[sgilroy]

what is the general consensus on the best way to tamp sand (polymeric, if it matters) in between the pavers. I'm using Belgard Dublin Cobble pavers with polymeric sand.

I've done two walkways using pieces of carpet over pavers. This involved 2 pcs. of carpet and my wife running around like crazy to move one pc. onto position as i went over the other. This wasn't too bad given they were 4 foot wide walkways, however, now we are dealing with a 550 sq ft patio, not nearly as easy. I've been afraid of scratching the pavers, but i've heard of people tamping with extra sand spread over the pavers as a cushion to prevent scratching. This makes me nervous, what's the concensus on using the sand as a cushion.. How much needs to be on the the pavers to prevent scratching? Does the method still work with polymeric sand??

thanks for the help.
Scott

[Stonehenge]

I don't use that method so I can't speak to it, but what I'm wondering is, why is your wife doing the hard job?

[sgilroy]

Stonehenge,
My wife won't touch the plate compactor...too scared!!

[AZTLANLC]

They sell special poly pads for plate compactors $$ we did ours using an old conveyor belt 3 bolts, one metal plate and 1/2 hr later it mounts on the plate compactor and moves with it so you don't have to move the plywood or carpet around, I usually like to do my first pass on the pavers with no sand at all.

[WMN]

Like AZTLANLC, We like to use the tamper to set the pavers into the bedding prior to applying the sand. We use our Mikasa plate tamper over several diffferent pavers prior to joint sanding, and during sanding with no buffer. I have never broken a paver. You want to use hearing protection especially with no sand. I wouldn't recommend for any natural product or pavers under 2.5 " thickness. I like your idea of the old conveyor belt - if only to cut down the noise!

[AZTLANLC]

is not to avoid broken pavers is to avoid scuffing that happens on pavers with smooth finish and clay bricks.

[jshilan]

We use sheets of plywood, especially for bricks. (2) 4x8 sheets actually gives you enough time to let go of the compactor and drag the second sheet into place (three works a little better)

You gotta be moving pretty good but this does allow it to be a one man operation. But that's up to you to decide.

I am jealous though. I couldn't get my wife to bring me a bottle of water, let alone run around with a piece of carpet.