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I Am a Hardscaper
Canada
Приєднався 1 лис 2020
#IAmaHardscaper is all about spreading awareness about everything hardscaping.
Michael Pletz is the host of the How to Hardscape Podcast where we work to help you start and grow your hardscaping business. This is what we aim to do on this channel. This channel will help you with your hardscaping business or your DIY project through videos on installation methods, tools, equipment, techniques, and job site visits with contractors to help others in the hardscape industry.
Whether you are a hardscaper, looking to become a hardscaper, or are just here for to learn more about the industry, you have dropped by an excellent resource that includes this channel, the How to Hardscape UA-cam Channel, the How to Hardscape Podcast, and the How to Hardscape Website. Be sure to join us on this journey in making the hardscape industry an incredible space to learn and grow.
Michael Pletz is the host of the How to Hardscape Podcast where we work to help you start and grow your hardscaping business. This is what we aim to do on this channel. This channel will help you with your hardscaping business or your DIY project through videos on installation methods, tools, equipment, techniques, and job site visits with contractors to help others in the hardscape industry.
Whether you are a hardscaper, looking to become a hardscaper, or are just here for to learn more about the industry, you have dropped by an excellent resource that includes this channel, the How to Hardscape UA-cam Channel, the How to Hardscape Podcast, and the How to Hardscape Website. Be sure to join us on this journey in making the hardscape industry an incredible space to learn and grow.
Building a Paver Patio on Open Graded Base
Today we revisit a client from 7 years ago to build them a small backyard patio using open graded aggregates as our base. We immediately got in some trouble with our excavation as the ground was very saturated so we amended it with some Portland cement and continued with our excavation. We then installed our non-woven geotextile and some geogrid to stabilize the base material and continued with our 3/4" clean stone as our open graded base. We then screeded HPB as our bedding layer and began laying our pavers. Finally, the cuts were completed, edge restraint installed, and polymeric sand to finalize this small patio for our client.
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Join our email mailing list:
eepurl.com/ggVjEX
Website: www.howtohardscape.com/
Podcast: www.howtohardscape.com/podcast/
Instagram: howtohardscape
Facebook: howtohardscape/
Переглядів: 772
Відео
Working the HOTTEST Day of the Year Installing a Front Step
Переглядів 54813 годин тому
Today we went back to a porch overlay project we did earlier this year to install a 6 foot wide step for them. Unfortunately, this turned out to be the hottest day of the year... See the Front Porch Overlay we did earlier on this same project: ua-cam.com/video/umz9Guvcy88/v-deo.html Join our email mailing list: eepurl.com/ggVjEX Website: www.howtohardscape.com/ Podcast: www.howtohardscape.com/p...
Bought a $4,250 Mini Skid Steer from Ritchie Bros Auction
Переглядів 81920 годин тому
Today we buy a $4,250 mini skid steer from a Ritchie Bros auction and give it a test on its first project. We put 7 hours on the machine and give it a review after this time. Join our email mailing list: eepurl.com/ggVjEX Website: www.howtohardscape.com/ Podcast: www.howtohardscape.com/podcast/ Instagram: howtohardscape Facebook: howtohardscape/
We TRANSFORMED This OLD Porch
Переглядів 86814 днів тому
Today we transform this old concrete porch into a beautiful natural stone porch. A client reached out and said that they wanted their old and tired porch to be updated. So we decided on some natural stone, adhered the caps, lined it with non-woven geotextile, screeded some HPB, and laid our natural stone square cut along with adhering risers along the face of the porch. Join our email mailing l...
FIXED a Wall Block Fire Pit in 90 Minutes
Переглядів 38721 день тому
Today we fix this fire pit feature that was completely falling apart. We start by taking off the caps and cleaning off the adhesive, removing the first course of block, and then leveling the bottom course block-by-block. We can then replace the course of block that we removed and re-adhere the caps. Join our email mailing list: eepurl.com/ggVjEX Website: www.howtohardscape.com/ Podcast: www.how...
Installing an EASY Paver Pool Patio
Переглядів 1,1 тис.28 днів тому
Today we finish this paver pool patio project by screeding, laying, cutting in the border, installing the edge restraint and polymeric sand, and adding the final touches. Join our email mailing list: eepurl.com/ggVjEX Website: www.howtohardscape.com/ Podcast: www.howtohardscape.com/podcast/ Instagram: howtohardscape Facebook: howtohardscape/
When Your Patio NEEDS a Wall
Переглядів 1,7 тис.Місяць тому
Today we build a small retaining wall along the backside of this paver patio so that our base material does not push against the fence. This is a requirement on this patio and we show why along with the process of building this retaining wall. Join our email mailing list: eepurl.com/ggVjEX Website: www.howtohardscape.com/ Podcast: www.howtohardscape.com/podcast/ Instagram: howtoha...
First Project of the Season with MANY Problems
Переглядів 834Місяць тому
Today we start the first project of the season by tearing out an existing on-grade deck, excavating down to the subsoil, and starting to prepare the base. This project is off to a rough start with the rain causing our schedule to become more difficult juggling the logistics of tight access into the backyard and a single lane driveway. We walk through everything we are doing on this project and ...
Should I Seal My Pavers | Testing STAINS
Переглядів 722Місяць тому
Today we talk about whether or not you should seal your pavers by testing a few organic stains on sealed and non-sealed product. We also test this using porcelain stone to show how well it repels stains without even needing to be sealed. Join our email mailing list: eepurl.com/ggVjEX Website: www.howtohardscape.com/ Podcast: www.howtohardscape.com/podcast/ Instagram: howtohardscap...
How to Remove Oil Stains from Concrete Pavers, Natural Stone, Porcelain
Переглядів 8162 місяці тому
Today we talk about removing oil stains from pavers, sealed pavers, natural stone, and porcelain. We test staining these different materials with oil while also using an oil and grease remover to take the oil out of the products and see what is left as the end result. Oil and Grease Remover (Amazon Affiliate Link: We receive a commission if you use this link): amzn.to/3Ubh48K Join our email mai...
Why is Moss or Mold Growing on My Pavers
Переглядів 9303 місяці тому
Today we talk about why there is moss, mold, or mildew growing on your pavers and what you can do to prevent this from happening. This involves planning the project in advance taking into consideration the surrounding environment. It also could involve ongoing maintenance to clean the surface of the pavers and the jointing compound. Join our email mailing list: eepurl.com/ggVjEX Website: www.ho...
Why is My POLYMERIC SAND LOOSE and How to Fix it
Переглядів 4,1 тис.3 місяці тому
Why is My POLYMERIC SAND LOOSE and How to Fix it
Why are There WHITE SPOTS ON MY PAVERS + How to Clean Them
Переглядів 2,2 тис.3 місяці тому
Why are There WHITE SPOTS ON MY PAVERS How to Clean Them
Why are My Pavers Sinking and How to Fix Them
Переглядів 2,5 тис.3 місяці тому
Why are My Pavers Sinking and How to Fix Them
Recovering Overhead in Your Construction Business
Переглядів 3573 місяці тому
Recovering Overhead in Your Construction Business
How to Write a Landscape Proposal That CLOSES Clients
Переглядів 7164 місяці тому
How to Write a Landscape Proposal That CLOSES Clients
Outdoor Living Space Project Walkthrough One Year Later
Переглядів 3944 місяці тому
Outdoor Living Space Project Walkthrough One Year Later
How to Price Retaining Walls PROFITABLY
Переглядів 7864 місяці тому
How to Price Retaining Walls PROFITABLY
How to PRICE Paver Projects PROFITABLY
Переглядів 7244 місяці тому
How to PRICE Paver Projects PROFITABLY
How to Price Paver Maintenance Projects
Переглядів 1,2 тис.5 місяців тому
How to Price Paver Maintenance Projects
Answering the Internet's Hardscape Questions
Переглядів 4365 місяців тому
Answering the Internet's Hardscape Questions
Measuring the Number of Steps for a Front Walkway
Переглядів 6535 місяців тому
Measuring the Number of Steps for a Front Walkway
Ranking Hardscape Tools and Equipment with Not Our Finest Hour Hosts
Переглядів 5466 місяців тому
Ranking Hardscape Tools and Equipment with Not Our Finest Hour Hosts
Permeable Mortar Bedding Layer for Pavers with Romex Trass Bed
Переглядів 1 тис.6 місяців тому
Permeable Mortar Bedding Layer for Pavers with Romex Trass Bed
Visiting the Largest Hardscape Trade Show
Переглядів 4336 місяців тому
Visiting the Largest Hardscape Trade Show
Ultimate Backyard Living Space with NRX Landscaping
Переглядів 4046 місяців тому
Ultimate Backyard Living Space with NRX Landscaping
Natural Stone Step Install Using Ice
Переглядів 2,3 тис.7 місяців тому
Natural Stone Step Install Using Ice
How awesome is the quik cut!! thats what we call them here, I forget what you call it. Is that the 14 inch ?
We call it quick cuts too. Where are you located?
@iamahardscaper I am in Perth WA, I have been thinking about getting a couple of 12 inch cheap ones, go full Texas bricksaw massacre
😂 Yes mine is a 14”
Question. You have been helpful in the past so thanks. I just finished an about 20x20ft paver patio at my house. Turned out great except for two things. 1, I sunk it because it built into a hill so I have a short wall retainer on the uphill side and along the sides and the downhill side it's about 10 inches below the lawn level. When we get a heavy rain, it holds water but does flow away because of the grade. I think I have a fix for that. So to continue with my problem, I gave the patio a slope 1in per 8ft. so problem 2, I don't like it. Sitting at the table I feel off so I'm thinking of pulling up the pavers. The base is 3/4 minus...about six inches deep, with 1in sand and using plain old sand in the joints. My thought is to pull up the pavers, remove the sand, put down another layer of fabric then a layer of 3/4 or something clean crushed gravel, leveling it to "level" then bringing in some 1/4in chip angular gravel for the final 1in leveling, then relaying the pavers and using plane old sand in the joints. I'm wondering if this will cause problems. I'm hoping because of the exsisting base, it will still drain the way it should, especially if I drill some holes or something through the down hill side of the "sunken" below grade patio wall. The grass side and all of the retainer of the patio has clean gravel on the outside of the wall, so i think the water will flow much better away from the patio and into the lawn if i make these holes. What thoughts or advice do you have?
I would never lay level. Any small variations in your screed layer will hold water on your pavers. And there will be minor 1/16” dips that will be unnoticeable until a rain fall. If you have wide joints, you could use a semi-permeable jointing compound and lay pretty much level. But you need a 3/4” open graded base
Dont understand why you didnt lay that out on a 90 degree angle .
I talked them into the wider angle. See the final shape as opposed to the original plan. Any wider and we would be building a retaining wall.
I think he had to lay off the edges of the original patio, so he could only get 1 edge to work to 90. That's what he laid off, I thought the same thing for a second then I watched again.
That is right, the client wanted it to line up with the deck (though the video doesn’t show it well). During the construction I convinced them to increase the angle because it was too small of a space
@@iamahardscaper great video
I am just about to screed a small patio in my yard. This video has convinced me to use the HPB over a concrete sand. You mentioned it would sink a bit, but I am assuming for a small patio, this would be negligible?
No, you just need to account for that when you are screeding. That it will go down less than a 1/8” per 1” of bedding. You want to screed a little above your final height
You sure are gettin em on material
❌
Well done! Is the Portland used to harden the saturated soil for excavation? I was trained like 33 years ago using clear for base on steps or stairways but not on patios. I now use 5” of 5/8 crushed and 1”-2” of hpb for final grade. ✌️🇨🇦
Yeah both to harden it for excavation and then I also use it again on the subsoil with some 3/4” clear and pound that into it before laying my geotextile. Looks like my camera ran out of batteries during the timelapse for that. Thank you for watching!
@@iamahardscaper Thanks buds.
What brand is your tamper? Looks mint for tight spaces?
Bartell Global BR1570. It is awesome
Been doing my whole yard hardscape in 99F. I almost feel like I am the yard water feature with how much sweating has been going on.
😂😂 I feel ya!
What is your 1 in bedding below your pavers? I just saw your other video-- HPB or 1/4 to 3/8 in crushed. Cool. Really good video.
Yup! Thank you 🙏
Hi! Which brand of paver base panels are the best and why? Thx!
Alliance Gator base and TechniSeal Ez Base are good. I’d say EZ base is a little better because it is easier to snap into pieces. But each have different measurements so you may want to buy one over the other because it works better with less waste for the size of your project
What about using stone dust for flagstone? Or should I use sand?
Sand would be better especially if using polymeric sand
Thank you!
Is there an alternative to fully shaded areas like behind and under an outdoor kitchen area that never gets sun. Maybe a sikaflex or something similiar?
You still would need that area to slope so it doesn’t hold water. It will always be a difficult area to keep clean if it gets no sun. There is no perfect option
Look at the AGT KTT23. Tracks sit under the machine a bit. They appear to be 32" wide, like their bucket.
I went to the Ritchie bros open house for the upcoming auction and there was one machine that had a small bucket like that but the machine was still 40+” wide. There were a few that were 38 or 39”. But most are 43”
Oh looking at the KTT23 online, I didn’t see those at the open house. But definitely looks to be a 32” machine along with the bucket. Description tag says 39” though
Some users report that changing out the fuel and adding an inline filter was key to making theirs run correctly. Also, some noted better hydraulics performance after changing to quality fluids. Im hoping to win a bid on one next week. Thanks for posting.
Ah thank you! That makes sense
AGT makes several models found at auctions and some are narrower than the LRT23. If you need gate access, perhaps one of those would be a better fit.
Yeah I was looking at some, thanks for the heads up 👍
Gr8 job...!
Thank you!
You are a highly knowledgeable and detailed tradesman. I watch your videos alt. I learn many things from you. Because you have so much detailed information to share your slightly faster speech pattern is sometime S hard to focus on when I want to not miss any detail you share. I have to rewind many times to fathom everything you share. If you could slightly decrease your speech it would be Awesome. If you can’t no worries. I would still love to listen to your videos. Congratulations you are an intelligent individual
I will definitely try to speak a little slower. You can also change the speed of the video to 0.75x or 0.5x. Glad the videos help!
My client wouldn't listen to me when I tried to explain this to him so I had to show him your clip to get him to listen.. I think it's bs that he wouldn't believe me, but thanks for saving my job lol!
Haha glad it could help!
Hottest days here are 41 42, 35 can be just as bad with humidity and if your not body isn't used to it. It's a little bit funny watching from Perth Australia. Love the channell dude. Awesome work!! Just to add, my clothes are my armour on a day like that. Thin white shirt, shorts, and plenty of sunscreen. I love the fan never thought of that, totally getting one now
Yeah we ended up at 38 and 45 with humidity. We will hit this a few times in July and August. I definitely need some thin white shirts and shorts. I just hate wearing shorts when I know I’m doing some cutting. Appreciate the comment!
So i can use on pool....
On top of a pool? I wouldn’t
I keep to replace some tubing on my sprinkler system. Will it go through old tree roots not too thick?
Yeah I think they say up to 3” in diameter
Hi! Thanks so much for taking the time to make all these informative videos. Question on using the paver base and laying down pavers next to a sitting wall that is installed on a traditional base. According to Gator Base, the paver base panel needs to extend 6 inches from the end of the pavers. However, if the pavers (on the Gator Base) will butt up next to the sitting wall (on a traditional base) this of course violates the “6 inch rule” for the pavers on the Gator Base. What has been your experience in these situations? Is the “6 inch rule” for pavers on the Gator Base only needed to accommodate edging support (which the sitting wall should provide). Or is that additional 6” space on the Gator Base needed for some other reason? Thanks again for all the videos!
Yes, when butting up to hard surfaces that don’t move (foundations, walls, etc.) you don’t need the base extension.
Hey man! Great job, Love your work. I was curious what your thoughts on using pavers as caps for in a circumstance like this? Like with a 12x24 paver?
Since it will not be shown, I don’t see a problem with it. I just personally don’t like using pavers as caps
Try installing 60ft×16 ft pad with 16ft circle with fire pit at the end of it , God dam that heat was brutal. I feel your pain 😂
Hahaha man this has been a tough few days this week
Wild week for sure, we also did a 16ft circle with fire pit center also aha I second your sweaty day. Do u guys wet cut or dry?
@@jesserogers238 depends where I'm working, if I can get away with dry cuts I will.
Dry almost always
Seems like a great idea - short term, at least. But when compared to traditional base construction, how do paving projects built on these panels fare after 5 or 10 years?
My oldest project using them is from 2017 and it still looks amazing to this day. I have a handful of projects i visit each year that i used them and they hold up incredibly well.
I just bought a Kubota SCL1000 paid CAD 49k with some attachments… So for $4500 you can’t go wrong!
Definitely!
the only difference is you will sell your kubota in 5 years for 25K, and this chinisse thing fall apart in 1 year. with that being said your machine will cost you less per year.
The hood in the front lifts up and the hydraulic oil cooler lifts up from the right side to access the battery and hydraulic tank etc.
I'll have to take a look at it again, but from what i remember the radiator would have to come out to access the battery and the sides don't lift up.
@@iamahardscaper I don't have your exact model but i'm betting if you raise the hood and while facing the hydraulic radiator grab the right edge and lift it will rise up and you can pivot it to the left out of the way.
ahh gotchya, i will check it out. thanks for the heads up!
What you you tie the line to in the corners? Are those the same pipes you use to screed?
no they are just concrete spikes
I know everyone seems to dislike the needle style grease zerks that come on these machines BUT they are less likely to get broken than the standard nipple style that most are used to seeing…. Keep a spare fuel filter handy, these machines always seem to need a few changed out before the junk in the tank gets filtered out
I can see that for sure. Yeah it came with a fuel filter and i already ordered another 2. good advice!
So glad I came across this video! I currently have a patio and walkway of pavers against my foundation, there is some sloping towards the foundation and water pooling. There is limestone base and 2" of sand under the pavers. Could I install base panels on top of the sand to help raise and grade away, or should I remove the sand and add more limestone (1/4 or 3/4 down, 1/4 or 3/4 clean ?) and sand instead? Zone 3a btw.
i wouldnt go more than 1.5" of sand for your bedding layer.
It's a mini skid shaped object. They kind of work. Looks like you got lucky with soft ground.
Haha a mini skid shaped object I like that. Yeah, but it was too soft
Great video. Side question, where can I find a stainless steel fire pit cover like that?
I just order it from my landscape supplier. I think wayfair also always has them on sale
Do you create the slope in the soil, or when adding your base gravel? I am somewhat confused how to correct my slope for runoff in the direction AWAY from the house. As it is its sloping in 2 directions, away from and to the house. How to fix this?
Subsoil should mimic the same slope as the patio. You may look at adding a French drain to capture the water and move it away from the house. I can’t say for sure though without seeing it for myself.
Dope man, thanks.
🙏
Thanks for the review Mike! I feel you regarding access, here in the east end of Toronto sometimes a wheelbarrow doesn’t fit between the houses to access the backyard!
Definitely! I need a 36” machine for my projects
I spend 20 mins guessing my password and logging in just to like your video. Absolutely great tutorials!
Thank you!
It's a bit heavy to throw on the back of a ute.
i dismantle it to pick it up
Discovered your channel a bit too late and have already installed 6” of dense graded base, the 3/4”-1” minus. The area does get water runoff as the yard has a slight grade toward where the patio will be located. Planned to use sand, but would you recommend using this material as a screed layer instead even over the dense graded base? After watching your videos, realizing this may not have been the best choice for a base layer, but it’s already in the ground and hoping to get things right for the next step. The pavers will not be permeable, if that matters-using Unilock Beacon Hill smooth pavers. Thank you!
Also located in an area with freeze/thaw cycles.
i like to use it on my screed layer regardless of the base material
Hi, I am planning on using paver panels for a project, but my screed layer will be sand. I was wondering whether I need to compact that sand before putting in the panels or if I only need to screed it. Thanks!
The manufacturer recommends that you compact it prior to laying the panels down. You may need to level it again after compacting as well.
Great job and like the hideaway screens, unique!
Thank you!
What I’m hearing is I’ll have to pay to become a member to I actually learned something wow
If you want to learn beyond the 200 free videos, 100 free articles, 200 free podcast episodes. Wow
why not adjust the water at the faucet a little to give you better adjustment at the machine?
I tried that on this one but you have to turn it down to almost nothing and then it’s even more difficult to control at the machine
@@iamahardscaper i guess its all where your water comes from, thanks for insight.
The rental company gave us a compactor with a rubber pad on it. But we need to compact the soil and the 3/4 gravel area (not pavers). Does the rubber pad affect the compaction level?
Yes, I would take the rubber pad off for that compaction.
I’m building a patio with brock paverbase. I have some leftover 3/4 stone from a hot tub base - can I use the stone and compact that into the soil first before putting down my bedding material (HPB) and paverbase ?
Yup, as long as it doesn't have organic material in it like soil.
@@iamahardscaper thanks!
Really beautiful! They should hire you to continue the rest of the pathway so everything flows nicely.
thank you! They decided on concrete for the walkway, but they did hire me to go back and build a step with the same caps.
So u dont recommend rock dust for the base for pavers? Someone told me to use rock dust AKA screenings but thought they would retain moisture instead of drain..
Never should be used. It is the leftovers at the quarry that they sold a long time ago to hardscapers
@@iamahardscaper so u think a crusher run then sand then compacted will do the job?
Ill be doing this myslef in a small area of 11x23 here in NYC. I think its going to be a fun project. I watch lots od videos and read all instructions before even beggining. If i make a mistake so be it. Thats called live and learn. Thanks for sharing.
Good luck with the project!
Legend
🙏
I don't know why but your videos are not showing up in my feed...CURSE YOU UA-cam!!! Great video brother!
Haha thanks man!
What brand of a adhesive are you using now?
I was using Platinum but it is now not available. Though I believe it is the same as TechniSeals sticky stone. I will probably start using Alliance XP
Do you use woven or non woven fabric when laying with Brock paver base? And have you tried the gator base screws for paver base applications too?
Non woven. And yes, I love the screws for the plastic edge restraint on the panels
@@iamahardscaper thanks. I purchased woven so guess I need to return that and get the non woven haha
@@iamahardscaper will there be issues using woven?
I don't think so as long as your subsoil is sloped properly after your excavation. The idea behind using non-woven is that you want to promote drainage because the panels already promote stabilization (main benefit of the woven geotextile)