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Tips of the Trade for Installing a Cobble Stone Driveway

By: Mike Stone

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When it comes to getting a new driveway, cobble stone is one of the best options. These natural stones last for ages and create a look that is just as timeless.

Here are a few tips of the trade when it comes to installing your new Cobble Stone Driveway.

First and foremost is the foundation. A foundation/base for natural cobble stone driveways must respect the load (weight) that will travel on them year after year. Good preparation of the driveway is key. The installation of the stone will only be as good as the prepared base. By not taking the time to do the initial work properly, the rest of the project will more than likely be put into jeopardy.

The base should be a minimum of 18 inches deep. Drainage must be taken into consideration if there is water in the driveway. A proper drainage ditch would be required. The material used in the base should be 3/4" clean crushed stone for a minimum of 12 inches and this material should be compacted very well every 3 to 4 inches of depth.

At this stage of building the base, there should be a geo-textile membrane placed on top of the compacted 3/4" clean crushed stone. This prevents the 1/4" stone dust (material that the cobble is laid into) from entering the 3/4" clean crushed stone. At this point you add a layer of 3 inches to 4 inches of 1/4" stone dust and compact it very well. The next layer of 3-4 inches of stone dust may or may not be compacted. This will be dependent upon whether you use gauged or ungauged cobble stone.

If you use gauged cobble stone you should compact up to the height of the bottom of the cobble stone. Leave a 1/4" of loose stone dust on top so the stone will set into it. Once the stones are laid, just compact them, and your job is completed.

However, if you decided to use ungauged cobble stone, then you do not need to compact the last 3-4 inches. The ungauged stone has to be laid, and you will need to adjust each stone to the level you would like the finished product to come to. Once all of the cobble stone has been adjusted to the desired level, your driveway is finished and ready for you to drive upon.

Important tip not to forget – you need to make sure that you allow a slope from side to side or from the driveways center to both sides for the surface. This is to allow the water to run off. If you do not allow for the slope you will be disappointed and have puddles of water after a rain.

Installing a cobble stone driveway may seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. The tips provided above are meant to create a cobble stone driveway that will not only look beautiful, but one that will also last for years to come. If you are looking at installing a Cobble Stone Driveway, you should contact the professionals at Stone Haven for planning and advice. Stone Haven can help you find the best cobble stone for your project, and can offer referrals of qualified stone layers / contractors to complete the job.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Stone Haven, Inc. is a stone wholesaler specializing in natural stone, based in Lac Brome, just outside of Montreal, Quebec. Stone Haven combines an unparalleled selection of granite, limestone, sandstone, slate, cobble stone and more, with owner Mike Stone’s over 30 years of experience in the stone trade.

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