Before excavating, contact your local utilities to identify any underground cables and pipes in and near the project area. Use spray paint to mark the perimeter of your project area. Excavate beyond the area to be paved by a distance equal to the depth of base required. Excavate to a depth that allows 2-3/8 inches for paving stones, 1 inch for bedding sand and the required compacted aggregate base.
Final grade should slope away from building foundations by a minimum 1/8 inch per foot to ensure proper drainage. All paved surfaces should include some slope for drainage. With the aid of a transit or level, it is often helpful to pound temporary guide
stakes to the correct grade at several locations in the project area.
Use a hand tamper or vibrating plate compactor to pack down any loose soil remaining in the excavated area.
Willow Creek Paving Stones Underlayment Fabric is recommended under the aggregate base where certain soil conditions exist—for example, in poorly drained, fine-grain soil such as clay or silt. By keeping the soil sub-base and aggregate base separate, this geotextile prevents the soft underlying soil from mixing with the crushed stone and diluting its strength. Place Willow Creek Paving Stones Underlayment Fabric on top of the entire excavated area, including up the sides.
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