Please don't criticize my work.
This is my first DIY project outside.
I am not going for a traditional walkway here, this is mainly for esthetic purposes for me to look out from the deck or a window and to be happy with a view. We don't use our backyard for anything anymore and I just wanted to bring a piece of Portugal back home with me. I am using 12×12 concrete pavers and cutting them into 16 pieces of about 3×3 but sizes vary a little. I place them on gravel and sand and arrange them into the pattern that you see here. Gaps between pieces are about a quarter of an inch or more. What would be the best way to fill in these gaps without breaking the bank? I don't need this walkway to be solid and to last 100 years, I don't mind occasional maintenance. Again, please don't crucify my work but good nature humor is welcomed.
by pura_vida_2
28 Comments
Crushed granite would be my medium of choice.
That looks great actually! And if it’s on gravel and then a bed of sand, that works. In Europe they mix sand and cement and hammer those in place then it hardens.
You can use a resin sand, it will harden top to bottom. Other sands won’t.
Self binding gravel/stone dust… Have a truck deliver a load and then using a wheelbarrow dump the piles of dust on the pad and using a broom sweep it into all the joints/cracks. Then water everything with your hose and it will bind.
Looks like the sidewalk patterns they use in Rio de Janeiro!
Use polymeric sand. Use the kind that can fill gaps up to 6″. Watch a YouTube video on how to install it. It’s pretty easy but also pretty easy to make a mess.
That first picture had me cringing but the final product looks really solid! Maybe something like #78 stone? A finer, clean crushed fill that more or less self-compacts/locks together? But I’m no expert in this style. Very creative work!
Polymeric sand is my go to for projects like this. It is relatively easy if you follow the instructions.
I like it!!! I have no advice though haha
This is absolutely beautiful!!! I love it. You are a true artist my internet friend
That’s cool!
Least expensive would be sand. Advantage being if you tire of that pattern and want to experiment with another. You can.
A LOT more expensive would be polymeric sand. But you can’t change your mind (you can, but it would be a lot of work)
Crushed granite would be neat. It’s been a while since I used it, and I don’t recall the price point.
I don’t have a recommendation for a filler but wanted to say this looks beautiful and I hope it brings you joy!
Poly sand is trash, you ultimately have to refresh it like everything else except it snags and sticks and new poly sand never meshes or matches well with the old.
Just use crushed granite, masonry sand or concrete fines as mentioned by others. You will not need a “load” of anything dropped off. This lookes like maybe a dozen 50 lb bags of your choice in color and texture.
You could consider mortar but it would be very time consuming and would likely suck if you aren’t experienced.
My vote is masonry sand. The bright color would mesh well with the design and its exceptionally easy to top off down the road.
Good luck!
I see a lot of people in this sub who’s work looks the same as everyone else. Way too much cookie cutter crap that lacks creativity. You did something different and it looks sick! (No advice on grout, I just lurk here)
Sand. Quikrete brand play sand has silica in it so it kind of “sets” when wet (at least more so than river sand), but still allows for expansion. Dump the bags on top and work them into the cracks with a large push broom.
Unusual technique or not, that’s a pretty cool project.
Parece Lisboa!
Would change pic 1. Lol. It really looks good btw. Just not so much in first pic
You do you hoke slice!
Polymeric sand would be my suggestion. Do some research, but the production team where I work prefers techniseal next gel. Alliance – gator products are popular as well. If you are looking for low maintenance and anesthetics consider a wet look sealer.
Polymeric sand.
Fill, tamp, fill, tamp, wet.
Done.
Crushed granite of masonry sand…
No advice to give, but no criticism either. Uniqueness and personality should be celebrated. This is such a bold and refreshing design. Would love to see an update once complete!
Crushed granite followed by polymeric sand.
Anyone who tries to crucify that is wrong and an asshole, because that is exceptional work my friend.
Also, I vote masonry sand. Dump and sweep.
1/4 minus with binder.
Sweet thanks for the inspiration
I vote 3/8” clean crushed “granite” granite in quotes because that’s what the supply yards call it even though it’s not technically granite which would be pink.
There is a common type in my area that’s a black and white crystalline mixture that would look really good w your project. Here they call it “3/8” Clear Creek Chip”
Masonry sand. Get a bit in there and then buy some thin boards and place over the top and run a plate compactor or tamp it. Don’t go too crazy with it, you’re not trying to break it.
I used this sand that bonds, there is a chemical product added to the sand. If I remember correctly, I had to use water to activate it.
An actual landscaper will know the product I’m referring to ?????