Unlimited parking space
How-To with The VALiens: Building an unlimited parking space
Step 1: Find An Unlimited Space
Step 2: Gather Your Materials and Tools
Materials and Tools: string stakes pavers rated for motor vehicles shovel trowel wheel barrow vibratory plate compactor interlocking gravel washed sand level 2×4 concrete saw plastic pave edge spikes hammer silica or polymeric sand
broom mister safety goggles ear protection garden hose
nozzle with fine spray setting
Step 3: Mark the Parking Area
Buy pavers rated for motor vehicles. Standard paver thickness is about 2 3/4 inches.
Start by marking the parking area with string and stakes. Sizing the space to conform to whole numbers of pavers will save a lot of sawing.
Park your vehicle in the space to make sure it fits.
Step 4: Dig the Foundation and Add Gravel
Dig the foundation. You’ll need 3 inches for gravel, 2 inches for sand, plus the height of the paver, plus 1/4 inch. The working level of pavers should be 1/4 inch above the existing driveway.
Line the foundation with landscaping fabric. Spread a 3-inch layer of gravel on top of the fabric. Use a vibratory plate compactor to pack down the gravel.
Use a carpenter’s level and a 2×4 to level the gravel.
Step 5: Add the Sand
Put down 2 inches of washed sand. Use the level and 2×4 to level the sand.
The surface of the sand should be below the driveway level a distance equal to the width of the pavers minus 1/4 inch.
Step 6: Lay the Pavers
Lay a row of ‘soldier’ pavers around the outer edge. The edge row can be perpendicular to the running pattern.
Starting at the driveway edge, lay the pavers. Use a staggered, running bond, basket weave or herringbone pattern. Fit together the pavers as tightly as possible.
Use a concrete saw to cut partial pavers.
Do not step into or disturb the sand while you lay pavers.
Step 7: Install a Pave Edge
Install a pave edge around the pavers, securing it with spikes pounded into the ground.
Sweep silica or polymeric sand into the joints
— taken from diynetwork.com —
