[klaf]

Hi everyone. New to this site, so far it seems that there are a lot of intelligent people on here. Which is weird since most of the landscapers I've come across can't tell a roll of sod from a skid of lockstone.

Anyways I was just curious as to the grading techniques that some of you use. Personally I swear by strings, pegs and a screed board or level, but I know a lot of people out there use the rails. I know that people say that rails are faster and that almost anybody can do the grading once the rails are in, but isn't it a bit cumbersome to be carrying all of that equipment around.

I have never used the rails, since I was taught the string and peg method and continued using it when I started my own business. I just can't see the advantage to it. You always have the voids left over to fill in, and what about steep grade changes or say a 200 foot long driveway. That is a lot of pipe needed not to mention the hassle of place them all at the correct elevation.

I know that the string method is more labour intensive when it comes to the grading process but in my opinion easier to install and more precise. I'm not looking to bash on anyone's techniques here, just trying to get a somewhat reasonable discussion regarding the different methods.

[AZTLANLC]

Well 3/4" steel conduit is what I prefer for all patios and walkways for a driveway we basically grade with the skid steer stakes and laser.

[eastern1]

We use screed rails, 3/4" and laser level. Few straight boards of different lenghts and thats about it. Our cargo trailer carries all the tools we need, I think we have about 400' of rails in there. Its been very effective for our crews to use this method. Your method sounds like it works just as well, but as long as your final grade looks good then I say stick with what ever works.

[dan deutekom]

I go both ways depending on the situation. Most patios I like to use the rails but for walkways it is usually a grade rake and the transit. Driveways are usually the skidsteer and transit with the grade rake for touch up. Quite often it is a combination of both methods. Rails are great for simple grades but you can't beat a good eye and a 3' grade rake when getting into multiple grade changes.

[klaf]

the only time i use a grade rake is for prepping sod, its good old fashioned hands and knees work when we do our grading.

[dan deutekom]

Originally Posted by klaf

the only time i use a grade rake is for prepping sod, its good old fashioned hands and knees work when we do our grading.

When I use a grade rake I am on my hands and knees and belly a lot so that I can see any dips or humps

[Raj Venugopal]

I use 1" OD steel conduit pipe for screeding. Used to use a board, but switched to the smooth side of my landscape rake to save bending over.

[eastern1]

Originally Posted by Raj Venugopal

I use 1" OD steel conduit pipe for screeding. Used to use a board, but switched to the smooth side of my landscape rake to save bending over.

Thats ok when the rails are 2 or 3' apart, what about 8 to 10' apart. I'd like to see that rake!

[Raj Venugopal]

Originally Posted by eastern1

Thats ok when the rails are 2 or 3' apart, what about 8 to 10' apart. I'd like to see that rake!

I just lay down a number of rails, making sure they're level and properly pitched. Can you imagine what kind of arms someone pulling an 8' screeding rake would like like?

[AZTLANLC]

I made my own 6' screed rake and set my conduit about 5' apart I have tried with a 9' rake but it's much harder so 6' works for me

[site]

We use pipes and magnesium screed boards. For odd size work we use a 2" x 4" and cut it to length. On the narrow stuff we use the upside down grade rake method. I gave up on the string and peg method about 1990.

[eastern1]

I remember in 1985 to be exact I used to lay down a 4" x 4" piece of wood and screed across that with a 2" x 4". Man there was alot of base to add when we took out the 4" x 4". Didn't take me long to figure there had to be a better way!

[Raj Venugopal]

Anyone ever use two layers of geotex; one on the sub-base, the other under the screed? Any benefits in terms of preventing filtration of the fines?

Just wondering.