Patio example

[bigviclbi]

Ok lets see what kind of equipment checklist you have to do a patio that is 20x30 and raised 15 inches. What equipment,how many people, how long to complete?

[treedoc1]

600 sf @ $24 = $14,400
additional fill 30 tons stone dust @ $50 = $1,500
walls for raised patio 100 lf @ $52.50 = $5,250
debris disposal 12 tons @ $50 = $600

Total $21,750

Two weeks 4 man crew 320 man hours @ $20 loaded cost = $6400
Material (most expensive = flag stone) 720 sf @ $3.75 = $2700
Wall material (natural stone) 11 tons @ $100 = $1100
Truck and skid steer loaded cost 2 weeks @ $500 = $1000

Total direct cost = $11,200

Our normal crew tool list is sufficient...worm drive 7" saws w/ diamond blades, gas 14" cutoff saw, 4000# plate compactor, hand tools. No lasers, we still use rebar, string, and string level, they are great for us.

[zedosix]

600 sq.ft. of brick install, raised 15" wall, all sides....depending on site access, it would take 4 men 3 - 4 days maximum. One day to excavate, install base and set level, one day to build retaining wall 15" high x 100' long, one day to add granular, level and lay most of the brick. 1/2 day to do cutting, compacting, sanding etc. Site cleanup could be done before end of 4th day.

[Bull_11]

I know this is probably a basic question, but I'm just getting started and planning my first hardscaping project (at home) in the next few weeks. Treedoc1 mentioned about a string level...what exactly is this, where would I look for one, and about how much are they? Sounds like it could come in handy for my first project.

Thanks,
Bull

[mbella]

Most hardware stores have them. I refer to it as a line level. Cost=approx. $2.00. They are ok for small jobs. However, on larger jobs, say multiple level patios, a laser or a transit are much better.

[Bull_11]

OK, I was figuring it was a basic tool! Thanks for the info, mbella!

[desertrat]

I still use string and a line level, as well as the trusty water level. I do full landscapes and sub out much of the hardscape stuff, so spending a grand on a laser level is a little much right now. The truth is, although it is more difficult, a water level is the most accurate tool, and my workers have grown up using them so it works for me, and it cost $2.