Staff Writer
The perfect patio or walkway doesn’t have to be constructed by professionals.
According to Joey Cowett, who owns a Caribou landscaping business, homeowners can do it themselves, given the right materials and tools.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
Joey Cowett, right, of North End Landscaping and Stone Supply, talks with customer Pete Johnson of Caribou regarding paver stone. Cowett said that homeowners can install their paver walkways or patio to enjoy maintenance free outside living area for years to come.
Cowett owns North End Landscaping and Stone Supply. Last weekend, he held a “do it yourself’ workshop for property owners wanting to create their own paver walkway.
Every year, Cowett offers a public workshop on a project that homeowners can try on their own property. He gives step-by-step instructions on the project, materials for which are available through his business at 84 Access Highway.
In this time of difficult economic times, doing the projects oneself can help save money and add value to a property, Cowett explained.
“Even though it (the project) may look big, it’s possible to do it if you have the time and the patience,” Cowett said.
Constructing a walkway or patio can be done in a weekend and result in a maintenance free outside living area for a lifetime.
Cowett has been in business since 1993, beginning with lawn care services. He added other services as the business grew including landscaping and later included “hard scape,” which involves using rock to beautify property.
“I decided I needed to make the business different,” said Cowett. “There’s a demand for it.”
Cowett offers granite, blue stone, natural stone and manufactured stone. In addition, other landscaping materials are available on site. The business also offers delivery of the materials.
In putting in a paver walkway Cowett said the first step is to sketch a diagram of the area to be paved. The corners should be squared off to 90 degrees and stakes set six inches from the area. To establish the finished height and slope, use levelled strings. Allow a one-inch drop at every eight feet for water runoff.
Next excavate, or dig up, the area to a depth of about 7.5 inches for a walkway and a patio. The area should be filled in with about four inches of quarry-processed gravel. Flatten and compact the material.
In the next step, restraints should be installed at the edge of the project area to prevent the base material from spreading.
A layer of sand should be installed to a uniform one inch depth.
Now, the paver stones are ready to be installed at this point in the desired pattern. Cowett advises that the joint lines should be straight. Using a built-in spacer bar will assure a consistent width.
To make stone fit in a difficult spot, cut the paver with a stonecutter or masonry saw.
Once the stones are in place, go over the area twice with a plate compactor and set the stone by forcing the sand into the joints.
Additional sand should be swept into the joints and again compacted. This process should be repeated until all the joints are filled.
The project also can be sealed to assure maximum wear.
A weekend of work could produce a lifetime of enjoyment for the homeowner who has taken the time to thoughtfully plan and construct the outside entertainment space.
For questions about designing and constructing your own patio or walk, you can contact Cowett at 498-8879 or stop at his Access Highway business.
