[Joel 67]

Hello All,

I am about to start a Do it Yourself Pavers project for a small patio, on a bit of a grade in my back yard.

I am sure I will have a couple of questions along the way, but the first is this:

I am excavating the soil now. How important is it that the soil be perfectly level? Can it be just be pretty close, and I just plan on ensuring the compacted gravel base is level? To me that seems like the least amount of work.

Also, when I say "level" I actually mean with a .25" slope per 1' of patio.

Thanks in advance.

Joel

[scl]

Sounds like you're okay. Soil has to be close, to ensure an even and correct amount of base aggregate, but its the compacted aggregate that needs to be right on. Good luck!
Scott

[Stonehenge]

Most often, "least amount of work" = "poorly constructed."

Because everyone's definition of level is different, I hesitate to define it relative to soil excavation with words, because one person's "level" is another person's "roller coaster." But in general, variations of as much as 1/2" are ok.

But if there's significant grade in the backyard, your fist job should be excavating for a retaining wall.

Good luck.