#flat river stone pavers

[studyelephant]

DC Metro Natural Stone Pavers Landscape

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard stone landscaping in summer.

[ziggy-pop]

Traditional Landscape - Natural Stone Pavers Photo of a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard stone landscaping in summer.

[zerudaswonderland]

Container Garden (DC Metro)

[haomeiconcretebatchingplant]

Interlocking Paver Block Machine

Interlocking paver block machine, also known as interlocking paving block machine or interlocking block machine, produces blocks with interlocking structure by using raw materials such as stone powder, river sand, stone, water, fly ash, cement and other raw materials, which are pressed and molded by machinery. These interlocking blocks, due to their unique interlocking design, can effectively enhance the overall stability of the masonry and resistance to scouring, which is especially suitable for slope protection, bank protection and other projects. The working principle of the interlocking paver block machine is as follows: after mixing the raw materials according to the proportion, it is fed into the mold through the conveying device; the mold presses the raw materials under pressure; the formed interilocking paver blocks are taken out through the demoulding device, and can be processed or transported subsequently. During the whole process, the equipment adopts advanced control system to ensure the stability and efficiency of the production process.

Main features of interlocking paver block machine: - Multifunctionality: The interlocking paver block machine can produce a variety of specifications of blocks, including ordinary bricks, hollow bricks, pavement bricks, cement pipes, etc., to meet the needs of different projects. - Efficient and flexible: the interlocking block machine is able to change the molds according to the production demand, realizing diversified production and improving the production efficiency. - Energy saving and environmental protection: Interlocking paving block machine can make full use of industrial wastes such as fly ash, slag, etc. during the production process, which reduces the waste of resources, and at the same time, reduces the production energy consumption. - High product quality: the blocks produced are high density, strong and durable, with flat surface and precise size, which is conducive to improving the construction quality. Easy maintenance: the equipment has a compact structure and is easy to maintain, which reduces the maintenance cost. Application fields of interlocking paver block machine: - Water conservancy project: used in river, canal, lake and other bank protection, slope protection project, as well as drainage canal, spillway bottom lining, slope protection. - Road engineering: in the construction of highway and bridge, the materials such as pavement bricks and reinforced concrete produced by interlocking block machine can improve the construction efficiency and quality. - Construction project: it can be used for the production of blocks for the outer wall, inner wall and floor slab of the building, as well as the production of paving materials in the garden landscape. - Dock project: producing cement pipes, cement wells and other building materials to meet the material demand in dock construction. The price of interlocking paver block machine varies according to brand, model, configuration and other factors. Generally speaking, the equipment of high-end brand has higher price, but stable performance and reliable quality; while the equipment of middle and low-end brand has relatively lower price, but there may be some performance difference. Therefore, when purchasing interlocking paving block machines, it is recommended that users make comprehensive considerations according to their own needs and budgets, and choose cost-effective products. At the same time, you can also consult professional machinery and equipment manufacturers to get more detailed product information and purchase advice.

This resource is from http://www.haomeibatchplant.com/news/interlocking-paver-block-machine.html Should you be interested in, please contact us at: Haomei Machinery Equipment Co.,ltd Whatsapp/Wechat: 0086 181 3788 9531 Email: nydia@concretebatchplant24.com

[stonelandscappingbarrie]

10 Creative Stone Walkway Ideas to Enhance Your Outdoor Space

Stone walkways can serve as both functional paths and aesthetic focal points in outdoor areas. Here are ten inspiring stone walkway ideas to enhance your outdoor space:

Natural Stone Pavers

Utilize irregularly shaped natural stone pavers to create a rustic and organic pathway. Their varying sizes and colours add visual interest and blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

Stepping Stones

Incorporate large, flat stepping stones into your walkway design for a charming and whimsical touch. Arrange them in a staggered pattern to create a sense of rhythm and flow.

Cobblestone Path

Opt for timeless elegance with a classic cobblestone path. The smooth, rounded stones provide a durable and traditional option that complements any outdoor setting.

Flagstone Walkway

Choose flagstone for a versatile and durable Stone Walkways solution. Its flat, irregularly shaped pieces can be laid in various patterns, such as herringbone or random ashlar, to suit your style.

Gravel and Stone Mix

Combine gravel with large stone pavers to create a visually dynamic walkway with a natural, textured look. This blend of materials offers both stability and visual interest.

Mosaic Stone Path

Get creative with a mosaic stone path featuring intricately arranged stones of different shapes and colours. This artistic approach adds a unique focal point to your outdoor space.

Japanese Zen Garden Walkway

Embrace tranquillity with a Japanese-inspired stone landscaping surrounded by lush greenery and carefully placed rocks. Incorporate raked gravel or sand for an authentic Zen garden experience.

Border with River Rocks

Frame your stone walkway with river rocks to define the edges and add a touch of contrast. The smooth, rounded stones create a visually pleasing border that complements the ruggedness of the pathway.

Inlaid Pebble Design

Enhance your stone walkway with intricate pebble inlays featuring geometric patterns or natural motifs. This artistic detailing adds texture and visual interest to an otherwise simple pathway.

Interlocking Stone Pavers

Opt for interlocking stone pavers for a modern and streamlined look. Their uniform shape and precise fit create a clean and polished pathway that complements contemporary outdoor spaces.

[sadmachine1190]

10 Low-Maintenance Rock Garden Ideas for Drought-Affected Areas

Transform Your Landscape with Xeriscaping

Drought is an ongoing and critical issue in the U.S., affecting millions of acres of crops and millions of people. As the need to conserve water becomes increasingly urgent, homeowners can play a significant role in combatting drought by embracing xeriscaping. Xeriscapes are landscapes that require little water besides what the sky provides, often incorporating native plants.

Not only does xeriscaping help conserve water, but it also adds beauty and personality to any property. In this article, we explore 10 low-maintenance rock garden ideas that are not only environmentally friendly but also visually stunning in arid areas.

Intersperse Bright Hues and Rough-Hewn Rocks

Let your creativity shine by pairing broad splashes of brightly-hued flowers with craggy, rugged rocks. Create a sprawling terrace garden with alternating sections of ground-cover plants like flowering thyme, phlox, and sedums, and wide, relatively flat rocks that can double as stepping stones during maintenance.

Dig a Petite Pond

Add pizzazz to your backyard with a pint-sized pond filled with fish and floating lily pads. Surround the pond with stones in various sizes, such as large, chunky rocks interspersed with smaller pebbles, to delineate its perimeter and create a visually appealing water feature.

Add Gravel in the Garden

Transform an ordinary flower bed into a visually appealing space by incorporating a decorative bench tucked among flat rocks that are flush with the ground. The contrast between rich, dark mulch and small, multi-colored stones adds depth and visual interest to the area.

Divide and Conquer a Large Lawn

If you have a large lawn, consider dividing it into discrete areas that serve different purposes, such as an herb garden, butterfly or bee garden, or even beehives or a chicken coop. Use large, boulder-like rocks to separate these spaces and create distinct areas within your yard.

Rock That Walk

Create a minimalist rock garden by edging a sidewalk with a narrow border of smooth pebbles. This clean and asymmetrical style adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor space. Complete the look with deep-green, leafy plants that complement the rock border.

Use Lighting to Create an Otherworldly Atmosphere

Transform your rock garden into an enchanting evening scene by incorporating illuminated rocks. During the day, the rocks blend into the background, but at night, they create an eerily beautiful moonscape when softly glowing LED indoor/outdoor orb lights are added.

Pair Stone With Succulents

In drought-affected areas, inorganic materials are often used in larger quantities. Create a balanced and aesthetically appealing xeriscape by combining multicolored pebbles with a solitary palm tree, widely spaced succulents, and a low stone wall. This composition is both visually stunning and water-efficient.

Elevate an Outdoor Space With Stone Steps

If you have a sloping yard, embrace the split-level look by incorporating wide, irregular stone steps. These steps not only define the different levels of your outdoor space but also add visual interest and functionality.

Make a Modern Rock Garden

Create a modern and minimalist rock garden by using precisely pruned shrubs that resemble giant green Rubik's cubes, oversized square pavers, and a tidy rectangle of monochromatic stones. The simplicity of this design makes a bold statement and is perfect for those who appreciate clean lines and simplicity.

Add Some Country-Garden Charm

Create a charming garden path by using midsized slate chips. The horizontally oriented rocks add a touch of country-garden charm and can lead to a wishing well or a cozy seating area.

Create a River-Like Design Through It

Create a meandering river or rocky point effect by incorporating curving lines and seaweed-like tufts of foliage in your rock garden. This design not only adds visual interest but also helps reduce lawn maintenance while catching the eye of visitors.

Keep It Simple With Stones

Create an expansive rock bed that serves as a backdrop for showcasing exquisite plants, rocks, or sculptures. Whether you choose smooth pebbles, snowy-white pea gravel, or chunky creek rocks, a simple surface of stones will enhance the beauty of your displayed items.

Get Creative With a Small Garden

Add drama to a small garden by choosing the right type of landscape rocks. Polished black pebbles or moonlike lava stones can transform an ordinary area into a visually striking space that captures the imagination.

Think Inside the Box

Create a stylized lawn with a deliberately boxy composition. Fill each section with contrasting or complementary materials, such as stones of different sizes and foliage with varying heights, to create a unique and eye-catching "lawn-drian" masterpiece.

Transforming your landscape into a low-maintenance rock garden is not only visually appealing but also a smart move for conserving water in drought-affected areas. By embracing xeriscaping and incorporating rocks into your design, you can create a stunning outdoor space that requires minimal water while adding beauty and personality to your property. Whether you choose to intersperse bright hues with rough-hewn rocks or create a minimalist rock garden with stone steps, the possibilities for creating a stunning rock garden are endless.

Embrace your creativity and take the first step towards a water-efficient and visually appealing landscape.

[m5-6]

Transform Your Landscape with Low-Maintenance Rock Garden Ideas

Create an Environmentally Friendly and Drought-Resistant Oasis

Drought is a pressing issue in the United States, with millions of acres of crops and millions of people affected. To combat drought and reduce water consumption, homeowners can turn to xeriscaping, which involves creating landscapes that rely primarily on natural rainfall. One popular and visually appealing option is the installation of rock gardens.

These low-maintenance gardens not only add personality to any property but also help conserve water and support native plant life. In this article, we will explore a variety of rock garden ideas that are not only attractive but also well-suited for arid areas.

Intersperse Bright Hues and Rough-Hewn Rocks

A colorful landscape can bring cheer and vibrancy to any outdoor space. By combining splashes of brightly-hued flowers with rugged rocks, homeowners can create a visually stunning rock garden. This design utilizes ground-cover plants like flowering thyme, phlox, and sedums, interspersed with flat rocks that double as stepping stones during maintenance.

Dig a Petite Pond

A small pond can add a touch of elegance and tranquility to a backyard. Surrounding the pond with a variety of stones in different sizes creates a visually appealing perimeter. Mexican or Caribbean beach pebbles can provide a dramatic effect and enhance the overall aesthetic of the pond.

Add Gravel in the Garden

Adding a decorative bench among flat rocks that are flush with the ground can transform a flower bed. By using rich, dark mulch and small, multi-colored stones, the plants take a supporting role, allowing the contrast between the materials to shine. A few flowering bushes can provide the necessary greenery.

Divide and Conquer a Large Lawn

Large lawns can be overwhelming to maintain, but they offer ample opportunities for creativity. Dividing the lawn into different areas, such as herb gardens, butterfly or bee gardens, or even beehives or a chicken coop, can give purpose to the space. Using large, boulder-like rocks can help delineate these areas and save money on pavers.

Rock That Walk

A minimalist approach to rock garden design can be just as striking as more elaborate styles. A row of smooth pebbles edging a sidewalk creates a clean and asymmetrical look. Pairing this border with deep-green, leafy plants completes the aesthetic.

Use Lighting to Create an Otherworldly Atmosphere

Outdoor living areas take on a different ambiance at night. Illuminated rock garden ideas can create an enchanting evening scene. By strategically placing LED indoor/outdoor orb lights, rocks can blend into the background during the day and transform into a beautiful moonscape at night.

Pair Stone With Succulents

In drought-affected areas, inorganic materials are often used extensively. Using multicolored pebbles, a solitary palm tree, widely spaced succulents, and a low stone wall can create a balanced and visually appealing xeriscape. This design is as lovely as a grassy lawn or a garden in full bloom.

Elevate an Outdoor Space With Stone Steps

A sloping yard can be a challenge, but it also offers opportunities for creativity. Bi-level backyards can be ideal for entertaining or outdoor activities. Using wide, irregular stone steps can define and connect the two distinct spaces, creating an elevated design.

Make a Modern Rock Garden

A modern rock garden can be sleek and minimalist. By using precisely pruned shrubs, oversized square pavers, and a tidy rectangle of monochromatic stones, homeowners can achieve a stunning effect. Choosing marble chips instead of stones can elevate the design even further.

Add Some Country-Garden Charm

A charming garden path can wind its way through an assortment of blossoms and boulders. By using midsized slate chips, the path remains straightforward while adding visual interest. This type of path can lead to a wishing well or a cozy seating area.

Create a River-Like Design Through It

A broad border with gently curving lines and tufts of foliage can resemble a meandering river or a rocky point at the ocean's edge. This design is evocative and helps reduce lawn maintenance. It serves as a remarkable example of xeriscaping and catches the eye of visitors.

Keep It Simple With Stones

A rock bed can serve as a backdrop to showcase exquisite plants, rocks, or sculptures. Smooth pebbles, snowy-white pea gravel, or chunky creek rocks can create a simple and elegant surface that reflects attention back to the displayed objects.

Get Creative With a Small Garden

For smaller spaces, decorative landscaping materials can be used to create dramatic rock garden ideas. Polished black pebbles or moonlike lava stones can add interest and transform an ordinary area into a visually striking space.

Think Inside the Box

A stylized lawn with a deliberately boxy composition can provide a unique twist on traditional landscaping. Contrasting or complementary materials can be used to fill each section, creating divergent effects. This design allows for creativity while maintaining a strict layout.

Rock gardens offer a visually appealing and environmentally friendly solution to combat drought and conserve water. By incorporating various rock garden ideas, homeowners can transform their landscapes into low-maintenance oases that require minimal water consumption. Whether it's creating colorful terraces, adding ponds, or utilizing lighting to create an enchanting atmosphere, rock gardens provide endless possibilities for creativity and sustainability.

[littlestarwithoutsky16]

12 Low-Maintenance Rock Garden Ideas for Drought-Affected Areas

Transform Your Landscape with Environmentally Friendly Xeriscaping

Drought is a pressing issue in the United States, affecting millions of acres of crops and millions of people. As the need to conserve water becomes more urgent, homeowners are turning to xeriscaping as a sustainable solution. Xeriscapes, which feature landscapes that require minimal watering and often incorporate native plants, are an effective way to combat drought and reduce reliance on rainwater.

In this article, we will explore 12 low-maintenance rock garden ideas that are not only visually appealing but also environmentally friendly, making them perfect for arid areas.

Intersperse Bright Hues and Rough-Hewn Rocks

One way to add a pop of color to your landscape is by pairing brightly-hued flowers with rugged rocks. Create a terrace garden with alternating sections of ground-cover plants like flowering thyme, phlox, and sedums, and wide, flat rocks that can double as stepping stones during maintenance.

Dig a Petite Pond

Add a touch of elegance to your backyard with a small pond filled with fish and lily pads. Surround the pond with stones of various sizes, such as large, chunky rocks mixed with smaller pebbles, to create a visually striking perimeter.

Add Gravel in the Garden

Transform a dull flower bed into a visually appealing space by incorporating a decorative bench among flat rocks flush with the ground. Let the contrast between dark mulch and multi-colored stones take center stage, with a few flowering bushes adding a touch of greenery.

Divide and Conquer a Large Lawn

If you have a large yard, consider dividing it into distinct areas for different purposes, such as an herb garden, butterfly or bee garden, or even space for beehives or a chicken coop. Use large, boulder-like rocks to separate these spaces and save money on pavers.

Rock That Walk

Create a minimalist rock garden by edging a sidewalk with a narrow border of smooth pebbles. This clean, asymmetrical style can be complemented with deep-green, leafy plants or low-water ornamental grasses for a striking visual effect.

Use Lighting to Create an Otherworldly Atmosphere

For those who enjoy spending time outdoors after sunset, illuminated rock garden ideas can create a magical evening scene. Strategically placed LED indoor/outdoor orb lights can transform hefty rocks into an enchanting moonscape.

Pair Stone With Succulents

In drought-affected areas, inorganic materials are often used in xeriscapes. Combine multicolored pebbles with a solitary palm tree, widely spaced succulents, and a low stone wall to create a balanced and visually appealing xeriscape that rivals a traditional lawn or blooming garden.

Elevate an Outdoor Space With Stone Steps

If you have a sloping yard, make the most of it by creating a bi-level backyard. Use wide, irregular stone steps to separate and connect the two distinct spaces, providing a visually stunning design that is both functional and beautiful.

Make a Modern Rock Garden

For those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic, a modern rock garden is the perfect choice. Use precisely pruned shrubs that resemble giant green Rubik's cubes, oversized square pavers, and a tidy rectangle of monochromatic stones to create a simple yet stunning design.

Add Some Country-Garden Charm

Create a charming garden path by scattering midsized slate chips across the surface. This horizontally oriented rock path can lead to a wishing well or a cozy seating area, adding a touch of country-garden charm to your landscape.

Create a River-Like Design Through It

Add a touch of whimsy to your landscape with a border that resembles a meandering river or a rocky point at the ocean's edge. This broad border, with its gently curving lines and tufts of foliage, not only reduces lawn maintenance but also catches the eye of visitors and adds visual interest to your driveway.

Keep It Simple With Stones

Highlight your prized plants or treasures by creating an expansive rock bed. Whether you choose smooth pebbles, snowy-white pea gravel, or chunky creek rocks, a simple surface of stones will draw attention to the exquisite objects on display.

Get Creative With a Small Garden

For smaller spaces, unleash your creativity by choosing the right type of landscape rocks. Consider using polished black pebbles or moonlike lava stones to add drama and interest to an otherwise ordinary area, such as the front steps or mailbox.

Transforming your landscape into a low-maintenance rock garden is not only visually appealing but also environmentally friendly. By incorporating xeriscaping principles and using rocks creatively, you can create a stunning landscape that requires minimal water and is perfect for drought-affected areas. Whether you choose to intersperse bright hues with rough-hewn rocks or create a minimalist rock garden with stone steps, these ideas will help you create a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space.

[swirlingdisobedience]

Art and the Environment

“Part of addressing a complex politics of ecology and its aesthetic reach means critically rethinking current or provincialist terms of debate by foregrounding overlooked actors, actants, voices and constituencies. In examining social, political and environmental conditions of crisis, envisaging a post-humanist method of inquiry towards the long-term development of sustainable solutions does call for the rejection of binaries or polarisations. Yet it must also be pursued on a cross-disciplinary basis that aims to animate serious proposals that reject and rethink the ‘restricted economy’.”  

Carolina Caycedo

BE DAMMED (ongoing Project)

In Indigenous cosmogonies of the Americas, all bodies of waters are connected. Rivers are the veins of the planet, their waters associate communities and ecosystems. Be Dammed investigates the effects that large dams have on natural and social landscapes in several American bio-regions. More than 250 large hydroelectric dams are projected or under construction by transnational corporations in Latin America, signifying the transition of public bodies of water into privatized resources. At the same time, the U.S. is the leading country in dam removal, allowing for the restoration of river ecosystems. In Be Dammed, aerial and satellite imagery, geo-choreographies and audio-visual essays intersect social bodies with bodies of water, exploring public space in rural contexts, and conjuring water as a common good.

Conjuro de rios - rio cauca e hidroituango dam

Itaipu river 

The Cosmotarrayas 

a series of hanging sculptures assembled with handmade fishing nets and other objects, collected during my field research in different riverine communities affected by the privatization of waters in Colombia and Brazil.

YUMA, or the land of friends, El Quimbo Dam

Lygia Clark

Baba Antropofágica

In collective works like «Túnel» or «Objetos relacionais,» Lygia Clark initiates psychic processes of exchange which transform the dichotomy of subject and object. In doing so, she follows the transgressive logic of «devouring» and «vomiting». The reception of «Baba antropofágica» («Cannibalistic Saliva») also relies on the documentary film «O mundo de Lygia Clark,» filmed by Eduardo Clark in 1973. But escaping this phantasmal staging of the body seems almost impossible: kneeling over a guinea-pig-like subject lying on the floor, a figure pulls from its mouth—like spiders do from their bodies—a spittle-drenched thread and spins a cocoon around the reclining figure. The precarious division of subject and object is eliminated by this thread-like weaving, with the gestural webbing of the passive subject completing the inversion of the internal and external. In the retrospective, these interactive aspects might have been what was most convincing. In contrast to Performance and Body Art, Lygia Clark understood herself to be an initiator of processes, and was most successful in this respect when her haptic attempts on orderings were targeted at inter-subjective body politics.

“¿Cuál es entonces la misión del artista?”, decía Clark, “Dar al participante el objeto que no tiene importancia por sí mismo y que sólo la tendrá en la medida en que el participante actúe. Es como un huevo que sólo revela su interior al ser abierto. (…) Es menester que la obra no cuente por ella misma y que sea un simple trampolín para la libertad del espectador-autor. Éste tomará conciencia a través de la proposición que le es ofrecida por el artista. No se trata de la participación por la participación, ni de la agresión por la agresión, sino de que el participante dé un significado a su gesto y de que su acto sea alimentado por un pensamiento, en ese caso el énfasis de su libertad de acción.” (1997: 152-153)

re-enactment

Short film records "Anthropophagic Slobber", proposal by Lygia Clark (1920 - 1988) (re)lived at Clark Art Center (CAC), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, with Jards Macalé. Direction and screenplay: Walmor Pamplona. By Clark Art Center.

she termed relational objects (everyday objects that the artist employed in an attempt used to stimulate the senses)

“Toward the end of her career, Clark coined another term, phantasmagoria of the body, which was also a way of intertwining art and psychotherapy.  It’s a practice that deals with the notion of a life within an art object, something that scholars usually dismiss. It was through the discovery of her concept of the “phantasm” that Clark was able to surpass a mere anticipation of sensorial knowledge to enter the realm of actual fulfillment of that knowledge—a concept that differs from the contemporary notion of performance, and moves into the unconscious. 

(...)

In Anthropophagic Slobber (1973) the ritualistic aspect of the proposition is crystal clear: a person lies on the floor, arms against her body. She doesn’t wear much. She rests, her eyes are closed. A group of people approach, they come, they kneel. They form a circle around the lying person and put colored threads inside their mouths—the threads are expelled from their lips wet, soaked with slobber. Saliva is stimulation. These people are then like spiders, depositing the webs on the person’s body. The spider can see the prone body—but only her “phantasm” can see the spider. It is within this kind of exercise that the object, a simple thread, becomes, for Clark, a powerful tool for the marriage between body and unconscious knowledge through art. When the person allows herself to become part of this embracing web, the slobber accepts her, she accepts herself.“ (from: https://artwriting.sva.edu/journal/post/lygia-clark-at-moma)

Vogue Germany January 2020

Images of a editorial photo shoot of the Voque Germany of January 2020, inviting artist Katharina Grosse as art director for the editorial fashion part. It’s called : Imagine (our title). She invited a platform of women ‘ Wir machen das’, writers, artists, architects, students, musicians to join the project. Their working field is migration, diversity and refugee movements in conversation with and over ….. The shoot shows divers types of women of different ages and shapes together in a shoot having conversations, also exposed in writings in the magazine.

https://wirmachendas.jetzt/en/mission/

WIR MACHEN DAS – and this is who we are

WIR MACHEN DAS (WE ARE DOING IT) arose from a network of 100 women from arts and culture, science, journalism and public life under the association wearedoingit e.V. in 2015.

As a non-profit organisation we use various projects in the fields of arts and public relations to advocate for support, participation and the recognition of diversity in the context of refugee movements and migration.

Our Aims

We address all people not as “the needy”, but with regard to their expertise, because diverse perspectives enrich local discourses. Together we aim to improve career prospects, educational offers and networking opportunities. We foster individual resources and create opportunities for exchange. In this way, we bolster the involvement of people from zones of war and conflict. Together we are shaping a future in which immigration and diversity are seen as an opportunity and asset.

Plastic T-shirt bag invented to save the chopping of trees for paper bags in 1960

The inventor of the plastic bag Sten Gustaf Thulin. He intended the opposite with his invention:

American and European patent applications relating to the production of plastic shopping bags can be found dating back to the early 1950s, but these refer to composite constructions with handles fixed to the bag in a secondary manufacturing process. The modern lightweight shopping bag is the invention of Swedish engineer Sten Gustaf Thulin.[1] In the early 1960s, Thulin developed a method of forming a simple one-piece bag by folding, welding and die-cutting a flat tube of plastic for the packaging company Celloplast of Norrköping, Sweden. Thulin's design produced a simple, strong bag with a high load-carrying capacity, and was patented worldwide by Celloplast in 1965. As his son Raoul said later, Sten believed that durable plastic bags will be not single-used but long-term used and could replace paper bags which need chopping of trees.[7][8]

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_shopping_bag

https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/plastic-bags-pollution-paper-cotton-tote-bags-environment-a9159731.html

https://disposableamerica.org/the-plastic-bag/inventor-sten-gustaf-thulin/

Nzambi Matee

A nairobi-based 29-year-old entrepreneur and inventor — is the founder of a startup that recycles plastic waste into bricks that are stronger than concrete. called gjenge makers ltd, her company initiated following the development of a prototype machine that turns discarded plastic into paving stones. one day at the factory means 1,500 churned plastic pavers, prized not just for the quality, but for how affordable they are.

‘it is absurd that we still have this problem of providing decent shelter – a basic human need,’ said matee. ‘plastic is a material that is misused and misunderstood. the potential is enormous, but its after life can be disastrous.’

before creating gjenge makers ltd, nzambi matee majored in material science and worked as an engineer in kenya’s oil industry. in 2017 she quit her job to start creating and testing pavers, which are a combination of plastic and sand. she gets the waste material for free from packaging factories and also buys it from other recyclers. through experimentation, she understood which plastics bind better together and then created the machinery that would allow her to mass produce them.

‘we must rethink how we manufacture industrial products and deal with them at the end of their useful life,’ said soraya smaoun, who specializes in industrial production techniques with UNEP.  ‘nzambi matee’s innovation in the construction sector highlights the economic and environmental opportunities when we move from a linear economy, where products, once used, are discarded, to a circular one, where products and materials continue in the system for as long as possible.’

Pierre Huyghe - Zoodram

Zoodrams: large aquariums with marine ecosystems, that embody the logic of the exhibition, in particular Zoodram 4 (2011) in which a crab turned a resin mask of the Sleeping Muse (1910) by Constantin Brancusi into its living habitat.

Zoodram 5 (After Sleeping Muse by Constantin Brancusi), 2011, a glass tank that provided living quarters for different species of crabs that cannibalize each other, a none-too-subtle metaphor for human rapaciousness.

The tank is a repeated object in many of Huyghe’s works. They featured prominently in his retrospective, and a massive fish tank currently sits on the roof of the Metropolitan Museum as part of the Roof Garden Commission. Huyghe’s tanks are filled with strange, beautiful creatures. On the roof of the Met are tadpole shrimp, while inside the tanks in the retrospective were hermit crabs. The tank is an enclosed space. The viewer stands outside it, watching the creatures engage in their everyday activities. The tank is a lens through which we can better see Huyghe’s overall project. In an interview with Emily Nathan for Art in America, Huyghe stated:

The work is not “displayed” under a narrative — that’s a system I avoid. I could not imagine a chronological order, either. As you say, most of what I have done is construct situations that happen within a given body. Every one is a constellation network of process, all sorts of heterogenous and anachronistic things come together or are associated within a constructed situation, and so it is difficult to present them in a site where they were not originally, or to organize them in a linear way.

Pierre Huyghe says that life is the core interest of his practice: “I’m interested in how to quantify the different variations of being alive…how to intensify the presence of things.” Many of his performance, film, and installation pieces employ a range of living creatures—insects, plants, animals, and human beings—in order to explore their behavior and interactions. These works become laboratories for articulating complex social phenomena, the precarious distinction between fiction and reality, and contemporary belief systems. 

Pawel Althamer

The sculptor Pawel Althamer, who had a cameo in After Nature with a pair of flayed bodies, has brought an entire parade of the undead to Expo 1. He and neighbours from his apartment block in Bródno, Poland, each created a life-sized alter ego, modelled out of scrap metal and technological trash. Like zombies from an apocalyptic nightmare, the figures in “Bródno People” march sightlessly through a huge gallery, an ungainly procession of solid ghosts that recalls Rodin’s “Burghers of Calais”.

Mel Chin

Revival Field 

1991-ongoing plants, industrial fencing on a hazardous waste landfill an ongoing project in conjunction with Dr. Rufus Chaney, senior research agronomist, USDA

Revival Field began as a conceptual artwork with the intent to sculpt a site’s ecology. 1993 marked a successful conclusion to the first phase of this collaborative effort. The initial experiment, located at Pig’s Eye Landfill, a State Superfund site in St. Paul, Minnesota, was a replicated field test using special hyperaccumulator plants to extract heavy metals from contaminated soil. Scientific analysis of biomass samples from this field confirmed the potential of “Green Remediation” as an on-site, low-tech alternative to current costly and unsatisfactory remediation methods. Despite soil conditions adverse to metal uptake, a variety of Thlaspi, the test plant with the highest capacity for hyperaccumulation, was found to have significant concentration of cadmium in its leaves and stems.

In Mel Chin’s Revival Field FIG. 3 soil is detoxified through the use of ‘hyperaccumulator’ plants in a dumping ground in Minnesota, demonstrating the need for speculative ecological proposals.

Thomas Hirschhorn

Jumbo Spoons and Big Cake

At first glance, Thomas Hirschhorn’s monumental installation Jumbo Spoons and Big Cake resembles a kind of documentation centre turned upside down, filled with papers, chained books, piled archives and photographs. In the centre, the jarring presence of a monumental cake surrounded by twelve giant spoons creates a metaphor on the state of the world today, and on the end of many 20th century utopias. Reminiscent of popular ‘souvenir spoon’ trinkets, the spoons portray individuals or entities that the artist associates with failed utopias: Mies van der Rohe, Rosa Luxemburg, Malevitch, Nietzsche, Venice, China, the Moon, firearms, fashion, the Nazis’ 1937 exhibition of “degenerate art,” Swiss Rolex watches, and the Chicago Bulls basketball team.

Tejal Shah

Between the Waves 

Landfill Dance by Tejal Shah FIG. 5 is a video installation that involves several professional dancers dressed as quasi-mythical creatures, striking poses and moving in synchronicity in an unnamed mass landfill site in India. The work portrays ‘neither a neoliberal optimism nor paralysing despair’, but instead draws on the ‘potential of the bodies to coexist with this environment’, as is part of Boetzkes’s broader thesis that artists have demonstrated the need for an ‘intensive “working through” of the site’ and waste (pp.121–25). How, if at all, the work deals with people that notoriously have little choice but to rummage and work through mass garbage sites on a daily basis is unattended to.

Tejal Shah: Landfill Dance is part of the larger five-channel video installation, Between the Waves. Each channel also functions as a stand-alone piece. I first worked on channel 1, which is a longer film that forms the backbone of the installation.

“I am a big fan of contemporary and folk dance, with immense reverence for the medium. I have been eagerly awaiting an appropriate opportunity to collaborate with dancers. Finally, I decided to work with contemporary dance in this project to create seemingly nonsensical movements within the setting of a landfill to think about the futility of our gestures of sense making and recuperation in the Anthropocene (with a sense of humour of course!).” (https://huismarseille.nl/interview-tejal-shah/)

Olafur Eliasson

“Riverbed was for the Louisiana Museum, whose architecture is from a period where the seamlessness between inside and outside was introduced, as were a number of modern illusions of openness,” he says by way of preface. “Within this very contemplative museum, but also this very well functioning exhibition machine, I wanted something that would almost have the volume and scale to destabilise the museum a bit, pressure it. So I wanted it to look almost like a rock garden, but also to have a sense of a mudslide. Brutal, deathlike; it’s almost an alien landscape, and really it’s there to introduce destabilising qualities that one experiences outside – you’re walking on a slope, keeping your balance, recomposing your walking to fit the landscape – but you don’t really notice, you take them for granted. So I don’t only move the landscape in but also the microconflicts: suddenly we don’t take them for granted. This is what is interesting: the experience, the activities you do, also become exhibited. It’s as much about the interaction as about the actual plateau, the platform, on which people are walking.”

[rodidustsupplier]

Stone Dust Supplier in Gurgaon

Stone Dust Supplier is a waste material of stones obtained from crusher plants. It can also be used as a partial substitute for natural river sand in concrete. The use of stone dust in concrete not only enhances the durability of concrete. But furthermore conserves the natural river sand for the coming generation. Stone Dust Supplier is broadly used as a setting bed for any of the several manners of stone pavers. Utilized by homeowners in small construction projects.

It can be smoothed to create a very flat surface and also it is strong. And adequate to bear the weight of stone pavers, which can be relatively noteworthy. And if you are looking for reasonable quality stone dust for your construction project in Gurgaon. Then take the services of Rodi Dust Marketing & Distributions Pvt. Ltd. Rodi Dust is one of the best stone dust suppliers in Gurgaon. We have also a variety of stone dust and other construction material of exceptional quality at a reliable cost.

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[hbrownspatial]

Task 1.7 Reflection

For task 1.7 we had a collaborative task in class, and  I worked alongside Hannah H. We were given the materials clay and paper to create a work that explores interval and repetition. We were able to choose whatever site we wanted to respond to, and we initially chose some of the concrete pavers, within the Chauvel place gardens, but ended up changing our mind as we worked on our installation.

We made many round balls of clay in different sizes, threw them against the table so they would form a flat bottom, and then pressed seed pods we had found into the clay. The impression of the seed pods created a unique indentation in the clay, along with a series of cracks and breaks in the clay from the impact.We then found ways to arrange our forms through stacking to resemble the stacks of stones you'd find on mountains or by rivers. 

We wanted to find a way to arrange them that explored site and interval but also had a sense of chaos. Eventually, we found that we wanted to relate them to the stones already present within the park, and give them this sense of evolving life. 

As you can see in the images below, we arranged them so that they are coming out of the bed of stones, and slowly gaining shape and mass and then they gain these paper circles around them. Eventually they explode out into a randomised formation rather than stuck in this interval. 

Considering that each event has some element of growth to it as they move further away from the from the rock bed, it seems as though they are gradually gaining life and consciousness. Additionally, we gave them a larger interval in between each event to create this sense of growth and a sense of energy. 

It was quite a interesting process to work alongside another Artist to create a work like this, As we haven't created any work together before, and being able to react to a site or react to the material alongside another person can be tricky, but I think we we did it quite effectively and it worked out quite well. I'm fairly happy with the outcome. I think it was a good learning experience, to work with these these new materials and with these new ideas of interval and repetition

[rugaddictionaus]

The Basics of Modern Rugs

If you are looking for a place where to buy modern rugs for your home or office, look no further than Melbourne, Australia. This city is renowned as the cultural hub of Australia, and is an absolute shopper's paradise. With its diverse and vibrant history, there is a wealth of history to be uncovered here. In addition, the natural beauty of this area is second to none. From the stunning ocean views and lush vegetation to its amazing National Park, there are plenty of opportunities for tourists to explore this region on foot.

As you travel through this historic area, you will be captivated by the richness of this city's history. Start by taking a tour of some of the historical sites including Lockhart House, St. James Cathedral, Royal Botanic Gardens and Museum, John James Clark House and Victoria Barracks, which were all constructed during the 19th century. These buildings will give you an excellent insight into the lifestyle and culture of Melbourne in the early days. After visiting these sites, head down to Southbank Park to take in the stunning views of the Yarra River. The beauty of this park is a sight to behold alone.

Once you feel like you've explored enough area, head over to Princes Bend Shopping Centre to pick up a souvenir. Here you will be spoilt for choice as there are antiques and furniture shops to peruse, as well as a plethora of designer boutiques and department stores. After a quick stop at Woolworths, you can return home with a whole range of garments and kitchenware that you won't need after returning home. After all, it is unlikely that you will be shopping in the same location every day of the week.

It is possible to create a theme in your home with the colours and patterns that are available in this region. To start with, you can have rugs that match the decor of any room in the house. For example, if you have a more traditional setting, you may wish to choose traditional brown and white hobbled rugs. If you live in a newer house or flat, then you can use bright and bold colors to create a focal point. In fact, by using bold colors, you can draw attention away from a less attractive feature of the room.

There are other design elements to consider as well. By incorporating a variety of different textures and patterns, you can create a look that is unique to your home. For instance, you can have an area rug that has an Oriental feel to it. This means that it has a tasseled pattern on it, which would create a dramatic accent piece. You can also create a southwestern vibe in this area by choosing textured hued materials and fabrics such as chenille, denim, and cow hide. For an even more Native American touch, you could go with stone pavers or hand-carved wood.

Of course, there are many more design options, too. When you look at modern rugs in a home or office, they should complement the overall style of the space, not clash. It's important to think about what kinds of material would best complement the design of the walls and furniture. This way, you can get a good balance between functionality and style. By keeping these considerations in mind, you'll be able to find the perfect style of modern rugs in Melbourne.

For more information visit us on https://www.rugaddiction.com.au/

[coastalpaintingcompan]

painting for house inside

Coastal Coastal Painting Company has been serving commercial clients, homeowners and condominium associations across Florida for nearly 30 years and has become one of the largest repainting contractors. We understand what it takes to address the needs of your community and property.

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For over a decade we have been a trusted authorized Roof-A-Cide® applicator 1. Say good-bye to mildew. 2. Non-toxic: will not harm people, pets or plants. 3. Warranties cover concrete, flat and barrel tile, asphalt shingles and stone coated metal roofs. (Depending on roof tile type warranties will vary between 2-3 years.) 4. the most cost-effective and safe roof cleaning system. 5. Stay on program and never pressure clean your roof again. 6. Low pressure application won’t damage roof tiles. 7. Recommended by GAF, Monier-Life and U.S Tile Roofing Manufacturers.

Add value to your property Give yourself and your neighbors a treat: A fresh, clean and brightly painted property will increase its value; while creating a positive effect on the building residents, as well as the residents in nearby buildings in the immediate area.

Concrete restoration and damage prevention services Coastal Painting Company’s Restoration Division can provide concrete restoration and damage prevention services. These include:

1. Expansion joint systems 2. Balcony Repair 3. Aluminum Rail Installation/Replacement 4. Parking Deck Restoration 5. Above & Below Waterproofing 6. Structural Repairs 7. Concrete Repair/Replacement 8. Paver/Topping Slab Repair/Installation 9. Concrete Walkways 10. Deck Coating Installation 11. Caulking and Sealants 12. Specialty Coatings

Cracked concrete? When concrete settles, cracks, or becomes uneven, you can end up with pooling water, uneven surfaces, and potentially dangerous tripping hazards.

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[saltyandsadpotato]

Innovative Stone Walkways Economical Alternatives

Stone pathways include something unique to a landscape. I feel it is due to the fact that there is absolutely nothing that can match natural products in landscape style.

Here are concepts that you may wish to utilize for your own residential or commercial property. Bluestone is utilized, although there are other types that would make terrific sidewalks, such as fieldstone. This stone is a bit more rugged and not as flat however has a fantastic appearance.

Geometric Stepping Stones

This is among the least pricey sidewalks and most convenient to set up. As you can see, plants on either side soften the style. These geometric stones might likewise simply be put in a location of yard. Merely eliminated the lawn below the stone to make certain they are level and lay them down. A lawn mower can go right over this for ease of upkeep. I would state an excellent minimum size to utilize would be 24" x 24", however obviously you might go much bigger. Given that it is a casual course, 24" x 36" stones would work too. Instead of setting up a broad front walkway which is dry laid or set in concrete, think about utilizing different stones corrected into the turf. Produce a good curve for a natural appearance. This will conserve you a great deal of cash.

Natural (Free-Form) Stones

This stone walk is comprised of bluestone stone pieces. I like utilizing these. There are a couple of options regarding what to do in between the stones. Mulch works well if the stones are positioned within a planting bed. This is really easy to do like the surrounding locations will currently (or need to) be mulched. River rock is another choice. Usage little or big ones or a mix of various sizes. Low growing dry spell tolerant plants can include a great deal of beauty.

https://goo.gl/maps/8mcm37sG3P8rQVQS6

I enjoy these big bluestone stepping stones. You can simply leave mulch in-between, include river rock (revealed here), and/or include low growing plants (here likewise). Usage Thyme, Sedums, Chamomile, and other fascinating steppable plants.

In some cases, you may have a really large garden and require to act to look after your plants or simply meander through it for satisfaction. Here you can see how the stepping stones can be utilized. You might likewise utilize loose stone which would be even cheaper. Nevertheless, you ought to utilize edging to hold the stones in location so that they do not fall under the mulch making it rather untidy. With separate stores, you do not have this concern.

How to Design and Install a Paver Walkway

More about walkways and landscaping services, pls. visit:

Big Easy Landscaping - New Orleans Office

https://www.bigeasylandscaping.com/ 3436 Magazine St #120-A, New Orleans, LA 70115 504-226-7270

[johnfrenchlandscapes]

How To Landscape With Rock

Written by Sherry Rauh and published on https://www.hgtv.com/.

Landscaping with rock is a great way to add character to a yard that is either very shaded or does not lend itself well to growing plants. Rocks can also be combined with flowers, shrubs, succulents, and trees as inorganic mulch. No matter how you use them, stones are an eco-friendly solution that saves water, reduces yard maintenance, and minimizes fertilizer use. Here’s more information about how to landscape with a rock.

How to Use Rocks in Your Landscape

Natural stone is one of the most versatile elements available for a landscape makeover. Landscaping with rocks adds texture and contrast, providing durable groundcover that requires little or no maintenance.

Choosing the Right Rocks for Your Landscape

The rocks you choose will help set the tone for the rest of your garden. Tawny beach pebbles or river rocks add warmth, while white marble chips help brighten up shady areas. Flat terracotta stones complement a tropical landscape, but can seem out of place in a more formal garden. For a minimalist modern landscape or Polynesian-themed garden, try black lava rocks. Check out photos of rockscapes online to see what appeals to you. Because stones last indefinitely, it’s important to choose a look you’ll be happy with for many years.

Replace Mulch

Rocks may be more expensive than mulch, but they have several advantages as a groundcover. The first is durability. Mulch must be replaced every season, while rocks can last the lifetime of your garden. Another advantage is that pale-colored stones provide striking contrast against deep-colored foliage and help brighten up shady corners of your landscape. “Call attention to a favorite shrub or specimen tree by surrounding it with medium-sized river stones. This creates the effect of a ‘living sculpture’,” says landscape architect Maureen Smith. Rocks will also discourage weed growth around your prized plant, but for the best results, install a weed barrier before putting the stones in place.

Use Rocks in a French Drain

Install a French drain using pebbles to create an appealing drainage solution in your yard.

Sidewalk Landscaping With Rocks

If there are no major HOA restrictions on landscaping your street strip, why not be creative? This sample from garden designer Rebecca Sweet features a colorful, eye-pleasing mixture of river rocks, mulch and ornamental grasses, and plants for maximum curb appeal.

Use Landscaping Rocks to Create a Fairy Ring

Stack landscaping rocks a few rows high to create a barrier between the plants and the play area in this DIY children’s fairy ring you can create in your backyard.

Asian Garden Design

This Asian garden uses stepping stones and rocks to create an organic landscaping design that blends beautifully with nature.

Create a Beautiful Vignette

A mixture of rocks, stone slabs, potted plants, ornamental grasses, and ground covers transform the border areas of this pool into a wonderful study in textures and contrasts.

Plant a Rock Garden

For a more exotic look, add a rock garden to your landscape. Choose an area that gets plenty of sun and install two or three small boulders. Surround the boulders with closely spaced low-lying flowers, such as portulaca (left), ground orchids or decorative cactus. Carefully fill in the gaps with smaller stones that complement the color of your boulders.

Create a Centerpiece

A large, unusually-shaped boulder can serve as an eye-catching focal point. Use as a tidy, low-maintenance centerpiece in a small garden, where an ornamental shrub might become too large or unruly. In larger gardens, a rock centerpiece can add visual interest to monotonous border areas, such as hedges.

Cornerstones in Herb Gardening

This beautiful front yard edible garden by Home & Garden Design, Inc features a quartet of raised beds with natural stones and a variety of cool-season favorites such as thyme, kales, lettuces, fennel, and parsley.

Round Fire Pit in Middle of Outdoor Kitchen

These homeowners have it made in the shade, with a built-in outdoor kitchen and stone fire pit that makes their yard ready for entertaining.

Front Entrance to Beautifully Landscaped Home

The front yard of this contemporary lakeside home features a beautiful, symmetrical design with concrete retaining walls, a gravel walkway, and green shrubs filling the landscape with natural color.

Stone Fence Close-up

A stone fence can add a charming sense of character to a yard and garden. This fence uses stones of different sizes and hues to fit in with the wooded landscape.

Build a Naturalistic Poolscape

Stacked stones and natural rocks are placed around this swimming pool to create an organic design that compliments the nearby lake view.

Rustic Fire Pit

A small fire pit embedded in a stone patio and circled by wooden chairs creates a rustic feel.

Build a Pond Border

Large rocks are the key to giving your backyard pond that fairytale look. The right type of stone will help camouflage unsightly black pond liners and provide contrast to the dark pond water. Avoid using even rectangular pavers. For the most natural effect, choose rocks that are similar in size but irregular in shape and color.

Create a Low-Maintenance Container Garden

Instead of setting up a container garden on your deck or patio, where the pots need regular watering, place them in a rockscape that’s within reach of your sprinkler system. Line the area with a weed barrier and set the containers on top. Cut holes in the barrier, so the bottoms of the pots can fit through and settle into the soil. Make sure the pots have adequate holes for drainage. Surround the pots with small stones in a complementary color. The result is a striking container garden that gets watered whenever your sprinklers come on.

Driftwood Bench and Natural Stone Fire Pit

This seating area utilizes driftwood for benches and natural stones to surround the simple fire pit. Its proximity to the dock makes it a perfect place to relax right off the lake.

Make a Stepping Stone Path

A stepping stone path is a picturesque option for those shady areas alongside your house, where there is too little sun for most plants to thrive. It’s also a practical way to keep shoes clean when walking up to a side door or back door. For a tidy look, surround large stepping stones with small pebbles in a contrasting color.

Original post here https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/landscaping-and-hardscaping/how-to-use-rocks-in-your-landscape-pictures.

The post How To Landscape With Rock appeared first on John French Landscapes.

John French Landscapes

[georgeycowell]

A DIY Guide to Concrete Pavers for Driveways

Beyond the variety of styles, colors, textures and shapes available, pavers - often called paving stones - have distinct advantages over other driveway surfaces.

Why choose concrete pavers for your driveway?

Among other benefits, a concrete paver driveway delivers the following.

Strength, durability and longevity: Sheet concrete and asphalt look good, but they really aren't as strong and durable as you might think. Your driveway becomes nothing more than one giant slab. Although strong when in good condition, it won't handle age or freezing and thawing very well. Eventually, it will crack, calling for major repair work or replacement.

Concrete pavers, in contrast, combine the strength and comfort of newly poured, solid driveway surfaces with the flexibility they lack. Concrete pavers will not crack from weather and will likely last for decades. The biggest drawback is that pavers may settle if the foundation material underneath shifts. The fix is simple, however: Remove, readjust and reset the affected pavers.

Ease of maintenance: Whether you have to recoat, reseal, spread more of it, grade it or replace it, it seems like there's always something your driveway needs when you have a traditional driveway material. A concrete paver driveway is about as close as you can get to "install it and forget it." Once laid and sealed, it's virtually maintenance-free unless you need to adjust or replace a paver or two.

Cost: Sure, concrete pavers typically cost more upfront than stone and slab paving materials. However, a concrete paver driveway pays for itself over time in both lower maintenance costs (including time and money) and the fact that long after other driveway materials fail, your concrete pavers will likely still look - and work - wonderfully.

DIY installation: Ask anyone who has ever poured concrete or asphalt - it's hard work. Done improperly, the material is likely to fail. Even spreading dirt or rock is tiring. In contrast, most concrete pavers are fairly DIY-friendly. The hardest portion is grading and preparing the base material, and any specialized equipment is easily rented. Alternatively, consider hiring a contractor for this part of the driveway project. Next, simply start laying pavers in place like a jigsaw puzzle.

Planning your driveway

While you're looking at other concrete paver projects and considering the myriad colors, styles and other options, you're also planning the driveway project. The two steps go hand in hand. You can't really plan how many pavers you need, after all, until you know the size of your driveway and a general idea of what you want. You also can't really plan the final appearance until you choose your pavers.

Try making a sketch first. Having your vision on paper allows for more precise planning. Next, stake out the driveway area. Measure and mark the length and width, following any curve or direction you choose. Allow for a minimum driveway width of 12 feet in the vehicle parking area to provide plenty of walkway around the cars. For length, allot at least 18 feet of length for each vehicle planned.

Decide what portion - if any - of the work you wish to do yourself. If the driveway area needs excavation, professional help will be useful. It also needs to be graded - meaning slightly sloped to allow water to run off into the appropriate area. A contractor knows how to easily grade the area while digging it out.

On top of hiring out the excavation and grading, you can also hire someone to lay the substrates (two layers) and even the pavers themselves. If you go this direction, make sure to comparison shop. Ask the contractor about other projects they've worked on and ask for pictures. Find out specifically what the contractor will and will not do.

If you choose to do the work yourself, make sure to line up everything you need before you start. Besides pavers, you also need the substrate materials (usually aggregate and sand) and the tools. You can rent plate compactors, diamond blade wet saws and other heavy equipment at most tool and equipment rental stores.

DIY concrete paver installation

Even if you prefer to have someone build your concrete paver driveway for you, it's still useful to understand the general process.

The most important part of the job is a properly prepared and compacted substrate. The driveway foundation is essential for a quality installation that lasts. While the following information covers the basic steps, it isn't intended to be an exhaustive guide. If you're uncertain about any procedure or have questions, consult a concrete paver installation professional.

Call 811 to request an underground utilities check. Never dig without first checking for these.

Excavate the driveway area to at least 15 inches. Your area may need a deeper drainage base. Talk to local building professionals if you're uncertain. Depth depends on the results of a percolation test, which measures how fast the soil absorbs rainwater. Contact your local Cooperative Extension for more details.

Compact the subgrade to provide a solid, stable soil base.

Install screen, if desired, to discourage weed growth.

Spread and compact a layer of paver base. Typically this is a 6-inch layer of washed, crushed stone (not river gravel or other rounded rock). Choose rock with a 3/4- to 2-inch diameter.

Cover the base with a 1-inch layer of concrete sand. Screed the surface - take a long flat edge and pull it across the surface to leave it perfectly smooth and level.

Set the edging around the driveway borders. Edging, called restraints, is critical - it isn't just ornamental. It helps keep each paver from shifting.

Place the concrete pavers according to your design. Set pavers together closely to minimize joints.

Spread mason sand over the pavers. Tamp down the pavers mechanically to force sand into the joints.

Finish with a layer of concrete sealer once the driveway is completely set. Spray on with a garden sprayer, following the product instructions for best results.

Note: In colder climates, consider installing a special snow-melting system beneath the pavers. Much like radiant heating systems indoors, these driveway-warming devices use heated cables to keep ice and snow off your driving surface. Ask a professional for further information.

Driveway maintenance

Concrete paver driveways don't require much maintenance if they are protected with a quality sealer and the joints are properly filled. To keep your driveway looking its best:

Sweep regularly to keep dirt, leaves and other debris from accumulating.

Rinse when necessary to remove heavy soiling.

Treat oil and grease stains with a pressure washer and the appropriate cleaning solution.

Reseal the driveway surface every few years.

Plow or shovel in winter as needed. Avoid using sharp objects to chip at the ice, which may result in shattering or cracking the pavers.

Use sand or a noncorrosive deicer like calcium magnesium acetate, never rock salt (sodium chloride) or calcium chloride. These products may cause efflorescence - a white, chalky discoloration.

Related:

Sealing and Insulating Your Ductwork

DIY Backyard Fire Pit: Build It in Just 7 Easy Steps

With This DIY Sporting Goods Catch-All, Game Day Is No Sweat

from Home https://www.zillow.com/blog/diy-guide-concrete-pavers-driveways-230682/ via http://www.rssmix.com/