What base to use for brick border for concrete path and patio?

Question

I plan on laying out either a paver or brick border to a new concrete patio and path that I had put in my backyard. Didn't have the concrete guys put it in because the border is sort of an afterthought.

Anyways,

I will probably lay about 200-250' or so of border (most likely 6" - 8" wide depending on the pavers or bricks) and was wondering if I should:

A) lay gravel/base rock down, tamp it, lay sand down, level it, install pavers/bricks and use polymetric sand to fill in borders (not sure if polymetric sand will hurt the existing concrete).

or

b) (if using brick), tamp soil, lay down concrete base, set bricks and use morter to fill.

Any ideas on installation method? Plan to do as DYI project.

thanks

Answer 1

Level soil, lay down a weed block, lay sand and tamp it.(one of those square tampers on a long handle works great) the cheap sand is fine and if you want a bit more stability ,after sealing pavers or bricks you can combine some fine sand with concrete, sweep it into the spaces and mist it several times until it's set. Piece of cake and not lots of money.

Answer 2

When I put my walk way in 8+ years ago I dug out all the dirt and put done a firm base of pet.  Pet is very fine stone and I made sure to surface was even.  On the edge I use a plastic edging that I laid down and secured with very long heavy nails.

Answer 3

polymetric... if your talking about that $30 a bag sand than dont bother. I just made a brick patio last summer for my hottub, and that junk was a total whaste.

Answer 4

With a brick border the gravel and sand base is better.