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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

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	Figure B
	Figure C

Laying Pavers

• Dean and Derek are using pavers, which are available in three standard sizes -- typically in 12"x12", 12"x6 and 6"x6". For this project, they will use all three sizes in a random pattern. With screeding complete, it is time to start laying the pavers (figure B).

• Dean and Derek chose to start the driveway with a soldier course, which is laying 12x6 pavers side by side in the same direction, lined up like soldiers. From that point they, alternate using the different sizes in a random pattern. Your design is completely up to you. If you can get some help and work as a team passing and setting, you'll move a lot faster and avoid stepping on the sand.

• One step that will keep you moving in the right direction is to create a centerline with string then work in a pyramid form. Measure for the center of your driveway and run a string to the opposite end to form your centerline (figure C). The centerline will allow you to keep your pattern straight. Working in a pyramid form means that you will work from the center out. This is the best way to work because if you build from the outside in, when you get to the middle, some of the blocks might not fit.

Ordering Pavers

If you are setting in a three-piece random pattern, make sure you order enough of each paver size: 42 percent of the square footage should be jumbos, 35 percent rectangles and 23 percent should be the small squares. Add 10 to 15 percent to your total if you are making cuts.

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	Figure D
	Figure E

Placing Main Lines

• We are installing an irrigation system on this project, and want to run the water and electrical lines under the pavers. You should strategically place conduit pipe in areas under the pavers. Having conduit pipe allows you to connect the electrical work for lighting, as well as connecting the irrigation system for the flowerbeds. When you feed the main water and electrical lines through your conduit pipes, you have unlimited design potential.

• Tip: It's a good idea to install the main lines (figure D) around the perimeter before all the pavers are down and before bringing in additional soil.

• In this design there are individual lines to each plant in the flowerbeds instead of having an irrigation system that is spreading all over the place, this is a very focused system. The individual lines have emitters attached. The emitters allow a certain amount of water to flow through, and when the system is off, they keep the water from leaking out.

If you are looking for an added design feature, you can raise your planting beds. To design a raised planting bed, spread loam evenly over the planting area (figure E). You want to mix in a couple inches if your landscaping design is level, and more if you are creating mounds. Once the loam is mixed in, use a lawn roller to lightly shape and compact the mounded beds. That way there is no settling after you have planted. (See the section, "Irrigation Lines," on the following page.)

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