Mechanical Installation

[Glenn W]

Recent question received by e-mail:
"My question is when laying pavers mechanically how to keep the pavers in a straight line. The pavers on the job looked like a snake. It looked like they layed them without quality control. Please help me find the answer."

I received the above question after a contractor visited a paver job site and observed that bond lines were not straight. I answered this specific contractor but thought others would want to share their thoughts. Please do so. Thanks

[Granite]

Keeping bond lines straight is critical - it's not hard to do but it requires (2) things: a contractor that cares and an attention to detail. Simply measure and snap chalk reference lines as often as needed. As the full layers of pavers are installed, these lines will guide the installer and force them to keep bond lines straight. During installation, if pavers are usually on-line, you can snap fewer lines. But the key is to take the time necessary to measure and snap lines. I guess the reason some don't do it is either they don't know or don't care. Obviously it requires more time. But the quality of the installation depends on it.

[Techo4Life]

I usually am either pulling strings often, espescially if the pattern is herring bone or running bond, and also even though the machine is laying tight, a rubber sledge or dead-blow hammer is still needed to shif the patterns around. In the end it comes down to careless install if the installer is unable to keep them straight. I always stand back and shoot an eye down the lines to make sure everything is coming alon ok, all it takes is one litte section to be off and it magnifies itself as the pattern starts to lay out.