2x4s and other pieces of lumber, while convenient, make for sub-par screeding tools. Most wooden pieces are warped, even if they appear to be straight. Instead, use galvanized screed bars and magnesium screeds.
Screeding Tools
For screeding the sand, you’ll need screeding bars. It’s best to use metal piping. The 3/4″ size pipe is good, because its diameter is just over 1 inch. The length of the bars needed depends on the shape of the patio. If it’s a big rectangle, 4 nice sized 8 to 10 foot bars will be good. You can also get smaller sized bars (4 feet or so) for screeding the sand in tight places. Next, you’ll need a screed. A screed, as described in Step 1: Tools and Materials, is a rectangular tool used to pull the sand back across the screeding bars. Magnesium screeds are nice because they’re lightweight. The sand itself is heavy enough. Aluminum screeds are stronger, but heavier. They are more suitable for concrete. Just like the screeding bars, you can buy screeds in all different lengths. It really depends on how wide you want to screed. 5 foot ones are nice for smaller areas. 14 foot ones are nice for larger areas. As explained in step 2, you can use a 2×4, but hardly any 2×4 is exactly straight. Be careful. Just one dip in your paver patio could mean a place for water to pool!
Screeding the Sand
You’re now ready to screed the sand. Your ABC is down, compacted, and smooth. Lay the bars down and parallel to one another. You will want to place them a little less far apart than your screed is long. For instance, if you are using a 14 foot screed, place your bars 10 to 12 feet away from each other. Remember to check the pitch with your level along the screed bars. Each bar should most likely be level in one direction. In the perpendicular direction, it will most likely be pitched down. Just make sure you’re consistent.
After the bars are in position, shovel the c-33 sand on top and between the bars. Spread around with the smooth side of your hard rake. Be very careful not to move the bars! Once you feel like you have enough sand, use your screed by pulling back the sand carefully. Both sides of the screed should be scraping both bars until you get to the end. Continue screeding the sand until all holes are filled and sand is perfectly smooth.
Tips
- When getting 2 bars level, put a bit of sand under one of the bars until you reach level. Do this only if you’re having trouble without the sand.
- After you screed a section, you’ll need to pull up the bars. Don’t forget to gently fill in the bar holes with sand and make it smooth.
- Don’t lay more sand out in one day than you have time to lay pavers that same day. A lot of things could happen: it could rain overnight, an animal could walk in the sand, leaves drop in the sand, etc.