Leaves or Sand?
+7
We’re leveling out back to lay some brinks. My husband says to use sand and I say use the leaves etc. that’s already in the yard. Which is best?
Thanks so much!
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you need a leveling base to install pavers.leaves will not work
I would think leaves over time would disintegrate and eventually turn into a mulch and then disappear, I think personally I would use sand. But if you're thinking of cost you could always split the diffrence and do half and half lol
Hello,
Sand is your best option. Leaves or any other organic material will decompose over time and undermind your base. It's important to prep the base for a level surface, takes a bit of time,but is totally worth it in the end. Once done, laying the brick is very fast. This is just one of many tutorials you'll find on line.
https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/patio/installation-how-to/how-to-build-a-sand-based-patio/
I did brick paver patios and walkways for 12 years. Leaves are organic and will just decompose!! You have to dig a 6 inch area, tamp it down, then lay a slab base and tamp it down, I always did 4 inches of slag. This allows for a good drainage and stable base for your pavers. The sand comes next!! Spread the sand level it out. Then scribe it so it has a 1% per 12" tilt away from any foundation for additional runoff. Tamp it down! Now you're ready to lay out your pavers. Keep in mind you need to also have an edging. You can line up pavers in a Sandy trench, or you can put on a paver edge material. This you just anchor with 8 inch spikes!
After laying out your pavers, you need to run a vibrating tamper over them to level and make the pavers seat into the base of sand!
Then you poor paver sand over the pavers to lock them into place and secure them. Use a push broom to sweep the sand into the crevices between the pavers . Lightly spray water over the pavers with your watering hose. Let it dry. This will compact the sand. Brush more sand into the crevices between the pavers and your good to go. To maintain your patio or walkway, you may want to seal your pavers. Then over time yoiu will need to add additional sand as needed to keep your pavers from movement.
This is a big job, but it doable. Good luck!!
leaves will not work you need sand sorry but your husband is correct
Sand.
NEITHER ~ Sand moves each time it rains with the humidity in the air. Leaves will disintegrate over time. I think it'll be best to use cement or some other more stable base for your foundation.
Sand, without a doubt. The leaves will compost and deteriorate.
Use sand and keep the sand leveled before you lay the bricks. After laying the bricks pour more sand on top of the bricks. Use a stiff broom and sweep the sand into the spaces between the bricks and cracks. This will hold it all together. I'm a senior lady and I did this my self.
Sand.
The leaves will breakdown whereas the sand will not. Use the sand and level it, then arrange the bricks and put sand between them. The leaves could be used as compost in the garden or among plants after chopping them up with the lawn mower.