How to Lay a Cobblestone Driveway
Cobblestones lend an old world charm when installed on a driveway. These are a great solution for those who seek not only function from their driveway, but also a pleasing appearance. Cobblestones are an excellent choice for the do-it-yourself handy person.
Supplies
- Gravel
- Sand
- Tamping tool
- Rubber mallet
- Cobblestones
- Water
- Masonry saw
- Remove any existing driveway. This can be done with a jackhammer if it is of concrete material. Haul the debris away.
- Set a foundation of eight inches in depth for your cobblestone project. Make sure that your foundation base is as level as possible. However, it should have at least a 1/4 to 1/2-inch grade in order to provide proper drainage for the driveway.
- Fill the excavated area with gravel. Usually, 3/4-inch stones are used for these types of projects.
- Compact the gravel with a tamping tool. Pour a bed of sand over the compacted gravel. Spray the area with water and compact the entire mixture when it is dry.
- Start at the top of the driveway in the center and place the first cobblestone. Push the stone into the sand base. Employ a rubber mallet if necessary to place the stone into the sand. This starting point will center the cobblestone design with the driveway. Put the stones together as tightly as possible; this adds strength to the driveway.
- Pour masonry sand in between the joints in the cobblestone. Use a large push broom to sweep the sand into all the crevices and joints.
- Use a garden hose to wet the driveway down and refill with additional sand.
- Repeat this process two or three times over the course of a week, in order to create the strongest bond for the cobblestones.