DIY Network

Eco Masons Dean and Derek show their green side in this project that improves curb appeal while being mindful of the environment. Check out more Rock Solid projects. From "Rock Solid" episode DROC-403

In this Rock Solid project, expert stone masons Derek Stearns and Dean Marsico, following eco-friendly landscape practices and using contemporary green products, combine "hardscape" and "softscape" to create an environmentally friendly driveway, walkway and garden area.

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	Before: This home could use some landscaping help, and the owners opt for an eco-friendly water-saving approach.
	After: The new landscape incorporates permeable stone pavers and drought-tolerant plants — rather than the ubiquitous lawn grass — and will help conserve water while giving the yard a more distinct look.
	The yard is prepped for the new plantings.

Permeable pavers, a water-saving irrigation system, organic plants, a weather station and low voltage lights are some of the features Dean and Derek use to transform this Bay Area home into an oasis of sustainability. It's the softer greener side of the rough and tumble stone masons.

Below is a summary of the steps as seen in this project, as well as some installation tips and a list of materials and tools used

Materials:

Aquastone pavers
Weathermatic smart controller (on-site weather monitor)
low-voltage lighting
irrigation system
P-gravel
filter fabric
concrete sand
1/2 inch conduit pipes
irrigation tubes
loam
emitters
stakes
plastic edging
10-inch spikes
roll of cardboard
water meter
mulch

Tools:

gas compactor
electric screwdriver
shovels
string
measuring tape
six-foot level
wheelbarrowsrake
rubber mallet
lawn roller
broom
safety glasses

Design and Materials

Dean and Derek create a driveway, walkway and garden area using only environmentally friendly materials and features. Using permeable pavers, a water-saving irrigation system and organic plants, they transform this Bay Area home into an oasis of sustainability.

Demolition

Demolition on a walkway and driveway can be a substantial and difficult undertaking. For a job like this, you may want to hire a crew to break apart concrete and have it hauled away. If you decide to do it yourself, get a group of friends together. A team of people working together will save you lots of time.

Figure A

Ground Preparation

• After demolition is complete it is time to do the prep work. Dig down about 10 inches (12 inches if you live in an area that has a sandier soil base) then run a compactor over ground (figure A). You want to make sure that you compact the ground to prevent soil shifts.

  U

• se poles to set string to mark where the top of the pavers will finally rest. Pour in and compact P-gravel in two-inch intervals until you achieve the desired depth of four and a half inches down from the string.

• The next step is to lay down filter fabric then set half-inch pipes along the sides and the middle of the driveway. Bring in a half-inch of concrete sand over the filter fabric. It should be the same height as the half-inch poles you have just laid.

Screeding

• Once the sand is down you need to screed. Use your six-foot level and pull it along the pipes. As you go along, check to make sure you are level right to left and you have a slight pitch out to the street.

• If all of your measurements have been correct, there should be four-inches from the sand to your string, the same thickness as the pavers you are going to install.

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