Tools
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The final base preparation is completed and you are now ready to screed your course concrete sand and install the pavers. Contractors use many tools and methods to accomplish this task to achieve the same results. The bottom line in the evolving trade of hardscaping is that no contractor should be down on their knees screeding sand. New technology in hardscaping tools improve this process for contractors and help save our knees from the infamous agony of arthritis. Screed rails are an important part of screeding and I have been witness to many types and sizes while educating contractors on job sites. Screed rails can be made of plastic, steel, or galvanized steel, and can range in size from ½" to 1 ¼". The most common screed rail, and what EP Henry recommends is ¾" ID (inside diameter) or 1" OD (outside diameter) steel gas pipe that can be purchased in different lengths from your local home supply store for about $10 per length. I encourage you to purchase the pipe in several lengths to accommodate various size hardscaping projects. The trailer used to transport them should be able to store them safely. Screed Boards are very popular among most hardscaping contractors engaging in the common residential hardscape project. More and more companies are manufacturing screed board sets that include aluminum hollow boards which vary in length from 2' to 6' and come with a rubber carrying handle starting around $180. The days of this type of screed board are quickly diminishing as adjustable sand screeds with handles are becoming more popular everyday. Adjustable sand screeds have a handle attached to a flat aluminum edge that can easily adjust from 3' to 6' in a few seconds. Adjustable sand screeds are worth the investment of $270 for long term usage and assistance in the installation process. Sand pulls are one more important part of this equation as they allow installers to quickly adjust and achieve a rough level for their concrete sand before they perform their final sand screeding. Sand pulls are a cupped aluminum straight edge approximately 36" in length attached to a light aluminum handle. The sand pull is used after a laborer dumps the concrete sand over the screed rails and before the technician uses a screed board or adjustable sand screed to reach a smooth finished sand level. A handy sand pull is available for $40 to $55. The above sand tools can help your hardscaping crews become more efficient with their installations as well as save them from intensive labor. I encourage you to check with your local EP Henry Authorized Distributor to purchase any of these tools.
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