete edging first and then compact/shake the paver with sands. Do you have to avoid the rim pavers in this case? Or else will the concrete got damaged or the bricks shaken apart from the concrete ? Thanks a lot!
The absolute best way is to do the polymeric sand at the same time as you concrete so that you do not break the bond. With that being said, you always have to be careful when tamping the pavers around the edge... I set my border pavers lower than the main pavers just a tad with my dead blow hammer so that I know they are all set for when I do the sand and compact. Most times I concrete the edge before Poly sand. This helps hold everything tight. Then I tamp the edges easy to settle the sand in and prevent breaking the bond with the concrete. Hope that makes sense... ✌
@@TheChristianHardscaper Thank you very much for the hint. I can tell that "tad lower" requires lots of experiences. My paver is about 1k sqft and based on my 1st timer DIY pace, doing them together is likely impossible. I probably need to find a small area to test out first, see how much give the final compact can make. I've heard people saying 1/8'' - 1/4'' but it is already a big range. Any suggestions?
I always say that a 1/4 slope is better than a weak 1/8 slope. You want to make sure the water can run off the pavers. Using a 1/4 slope is a great way to be sure of no water build up. And when your walking on it, you will never tell the difference…. Better safe than sorry sometimes ✌🏻
I quit smoking at age 31, and while it was tough (cold Turkey), I’m glad I stopped.
Totally agree man, I quit cold turkey at 22-23. Definitely the best thing I ever did.
Can you make a video on how you price jobs…. At least a rough idea
I will someday but my channel is more about how we build projects, not sell them
Hey benny Hey dont worry i quit around 42 yrs old Hey benny hey im 64 now feel just fine but maybe you should try tijuana smalls it will give you a diffrent looking style to the out look of it all hey just trying to help
When I smoked it didn’t help people telling me why it’s bad and I should quit. There is already enough mental anguish knowing your addicted to something difficult.
I totally know what you mean, It was not meant to nag him but when I decided to quit myself, the voices of a few people in my life really helped me change my perspective and ultimately helped me quit. So it kind of depends... You should not nag someone about it and be on them about it, but there is nothing wrong with expressing your opinion on it to your loved ones or friends. ✌
polymeric sand has a problem where the top dries too quickly and doesnt let the bottom get wet enough to work....try EASY JOINT...it applies wet and activates when it dries...just get a hydro broom and ur all set
ruclips.net/video/1AnHxcdY8F4/видео.html
EZ-Joint is an excellent product, I agree. But way to expensive and time consuming for projects this size. Poly Sand is tested and true when installed correctly. ✌
Benny, smoke more! hahaha
🤣
I use to smoke and worked like you doing landscaping Now I can't walk more tan 100 feet and I am on oxygen. I haven't smoked in 13 years. I am 64. Please quit.
Thanks for the comment, smoking is a killer....
Stop Smoking Benny!!
How's polymeric sand hold up when pressure washing? I live in moss Counry...
I hope he does someday! Polymeric sand will most likely get damaged by pressure washing. We recommend using a cleaner and long handled scrub brush for situations like that. Then just rinse it down with a hose to prevent the poly from being damaged. ✌