DIY Driveway Project Using Belgian Block

Belgian block is an easy to use material that can add aesthetic appeal, as well as increased functionality, to your outdoor spaces.  Often used as a curbing along driveway blocks or roadways, the stones can also be used to define flower beds and add interest around walkways and patios.

One of the most common DIY projects involving Belgian blocks is to create an attractive edging along asphalt driveways.  Not only does this increase visual appeal, but it makes it easier to navigate up and down the driveway without running over tender plants and flowers and also makes it easier to determine where to shovel or plow snow (and where not to) when the white stuff starts to fall.

In order to install a row of blocks along the edge of the driveway, you just need to follow some relatively easy steps and will need a few tools.

How To Install A Belgian Block Curb Along A Driveway:

1.  For starters, you’ll have to prepare the edges of the driveway for the block.  To do this, you’ll need to cut through the asphalt in a straight line using a concrete saw (you can rent one at your local home improvement store) and then pry away the edges of the cut asphalt using a spade and dispose of them in the trash (you may have to cut into small sections to make this job easier).  Snapping a chalk line along the surface will help you make a straighter cut.  To do this, hammer a few nails along a straight line to tie a string tautly around so you can get a straight line when you snap the chalk line.  While cutting, move the saw over a small section at time.  Attach a hose to the saw so the water can minimize the dust or have someone water down each section of asphalt as you cut.
2. Once the edges of the driveway have been prepared, you’ll then need to dig a trench along the newly cut edge using a spade.  The trench should be deep enough so that half of the Belgian block is under the surface, along with an additional inch for a concrete base.  It should also be a few inches wider than the blocks.
3. Stake a level line in the ground within the trench.  Stakes should be set at each end of the driveway and at a few locations in between.  A line should be tied to the stakes to create a level line at the height you want the top of your blocks to rest to serve as a visual aid as you lay the stones.
4. You will then begin laying the stones section by section.  To start, a layer of concrete should be added into the trench to serve as a base to secure the stones.   This should be done in sections of about 5 – 10 blocks in length.  The concrete should be stiff and should be laid to a depth of 1” along the bottom of the trench.
5. While the concrete is still wet, set each stone, ensuring it is level with the top level line and sits firmly against the side edge of the driveway.  Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the stone into place.  Continue laying all blocks in the section in the same manner.
6. Fill the rest of the trench with additional concrete, angled against the back of the stones towards the outside of the driveway.  Concrete should be mixed to a stiff consistency and then smoothed out to rest along the back edge of the trench, up to about 2 inches from the top of the stone.
7. Complete the entire span along one edge of the driveway in the above manner, doing a section at a time.  Then complete the other side, if desired.
8. Once finished, sweep paver base using a push broom into the joints between the blocks and the driveway and between each adjoining Belgian block.
9. Backfill the trench with topsoil.  Allow concrete to cure completely, which can take approximately one week.
10. Belgium block curb should be complete, landscape as desired.

 

For information about driveway blocks or bulk Belgian Block delivery in NJ or Staten Island, contact ATAK Trucking at 917-912-2900.