Question
QUESTION: i was going to make a nice 12foot x 12 foot pad out of landscaping blocks there brick exactly one foot x one foot I know i need 100 of them but what is the best way to install them   Put them on the grass? take the grass out? should i put plastic down under the brick please let me know the correct way that will be good Thanks Steve
ANSWER: Steve:
First 12' x 12' equals 144 square feet, so if the pavers are 12"x12" you'll need exactly 144 of them.

Also I would by a few extra incase you break a couple in tamping them or transporting.

The best thing to do is remove all organic material (grass, etc.). Level the surface (use a 3' level strapped to a 2x4). IF it is next to your house make sure you slope the surface at 1/4" per foot, away from the house.

If you have good structural soil (sandy or gravel) then all you may need is a 1" sand setting bed before applying the pavers. However in most soils, and for the very best results and long term stability you should first put down a few inches of crushed granite and compact it. I recommend 3" of 'crush and run' or M10 or GAB (many names for similar materials but it should be small crushed rock) (rent a small hand operated plate compactor from local tool rental company to compact this) Make sure the crushed granite is level and then apply a one inch layer of construction grade sand or mason's sand. Use a 'screed' (8' long 2x4 will work- with level strapped on top) to level the sand and then set the pavers. Tamp each paver a couple of times with a rubber mallet and check for level. Tamp high sides to set in place. Pull them up if needed and add hand fulls of sand here and there to get the entire patio level. For a do it yourselfer this is a full weekends work.

Good Luck.

Sean Murphy
Amenity Architects
www.amenityarchitects.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: the pad will start 3 to 4 feet away from the house should i still slope it 1/4 inch away and if so how do i do this thanks again steve

Answer
Without knowing your yard and grade/water conditions I can not say what is best but...
To make sure the slope is 1/4" per foot you take a 3 foot level and you strap it to the small side of an 8' long 2x4. Then at one end of the level you shim it up by 3/4" (1/4" for each foot of the level) This will mean one end of the level is 3/4" higher than the other. So when you level the level it will make the 2x4 slope at exactly 1/4" per foot. SO as you screed the sand it will ensure a slope. Note if your level is longer or shorter you will have to adjust accordingly. A four foot level will need to be 1" higher at one end.

You can also use a surveyor level and rod and form boards at the sides of your proposed pavers. Shoot the elevations of both ends and then figure out if they need to be higher or lower to get 1/4" drop for each foot in distance.

Good Luck
Sean J Murphy, LA,ISA, LEED AP
Please check out my blogs and articles on landscape topics like this on my websites.
http://www.seanjmurphy.com
http://amenityarchitects.com