Pave Tool Innovators is a family owned business based out of Connecticut. Founded by Philip Bahler, we specialize in quality "tried and true tools" for the Hardscape Industry. Our goal is to help you take the "Hard" out of Hardscaping, by using tools proven to save time, labor and increase profits. They are a must for all hardscape installers.
I learned a long time ago when building steps, the best and I think strongest way is to install a 6" layer of 57s as a base, install a base course of filler block a bit wider than your steps all around, and then install your wall of choice around the perimeter of your steps with additional filler block behind the good face block. Then repeat using more face block and filler and obviously using less filler the higher you go. All the blocks and caps are glued with a bit of wall adhesive and finished off with caps for your tread. Builds an incredibly strong set of steps that isn't going anywhere. Uses lots of block but once you get your base course leveled, it's just a matter of gluing and stacking so very fast opposed to leveling each course using 57s behind each step.
This process looks good and sturdy. We have had good results by backfilling behind the first step with 21a gravel compacted up to 1 inch below the level of the top of the 1st step then filling that 1 inch with concrete to set the second step on. That way we don't have to level a paver or a wall block behind the first step (saving labor & materials). The second step sticks to the concrete and won't move, and forms a bond between two or more longways as well. ✌
I can definitely see why you guys put a unit behind your steps. Awesome way of doing things. I will say when using precast steps I’ve always just back filled behind with 57’s and geo grid and I’ve had good results doing it that way.
I love your products for prepping base and have bought several (over $1,500 worth). My only comment (and not a complaint) is that I bought two for Quick-E Wall Screed which are basically a set of four metal pipes attached by a chain. I have found it easier to just use regular galvanized pipe. The chains get a bit cumbersome for me and can get in the way. Other than that these products have really speeded up my retaining wall base prep and I highly recommend them. I plan on buying additional Pave Tool products as needed.
Thank you! We always appreciate good and honest feedback. Please give us a call if you ever have any questions! We are happy that our products are serving you well!
Can you use Sticky Stone for placing stone veneer on the bottom of archways without the need for vertical support holding the stone in place until it dries?
It depends on the weight of the stone. If it starts to sag you will have to place support underneath the stone but once it dries enough you will be all set to remove the support.
We cleaned the surface and wire brushed in areas of concern. It is still standing strong over 3 years later. Check out our recent update video where we chip a piece of the veneer off the wall. The sticky stone eats through the paint and bites into the CMU
We used sticky stone on our foundation front of the house and it works beautifully. We also used it for the siltstone trim and what a great product. We get compliments on it alot. We also used for pavers on a retaining wall. Love it!
We wire brushed areas of concern where the paint was a bit thicker, otherwise we cleaned it thoroughly. In the video you can see how the sticky stone bites through the paint and into the CMU.
Great videos. I have 2 questions if you have the time: 1. It looks like you applied the adhesive to painted concrete. Did you have to prep the painted surface other than cleaning for it to adhere? 2. Is there any concerns of moisture getting behind the stone and causing mildew or mold? Thanks in advance!
Thank you. 1 - You are correct. We cleaned it and we also wire brushed areas of concern where the paint appeared to be thicker. 2 - No concerns due to how you apply the beads of sticky stone to the veneer. Vertical beads 3 inches apart allow rain to go right through to the ground.
So does that Trass base just go on top of the native subgrade? What kind of depth is required for freeze thaw stability, or on top of poor soils? I install in a northern climate with terrible soils. (Manitoba Canada.) All clay all the time and freeze thaw out the wazoo…
You would base out the same way you would for a paver base, the bedding layer is simply the trass. Normally we recommend 1.5inches for residential non-vehicular traffic.
This video was super helpful! My only recommendation and this could be one for IQ is to not stash the Allen tool. I looked all over for it in the packaging until the step called out in this video showed the little stash spot. Still a great video!!! Thanks!
I'm considering using Sticky Stone. Wi it work on a cured concrete foundation? Mine was poured in 2007, and nothing done to the exterior. How shouldI prep the concrete foundation?
My question is can two people using the SV 200E pick up a 200lbs paver? I understand the unit can pick up that weight but the total weight of the stone and the vacuum lifter seems extremely heavy for two people to lift all day.
You're correct it would be pretty heavy for 2 people to carry around all day. There is a hook on the top of the 200E so you can use it with an excavator. Hope this helps!
We do not have experience with any Sika products. If you try it, let us know! We can tell you that we have thousands of happy customers that have purchased sticky stone!
@@PaverToolInnovators I stand by my statement. I used Loctite to glue a stone to a cinder block. After about 2 hours, I could not get them apart with a chisel and hammer. Is Loctite Premium Fast Grab what it says it is? You bet your ass it is!
Mortar might weigh more but the cost isn't near what that stuff costs. The gun and only 3 tubes of sticky stone is $136! Kinda spendy. Imagine what a case of it costs?! I decided to go a different route and use Loctite Premium Fast Grab which is plenty strong and much cheaper (using a normal caulking gun)
Cheap isn't good, and good isn't cheap! We hope it holds up for you... many of the Loctite products do not hold up in freeze and thaw climates, or in wet climates (according to testing we've found on Google). Sticky stone withstands all weather, and can resist over 10 times the weight that cheaper adhesives can. Depending on the project, it is well worth the investment.
