Hi everyone. I'm undertaking a flagstone paver project. I've already got the gravel and sand I ordered to put after digging out, but I'm confused as to what the best way to leveling is to get that 2% slope. Any advice would be much appreciated
2% slope is about 0.12" per foot. So that would be 1.2" decline in a 10' downhill distance.
When we want slope on any surface, we add more sand and gravel to the head (start) of the project and then gradually go out thinner as we move out from the start/head.
For drainage, you've got built in drainage simply due to the sand and gravel base. A slope will insure that there will not be pooling at the head of the pavers. Unless it absolutely pours, then that will take time to percolate.
2% is 2 in 100. so figure your distance and run your taught string. use a level to find out that it is indeed level and then adjust one end of the string down whatever distance you need to get the desired grade. once you have that done you can put down rails to drag a straight edge.
read up on what bases to use and how much compaction you'll need to make sure you don't get sagging in your project. you may need to compact and drag the straight edge a few times to get it right.
of course drainage and water flow are always issues to consider.