Quote:
Originally Posted by msm_teacher
A hand tamp wasn't very exensive when I bought it, and I doubt they have gone up a lot in price. I could not have built a stable patio without it.
You excavate IF the patio will be too high after adding in the gravel, sand and pavers.
|
msm you can compact your foundation material without a tamper. Install your foundation fill material in 3" lifts and use your garden hose with a sprinkler attached to compact the fill. Run the sprinkler for two or three days until the fill material is compacted. Then let it dry out before installing your pavers. Works just as good as a tamp does just takes a little longer to complete the job.
Also not to be picky, but you don't excavate to lower the top of the patio elevation, you excavate to remove all the organic material in order to get to a good sandy/rock soil base to build your foundation on.
Organic material is one of the worst things to build on and it should be removed before doing any type of construction over it. It will decay very fast and when it does then whatever you built on it will sink and fall apart.
Like I said, I'm not being picky. Looks like you have a good idea on how to do the job right, just thought you would like to know why you excavate and how to compact material without a tamp.
busta