*
I am a homeowner in the middle of front entry paving project. Hoping for advice by July 6 when mason returns. We designed a dry laid Nicolock tumble stone front walkway, large enough to accommodate a bench or two. Have just been told that the walkway would not support a stone bench (limestone or bluestone slab set on pedestals)- the ground would settle beneath. Was advised to pour footings at $100 each, plus cost of stone for seats. Would this be worthwhile? Our other choice that may save $ is to buy two cedar benches that should be able to rest indefinitely on this surface without causing settling. We didn’t anticipate a “settling” concern and only have 2 days to decide if we want to pour footings or not. I am even wondering if a hardwood bench would cause settling, too. Need advice within 3 days. Thank you!
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Learn more about the benefits and compliance details for the DOE's new water heater energy-efficiency standards.
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
*
The answer to this depends on the type of soil you have in place to lay the stone walkway on. Typicaly, I would have 8" of well compacted inch minus gravel for a base, with drainage if needed, and two to four inches of sand or stone dust to seat the pavers. If you have this or native soil that is similar, footers are unlikely to be necessary.
It is a call that should be made on site by an experienced craftsman, and that's what it sounds like you've got. If he were just trying to hold you up, those footers would cost twice that much. No worker will invite himself to that kind of extra, hard work for that little money without a valid concern for quality.
*
I am a homeowner in the middle of front entry paving project. Hoping for advice by July 6 when mason returns. We designed a dry laid Nicolock tumble stone front walkway, large enough to accommodate a bench or two. Have just been told that the walkway would not support a stone bench (limestone or bluestone slab set on pedestals)- the ground would settle beneath. Was advised to pour footings at $100 each, plus cost of stone for seats. Would this be worthwhile? Our other choice that may save $ is to buy two cedar benches that should be able to rest indefinitely on this surface without causing settling. We didn't anticipate a "settling" concern and only have 2 days to decide if we want to pour footings or not. I am even wondering if a hardwood bench would cause settling, too. Need advice within 3 days. Thank you!