Why Installing Interlocking Stones Isn’t a DIY Project

Laying down interlocking stones may look like a simple project but it is a lot more complicated than you may realize. The project involves not only installing the stones but also careful planning and consideration ahead of time. If they aren’t installed correctly the interlocking stones will move, experience weed growth, sink and experience other problems. Every installation project comes with its own challenges in terms of the design, which may include drainage problems and soil movement. 

Creating a Complete Design for the Natural Stones

A quality interlocking driveway, walkway, patio, pool surround etc. begins with a well-thought-out design. You’ll need to plan the aesthetic look of the area as well as the functionality of it. This will involve choosing the layout of the natural stones, picking out the actual stones themselves and looking at the flow you want to create between the interlocking project and your home structure.

 

When it comes to the functionality of the design you’ll need to take into account the weather elements that the natural stones will have to face each season. In the Toronto area we have a freezing and thawing cycle that must be factored into the equation when prepping the area for the interlocking stones. 

 

It’s important to look at the short-term and long-term plans for your outdoor design as well. Picture what you want your landscaping to look like for now and then think of any new modifications you may want to add to it later. In the future you may want to add a grill or a hot tub to the patio and you won’t be able to do this easily if you haven’t incorporated your future plans into your current planning.

 

The next thing to look at is the size in order to calculate how many stones and other materials you will need. The measurements must be taken precisely and don’t forget to factor in the border materials you will also require. You can be as creative as you want to be but precision is just as important as creativity during the design planning.

Laying the Foundation for Interlocking Stones in Toronto

Once the planning has been sorted out it’s time to lay down the foundation. This is an important step that needs to be done carefully. If it isn’t done right, the area will start to shift due to ground movement, erosion, settling and weather. This is, in fact, the most important stage of the interlocking project in order to ensure that the stones can be laid properly.

 

The dimensions of the area where the interlocking stones Toronto will be placed needs to be calculated and then the digging begins. The interlock professional will dig as deep as necessary and this will be decided based on the climate. Usually about 4 to 6 inches are required of compacted stone along with an inch of sand. 

 

The interlocking stones Toronto contractor will also take the slope of your property into account. It’s important to get the slope right to make sure that drainage takes place in a downward direction away from the foundation of your home. The decline should be roughly an inch per each 4 feet of interlocking.

 

Next it’s time to compact the soil. This is an important step as well since it will stop any severe settling from occurring in the future. There is a special compacting machine the professionals use that tamps down the soil and the stone and a landscaping fabric must be laid down between the stone and the soil. A series of raking, spraying the area with water and compacting the stones takes place next to get the area fully prepared for the natural stones.

 

It’s Time to Lay the Interlock Stones

As long as you have prepared the area properly, laying down the stones is actually one of the easiest parts of the project. The interlock stones need to be laid evenly and flush with one another so they sit securely into the stone. The pavers must also be cut along the edges to fit properly and this must be done using a high quality paver saw. If another type of saw is used there is a risk of the stones cracking.

 

Once all the stones have been laid it’s time to put up the borders. These borders will help prevent any shifting of the pavers. You can use any type of edging material you’d like including metal, stone or plastic. The border you choose will all depend on the type of look you are trying to achieve with your interlocking stones project.

 

Once everything has been laid down it’s time to spread some fine sand over the interlocking stones Toronto and sweep it into all of the cracks. The sand will help keep the natural stones in place. Most interlocking companies use polymeric sand since it has been proven to pass the test of time.

 

Interlocking an area is not an easy do-it-yourself project. While it may look simple at first glance, there are a lot of complex techniques and considerations to take into account to make sure that the job is done right. When you consider the amount of time it would take to learn how to do it the right way and the risk you would take of ruining the area and having to call in a professional anyway, it simply makes sense to work with an established interlocking stones Toronto company right from the start. 

 

Get started today with your natural stones project by getting in touch with us through our website at www.egeinterlock.com. We have a solid reputation in the industry and we service Toronto customers as well as clients across the GTA. We can help you with your landscape design and the rest of the project from start to finish. While you’re on our website be sure to browse through our gallery to see what we have done for others in the past and to get inspired with some ideas for your next project.