DIY Builds
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Can you use quikrete under pavers?

TIP: QUIKRETE PowerLoc Jointing Sand is recommended for paver joints of up to ½ inch wide. HardScapes Polymeric Sand is recommended for larger joints up to 2 inches wide and for use with natural stone. Sweep away any excess sand from the paver surface.

What is the best woodworking book for beginners?
What is the best woodworking book for beginners?

The following titles are some of the best woodworking books for honing your craft. BEST OVERALL: The Complete Book of Woodworking. BEST BANG FOR...

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How many vents should I put on my roof?
How many vents should I put on my roof?

But how many roof vents does one home really need? A general guideline is homeowners need one square foot of roof vent for every 300 square feet of...

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Project Instructions

Step 1

Mark the outside dimensions of the project area

TIP: for square or rectangular projects stake each corner and run a line between each stake; for irregular shapes mark the area with spray paint.

Step 2

Excavate the area to a depth of 4 to 7 inches with a shovel (allow 2 to 4 inches for a compactable underlayment base and 1 to 2 inches of paver sand for leveling and the width of the paver).

Step 3

Evenly spread 2 to 4 inches of QUIKRETE All Purpose Gravel into the excavated area and level.

Step 4

Compact the gravel base using a tamper.

Step 5

Install edge restraints to stabilize the pavers and prevent settling and shifting over time. NOTE: edges should be set to allow for proper drainage and should slope evenly (1/4 inch for every 12 feet) away from structures.

Step 6

Spread 1 to 2 inches of QUIKRETE Patio Paver Sand over the compacted base.

Step 7

Screed the sand smooth using a 2x4 and 1x1. Remove the excess sand in front of the screed and add additional sand behind the screed.

Step 8

Align the paver rows using stakes and a string.

Step 9

Lay the pavers outward starting in a corner - maintain a consistent joint width between each paver.

Step 10

Tap and level the pavers in place with a rubber mallet.

Step 11

Fill the joints with either QUIKRETE PowerLoc Jointing Sand or QUIKRETE HardScapes Polymeric Jointing Sand to hold the pavers in place. TIP: QUIKRETE PowerLoc Jointing Sand is recommended for paver joints of up to ½ inch wide. HardScapes Polymeric Sand is recommended for larger joints up to 2 inches wide and for use with natural stone.

Step 12

Sweep away any excess sand from the paver surface.

Step 13

Apply a fine water mist to the filled joints flooding the surfaces of the pavers and allowing the water to saturate the sand filled joints.

Step 14

Dampen at regular hourly intervals for 3 hours after placement - avoid flooding the sand on the paver surface.

Shopping List

How expensive is it to soundproof a garage?
How expensive is it to soundproof a garage?

Garage: If you want to soundproof a garage, you'll spend around $600 for the walls and $300 to $5,000 for a soundproof door. Bedroom: Soundproofing...

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What is the difference between plastic and vinyl sheds?
What is the difference between plastic and vinyl sheds?

Plastic sheds made from vinyl are fire retardant, while plastic sheds made from other materials may not be. Vinyl sheds tend to be more durable....

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How long does cinder block foundation last?

Poured concrete block bases and slab foundations will last for a lifetime, 80 to 100 years or more, given they have been constructed with precision.

Life Expectancy of Home Components

One way to plan for the expense of owning a house beyond mortgage payments, insurance and taxes is to know the life expectancy required of the components of your house. This awareness does not supersede a home inspector’s use when buying a house, new or old, but it will help you build a savings plan to brace you for the inevitable. Sooner or later you’ll need to fix or rebuild all of the pieces of your house— inside and out. Knowledge of life expectancies of components is what homeowner associations use to create, in part, a contingency fund intended to spread the eventual costs over time. If the roof goes out, the appliances conk out, or the paint starts to rust, it’s much easier to get the cash if you’ve got any socked away for just one rainy day. Last year, the National Association of Home Builders, along with the Bank of America developed the “NAHB/BoA Home Equity Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components” to help you take the guesswork out of preparing for the worst. The study suggests that you use the timelines as a general guideline. Local weather conditions, use patterns, routine maintenance— or lack of it— all can influence many components’ life expectancy. Personal preferences for contemporary improvements need for remodeling and other considerations can also dictate replacing parts before their useful lifetime is finished. In any event, NAHB established knowledge about the durability of housing components based on a detailed telephone survey of manufacturers, trade groups, and researchers. From the base up to the rooftop, here’s a brief look at how long some of the most popular home components are supposed to last on a national average.

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Who is responsible for trees overhanging my garden?

landowner The tree belongs to the person upon whose land it has originally grown. Even if its branches or, worse still, its roots have begun to...

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Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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How do I get rid of heat in my shed?

10 Tips to Keep Your Shed Cool in the Summer Try the natural cooling effect of roof vents. ... Contain the heat with an insulator. ... Add some...

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