belgium block

[GroundScapes]

We finished this job last week, it was our first Belgium block install so be easy on me boys:)

[cgland]

What was your installation method? set in mortar?

Chris

[GroundScapes]

Why do you ask, does it look like we done something wrong:noidea:?

first of all, we installed base just like we would for pavers. Geo-textile, 10" or more of base, hand set each block in sand and techni-seal HP went in the joints, we compacted the block just like we would pavers. So basically we installed like they were pavers.

The border is installed on atleast 10" of base, mortared joints, Then we took rebar and lined the lower outside and poured a 5" tall by 10" wide edge of concrete.

[cgland]

Why do you ask, does it look like we done something wrong:noidea:?
Not at all, I was just wondering if you set them dry or in a mortar bed. We usually will get the base prepped and slap down a trowel ful of mortar (we will use rebar depending on the application) and hand set each block. Then we do as you, trowel mortar up the backside of the block.

Your radii look very smooth.

Chris

[MuirView Design]

Are those jumbos laid on their side? I would be leary of dry-laying those. Just my opinion. They are just too uneven to be set on a level bed. You really need a good 1/2" of play to make up the difference and this can be achieved better in a mortar bed than in a sand or screenings bed. They do sell a belgium block paver out this way that is a cobblestone cut down on both sides to make it flat. This would be a good one to dry lay. I really think for driveway applications that belgium block is better suited on a footer, mortared in and jointed. Just my opinion.......but hey, what the hell do I know....I'm just making it up as I go along!

Besides those thoughts....I think the job looks great. Edging looks very square.

[CaptainsLS]

We dry set 99% of our jumbo cobblestone driveway accent installations. We prepare a base of reprocessed asphalt 10". No sand. Each cobble is set like a base block with a dead blow. Joints get filled with bluestone dust simply for aesthetics. HUGE bead of mortar around the boarder course which also get set in 12" of concrete. Adam, trust me if you dry lay them right they are going no where. I personally like this application dry set in regard to looks.

[mrusk]

Installation is wrong. "10 inch base, mortared joints" ????? That is not going to last. You really want to wet set the block in 12 inches of wet concrete. The way you installed it, if the UPS guy can't back up good and runs over the boarder, its not going to stay in place. You do not want to install the jumbos side ways because there is not enough ratio of block below grade/above grade.

[Colonial]

Hey Rusk,
Who are you to tell someone there installation is wrong?? Lets see one of your belgium block installs??

[MuirView Design]

We dry set 99% of our jumbo cobblestone driveway accent installations. We prepare a base of reprocessed asphalt 10". No sand. Each cobble is set like a base block with a dead blow. Joints get filled with bluestone dust simply for aesthetics. HUGE bead of mortar around the boarder course which also get set in 12" of concrete. Adam, trust me if you dry lay them right they are going no where. I personally like this application dry set in regard to looks.


I think that sounds like a good way to do it if it's dry laid. Setting each one by hand will allow for adjustments. Running the tamper over the whole thing on a level base will lead to a wavy look as the picture shows. I personally would like the standard cobble size better for this (9x5x5). That's just me. To each his own! Like I said...the job looks good. Being that the driveway is unpaved, maybe the dry laid is a nicer look.

[CaptainsLS]

runs over the boarder, its not going to stay in place. You do not want to install the jumbos side ways because there is not enough ratio of block below grade/above grade.

We had to remove a half circle parking area made of cobble to make it a rectangle shape to accommodate 2 cars rather than 1. It took me 2 hours with a skid185 to remove the boarder that was set in 10" of concrete, 75lin feet. They were laid on side.....:lalala:

[CaptainsLS]

I think that sounds like a good way to do it if it's dry laid. Setting each one by hand will allow for adjustments. Running the tamper over the whole thing on a level base will lead to a wavy look as the picture shows. I personally would like the standard cobble size better for this (9x5x5). That's just me. To each his own! Like I said...the job looks good. Being that the driveway is unpaved, maybe the dry laid is a nicer look.

Yep, it would get real wavy if done that way. 3 men can lay 210 jumbos with base prep and excavation in one day. It usually takes 2 pallets for the standard sized apron I find. Jumbos seem to be the desired look here because they pave the streets of Nantucket (small island off the coast of MA that is very expensive and desirable) with them. What you are referring to are called "landscape regulation cobble".

[GroundScapes]

We did not install the block on a level sand base. We did install a level aggregate base, then hand set each block in sand as needed. I feel pretty confident that they are not going anywhere. BTW if they look wavy its in your eyes or in the picture. You can run a string line across the top of each row and each block touches the string evenly.

[GroundScapes]

Installation is wrong. "10 inch base, mortared joints" ????? That is not going to last. You really want to wet set the block in 12 inches of wet concrete. The way you installed it, if the UPS guy can't back up good and runs over the boarder, its not going to stay in place. You do not want to install the jumbos side ways because there is not enough ratio of block below grade/above grade.

I will be sure to keep this in mind for all of my future projects. Actual, just forward me your cell number and I will call you every hour we are on a project so I can make sure we are doing it the right way. You should just start a new company and call it "Rusk Inspections", you can come around to all of our job sites and show us what we are doing wrong.

[Colonial]

I think if your going to tell someone they are wrong or something they did is wrong, then you should post some pictures of your work showing the right way..... put up or shut up time.

[JZap]

Installation is wrong. "10 inch base, mortared joints" ????? That is not going to last. You really want to wet set the block in 12 inches of wet concrete. The way you installed it, if the UPS guy can't back up good and runs over the boarder, its not going to stay in place. You do not want to install the jumbos side ways because there is not enough ratio of block below grade/above grade.

No offense here, but if a UPS guy backs into a concrete curb there's no guarantee it won't fail?! Am I wrong? Let's get to the basics here... Cobblestone, if you recall, has been laid as roadways long before any of us were around and are still in existence today using a DRY lay...Hmm, maybe tthey didn't know what they were doin either, but I doubt it. A cobblestone curb is going to have damage if hit by a truck for sure, but to have excessive pours will only increase the price and length of the job.

[Mbella]

Why would you mortar joints on a dry laid application?

[GroundScapes]

Why would you mortar joints on a dry laid application?

Who ya talkin to Mike?

We mortared the joints of the border.
The aprons that you drive on are in polymeric sand.

[GroundScapes]

Yep, it would get real wavy if done that way. 3 men can lay 210 jumbos with base prep and excavation in one day. It usually takes 2 pallets for the standard sized apron I find. Jumbos seem to be the desired look here because they pave the streets of Nantucket (small island off the coast of MA that is very expensive and desirable) with them. What you are referring to are called "landscape regulation cobble".

Nantucket Island is where this client actually got the idea for the drive. Small world huh.

[MuirView Design]

We did not install the block on a level sand base. We did install a level aggregate base, then hand set each block in sand as needed. I feel pretty confident that they are not going anywhere. BTW if they look wavy its in your eyes or in the picture. You can run a string line across the top of each row and each block touches the string evenly.

I guess you did say that. Sorry misread your original post.

Waviness must be in the pic.......cuz my eyes are industry certified..:dance:

But hey....it's a rumble strip....all that matters is that it rumbles!!

[GroundScapes]

I guess you did say that. Sorry misread your original post.

Waviness must be in the pic.......cuz my eyes are industry certified..:dance:

But hey....it's a rumble strip....all that matters is that it rumbles!!

I wont be happy until Matt does you eye exam.:loco:

[mrusk]

My job has 550 feet of beligum block being installed in the spring. It will be installed by a contractor that does several hundred thousand linear feet of it a year. They will be in and out in a day and a half.

[GroundScapes]

My job has 550 feet of beligum block being installed in the spring. It will be installed by a contractor that does several hundred thousand linear feet of it a year. They will be in and out in a day and a half.

Is that Rusk time? Or Eastern Standard?

[Mbella]

Who ya talkin to Mike?

We mortared the joints of the border.
The aprons that you drive on are in polymeric sand.

I understand that, but aren't the border pieces laid on a dry app. base?

[kootoomootoo]

My job has 550 feet of beligum block being installed in the spring. It will be installed by a contractor that does several hundred thousand linear feet of it a year. They will be in and out in a day and a half.


like a lot>?

[GroundScapes]

I understand that, but aren't the border pieces laid on a dry app. base?

Yes the border is layed on a compacted base. With a big chunk of concrete and rebar on the back side of them, and mortared joints.

[jnp11]

hi ijust wanted to say our company has done afew city blocks and first we pour 10'' concrete slab then used 2'' of sand then tamped everthing then grouted everthing spray a retarder then power washed next day