The Greenhouse floor project moves ahead.

[BrassavolaStars]

Hello all,

I went to a masonry store today and got supplies for my paver floor project. I asked about what I should get for the particular project I am doing and this is what they sold me:

A yard of “Item 4“. (3 inches)

1/3 of a yard of sand. (1.15 inches)

120 square feet of cement pavers.

65 concrete bricks to use as retaining walls.

They told me that this was a good formula to use for my project. The delivery arrives on Tuesday so I am going to start digging in preparation.

Is there anything else I would likely need or is there any advice anyone has for me?

This is the first time I’ve done such a project.

[WaterWitchin]

A question first... The greenhouse is already in place, and you are just adding a paved floor, right? The concrete blocks for "retaining wall" are going where? Around the inside perimeter?

Your "Item #4" I presume is chat or gravel? Don't skip the step of tamping it.

Meanwhile, if you don't have knee pads, get some. Your knees will thank you.

[DirtyCoconuts]

This is SAGE advice, both parts. A tamper is huge and cheap. Also, I have calloused knees from not doing this in my lath house

[Fairorchids]

Get a rubber mallet as large as you can find (to hammer pavers & bricks into position).

[BrassavolaStars]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

A question first... The greenhouse is already in place, and you are just adding a paved floor, right? The concrete blocks for "retaining wall" are going where? Around the inside perimeter?

Your "Item #4" I presume is chat or gravel? Don't skip the step of tamping it.

Meanwhile, if you don't have knee pads, get some. Your knees will thank you.

That is correct. The retaining wall will go along the inside perimeter. I will also place a second one on the outside perimeter and plant anti-erosion plants.

Thankfully I do have a tamper (A manual one) and several mallets.

Am I supposed to also tamp the sand? Do I need special sand to sweep between the pavers? I know I am supposed to screed? how is best to do this?

[DirtyCoconuts]

Tamp each layer

Put the pavers touching and get them level and you won’t need anything between them.

If you are a perfectionist you can finish the floor with a little sand and sweep it around until it fills all the tiny cracks but i am not a fan of this bc I think it impedes the drainage.

[WaterWitchin]

Yes, a dead drop hammer or rubber mallet is essential. I would use the inside perimeter bricks as your screed line. I won't speak to filling in between pavers, as I use polymer sand for patio pavers, and don't think that will work for your project. Were it me, I'd be using polymer sand or sweeping in straight concrete or sand... but don't listen to me. Not enough experience with greenhouse flooring.

---------- Post added at 08:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:12 PM ----------

PS Screeding... I would tamp sand. Then make a screed board... two by four?... and cut off ends, use it for your screed board. Google it.

---------- Post added at 08:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:14 PM ----------

Or ask for further direction if needed!

[Ray]

Personally, I think you’re asking for drainage issues.

We’re talking a greenhouse floor inside of a foundation here, not an open patio.

If you dig down and put in a heavy layer of gravel, topped by pavers with no filler in-between, the water will immediately run into the gravel, where it can sit until it perks away. A layer of sand and fill between the pavers impedes that, so the greenhouse floor will be a pond every time you water. Over time, as the sand infiltrates the gravel below, reducing the open volume, the ponding will last longer.

[Keysguy]

I concur with Ray. This is exactly the concern I was trying to express a few days ago.

[DirtyCoconuts]

i thought the bottom was dirt?

if it is not you DO need some drainage channels or at least a sink in the bottom with drainage to that (dig a 3-4' hole and fill with gravel)