How to build a concrete driveway with Belgian blocks?
Lay a chalk line along one edge of the driveway and drive nails into the driveway next to the chalk line every 5 feet. Dig a trench along each edge of the driveway. Make the depth of the trench half the height of the Belgian blocks plus 1 inch, and 3 to 4 inches wider than the blocks.
How do you build a concrete driveway around a retaining wall?
Smooth the surface of the concrete with a mason's trowel to cover the back of the blocks until you're about 2 inches beneath the top of the blocks. Install the rest of the blocks along both sides of the driveway. Sweep paver base into the gap between the blocks and the edge of the driveway.
What do you put on the edge of a driveway?
This edging consists of raised granite blocks installed in concrete along the edges of the driveway. The Belgian blocks form a clear border along the edge of the driveway, and you can install flower beds along the edges of the blocks, which protect the beds from being run over.
Can you use Belgian block for edging?
Belgian block is now most commonly used decoratively in yards and proves a durable material for edging flower beds, driveways and walkways. At least half of Belgian blocks should be set in the ground, but you can set the stones even with soil grade to make a clean mowing edge. 1.
How do you install a Belgian block?
Belgian Block InstallationSecure a Chalk Line. Photo by Kolin Smith. ... Mark the Cut Line. Photo by Kolin Smith. ... Cut the Edges. Photo by Kolin Smith. ... Remove Excess Asphalt. Photo by Kolin Smith. ... Break Up Waste Prior to Disposal. Photo by Kolin Smith. ... Clean Up and Back-Cut the Rough Edges. ... Dig the Trench. ... Stake a Level Line.More items...
What do you put between Belgium blocks?
0:1612:37How to install Belgian (aka Belgium) Block or Cobblestone ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I got some leftover MAPE a grout that I'm gonna mix this is white. So I'm gonna get a light grayMoreSo I got some leftover MAPE a grout that I'm gonna mix this is white. So I'm gonna get a light gray or at least that's what I'm hoping for. I got my smaller pan. Because I don't want to do a big pan.
How much does it cost to install a Belgian block?
Belgian Block Curbing for a Driveway (Based on 100 Linear foot of curbing): $1,800-$2,600. Drainage Installation: $2,500-$10,000.
How do you cut a Belgian block?
Use a gas-powered masonry saw to cut about one-half to three-quarters of the way through the block. Break it. Use a stone hammer or engineer's hammer to break the block on the cutline. Rough it up.
How do you install a Belgian block apron driveway?
0:242:08Belgium block apron installed in paver driveway - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne is edging that way and in the driveway asphalt. You would lay it on its ground. So the firstMoreOne is edging that way and in the driveway asphalt. You would lay it on its ground. So the first thing you do is cut nicely the asphalt that's to remain. And you pour dig out and pour concrete. In
What is the difference between Cobblestone and Belgium block?
Belgian Blocks are rectangular or square whereas cobblestones are round. Cobblestones are typically pulled from river beds where the years have worn away the rough edges and created the soft edged cobblestones. In contrast Belgian Block were quarried and carry the shape and tool markings that come with that process.
How do you clean Belgian blocks?
If there are not too many blocks, the safest way to clean them — without risking chemical discoloration or breaking from excess pressure — is to gently chisel away hardened tar and scrub the stone with a wire brush and a bit of water.
Is a paver driveway better than concrete?
Paving stones are more durable than concrete and can withstand more pressure per square inch. Whether you use cement pavers or want stone driveway paving, paving bricks and stones are typically stronger than concrete and can hold more weight on the surface before a crack shows up.
What is Belgium block made of?
Belgian Blocks are solid granite, cubical-shaped cobblestones used in a variety of applications including paving and edging. These natural and durable blocks are sold in a variety of color and sizes and available by the full pallet or by the piece.
How many Belgium blocks do I need?
2 blocks per square foot | Approx. 2.9 blocks per square foot. Weight: Approx. 70 blocks per ton | Approximately 105 blocks per ton.
How do you install Belgian aka Belgium block or cobblestone driveway edging Part 1?
2:2610:20How to install Belgian (aka Belgium) Block or Cobblestone Driveway ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLook and once that set will fill the joints with mortar to to wrap it up before they come back andMoreLook and once that set will fill the joints with mortar to to wrap it up before they come back and do the blacktop. And as far as where I lay the block.
What color is Belgian block?
Belgium Block and cobblestones are shaped granite that come in a variety of colors and sizes. All stones are available in grey granite. Some sizes are also available in black, pink, buff and yellow.
How many Belgium blocks do I need?
2 blocks per square foot | Approx. 2.9 blocks per square foot. Weight: Approx. 70 blocks per ton | Approximately 105 blocks per ton.
Why are Belgians called blocks?
Belgian blocks replaced cobblestones between the trolley tracks on increasingly frequented streets, providing smoother, quieter rides for the new street car carriages. The granite Belgian blocks were originally used as ballast (weight for stability) on merchant ships returning to New Bedford from Belgium.
How do you make a cobblestone driveway?
0:503:37Laying Down a Cobblestone Driveway Apron - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow how deep did you dig what we do is we normally get on about six inches. And find a bottom grade.MoreNow how deep did you dig what we do is we normally get on about six inches. And find a bottom grade. And then we add in about four inches of stone dust.
What is Belgium block made of?
Belgian Blocks are solid granite, cubical-shaped cobblestones used in a variety of applications including paving and edging. These natural and durable blocks are sold in a variety of color and sizes and available by the full pallet or by the piece.
How to keep dust down on Belgian blocks?
Keep dust down when using the concrete saw by running water through the saw or having an assistant spray the driveway in front of the saw.
How to keep dust down on concrete saw?
Keep dust down when using the concrete saw by running water through the saw or having an assistant spray the driveway in front of the saw.
Do Belgian blocks interlock?
Belgian blocks don’t interlock like concrete or clay pavers, so they need a solid base and hard joints to handle vehicle traffic. Get those details right and Belgian-block aprons (or entire driveways, for that matter) will stay where you put them and last a lifetime. Reinforce the slab.
Do driveways have Belgian block aprons?
In the part of Connecticut where I live, a lot of driveways have Belgian-block aprons. These aprons add more than style; they also provide a visual transition from the blacktop of the residential streets to the (usually) gravel driveways, and they keep the small stones from spilling into the road.
What is a Belgian block?
Belgian blocks are also known as cobblestone pavers. These pavers can be described as blocks of stone that have little or no affiliation with Belgium itself, but have retained the name Belgian Block from the historical fact that the stones were used as ballast in ships from the distant past.
Why are granite pavers called Belgian blocks?
Granite Cobblestone pavers are also known as Belgian blocks because they have the same historical relevance as when ships of antiquity set sail from European ports searching for goods to trade. As mentioned previously, blocks of stone were used as ballast for ships that were light in weight.
What is the best paver for a driveway?
Are you planning to use the highest quality pavers for your driveway? Do you want to install the most durable paving material in your driveway that will last for generations? If yes, then choosing Belgian block pavers is the best option. Belgian blocks are also known as cobblestone pavers. These pavers can be described as blocks of stone that have little or no affiliation with Belgium itself, but have retained the name Belgian Block from the historical fact that the stones were used as ballast in ships from the distant past. These pavers are large rectangular or cubical shaped pieces of stone that come in 10 to 12” lengths and various heights. Many varieties are made of granite and can be used for paving, borders, and numerous other types of landscape projects.
What are the benefits of Belgian block pavers?
In addition to this, there are several benefits of choosing Belgian block pavers: Durability: They are extremely strong and durable. They are so strong that in fact they will ...
Can you repair a concrete driveway?
Easy to repair: One of the most common problems with concrete driveways is they are difficult to repair. If a concrete driveway becomes damaged, cracked, or discolored and worn, replacement is the only option that can give the driveway its previous look and strength. However, this is not the case with Belgian block pavers.
Can pavers be sealed with pavers?
Stain-resistant: Another benefit is that the stones can be sealed using a paver sealer which makes them resistant against stains. Staining is one of the most common and unavoidable problems with concrete driveways, as oil, tire marks, spills and other leaks from vehicles can easily make a mess out of concrete.
Can you use Belgian pavers for a driveway?
If you are interested in using Belgian block pavers for your driveway or courtyard, please contact REALGOODS Company for fast professional service. We are here specifically to provide high-quality stones at affordable prices. We are ready to help you achieve your goal of building an outstanding Belgian block driveway providing you with the desired enhancement of your home.
How to lay Belgian block?
Lay garden hoses or rope to lay out the design for the edging; make the layout about 4 inches wider than the actual space needed for the Belgian block. Spray the ground beside the hoses with landscaping spray paint. The width for the trench depends on how you have chosen to install the blocks. If you lay the blocks with the long sides touching, the trench will be much wider than if you lay them with the short sides touching. The extra width provides room to work in the trench while you lay the stones.
What is Belgian block edging?
Belgian block, more commonly known as sett stone, is quarried stone cut into rough, rectangular shapes, and is often confused with cobblestones which vary in size and shape. Belgian block was once widely used to pave streets and can still be found in some cities hundreds of years after installation.
How to prevent Belgian blocks from shifting?
You can choose virtually any layout to create edging for your garden, but you must provide a sturdy base layer to prevent the Belgian blocks from shifting. Clay soil has poor drainage, which means water pools beneath the blocks and slowly erodes the clay. This is often the cause of swales in cobblestone and Belgian block streets. Increase the depth of the stone base layer to a total of up to 12 inches in very clay soil to support the blocks, especially when installing edging along flat, paved surfaces where shifting is even more noticeable.
How to level a stone base?
Spread 1 inch of coarse masonry sand over the stone base layer. Use a block of scrap two-by-four lumber to spread it evenly. Check the sand base for level and add or remove sand as needed to make the sand base level.
Can Belgian blocks be used for landscaping?
Belgian block is now most commonly used decoratively in yards and proves a durable material for edging flower beds, driveways and walkways. At least half of Belgian blocks should be set in the ground, but you can set the stones even with soil grade to make a clean mowing edge.
