what is soldier course in pavers

by Prof. Carissa Schiller 6 min read

Soldier course is the term for laying a row of pavers side to side, perpendicular to the rest of the field, which is a common border treatment.May 30, 2017

Full Answer

What is a soldier course border for pavers?

The soldier course border is similar to the sailor course border but instead of laying the pavers in a straight line around the edge, they are laid perpendicular to the edge. This type of border is often used to create a more playful look. There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing a paver pattern for your home.

What is a soldier course?

What is a Soldier Course? - Rost Landscaping What? : Laying a row of pavers side to side, perpendicular to the rest of the pavers in the body of the patio Where? : Commonly used as border treatment on patios. Why? : -Their main function is to prevent spreading and loss of load-bearing capability.

What is the difference between soldier and sailor pavers?

Soldier course: Rectangular pavers are laid with the short sides together for a strong and clean border. Sailor course: Rectangular pavers are laid lengthwise in one or multiple rows. Inlaid borders: Contrasting borders are laid further inside the field pavers for a striking look.

What is a soldier course brick used for?

The orientation of the bricks are installed to expose the long narrow side of the brick to make them stand in a row, similar to soldiers. In many cases the soldier course is used as an accent band within a masonry facade, or as a decorative head detail for a window or door.

What is Soldier course?

Soldier: A soldier course is one in which brick are laid standing on end with the narrow edge facing out. This type of course is sometimes used for decorative effects over door and window openings and in fireplace facings (vertical, long, narrow).

How do you cut soldier course pavers?

0:277:13Chapter 12 | Marking & Cutting - Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipA table saw and diamond blade are recommended when cutting pavers.MoreA table saw and diamond blade are recommended when cutting pavers.

What is a sailor course in pavers?

Sailor course: Rectangular pavers are laid lengthwise in one or multiple rows. Inlaid borders: Contrasting borders are laid further inside the field pavers for a striking look.

How do you mark curves in pavers?

6:178:51How to Lay a Curved Paving Stone Walkway - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we're going to start a little wide it's about six feet but we want to neck it down to about 48MoreAnd we're going to start a little wide it's about six feet but we want to neck it down to about 48 inches what we'll do we'll take our tape measure we'll make multiple marks from one end to the other.

What is a soldier border?

A soldier course is when he long sides of the border pavers are touching one another.

What kind of saw do I need to cut pavers?

Cutting Pavers With a Circular Saw or Angle Grinder Both a standard circular saw (7 1/2-inch blade) or angle grinder (4 1/2-inch blade) make clean, easy cuts and involve similar techniques. In either case, be sure to use a diamond blade made for masonry and stone.

How are Soldier course bricks calculated?

The total number of soldier brick required for any given soldier course is calculated by dividing the length of the course in inches by the face width of the soldier brick plus 3/8-inch for the mortar joint.

What is a sailor border?

A sailors boarder is one in which pavers are laid with the shortest edge to shortest edge creating a thin boarder. This type of boarder is sometimes used for decorative effects but mostly to securely lock the entire job from movement. To finish off the beautiful paving job would require a edging treatment.

How do you cut pavers in place?

0:485:226 Ways to Cut a Paving Stone - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipToday is probably the most basic way and that is to split it with a hammer and chisel.MoreToday is probably the most basic way and that is to split it with a hammer and chisel.

What is the easiest paver pattern to lay?

Interlocked concrete pavers are, for sure, the easiest ones to install, regardless of the pattern. They come with ready-made layouts ready to be placed following a simple set of instructions. Other than those, if you go for a single sized paver, the classic stack bond is the easiest pattern you can go for.

How much sand do you put under pavers?

The recommended depth of sand for laying pavers is 1 inch. As one inch is 1/12 of a foot, divide the surface area, in square feet, by 12 to find the cubic feet of sand required. For example, a 60-square-foot patio requires 5 cubic feet of sand because 60/12 = 5.

How do you do corners with pavers?

0:424:09How To Miter a Paving Stone Corner - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we basically have to mark halfway down the stone. And then mark it at a 45 degree angle. So theMoreSo we basically have to mark halfway down the stone. And then mark it at a 45 degree angle. So the easiest way to do that take a carpenter's square. We go right to the corner.

How do you cut pavers in place?

0:485:226 Ways to Cut a Paving Stone - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipToday is probably the most basic way and that is to split it with a hammer and chisel.MoreToday is probably the most basic way and that is to split it with a hammer and chisel.

How do I build a paver patio?

2:364:04How To Design and Install A Paver Patio - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart along the edge use string set low to the ground as a guide to keep the block. StraightMoreStart along the edge use string set low to the ground as a guide to keep the block. Straight continue setting the pavers. Working toward the middle of the patio.

Where do you start when laying pavers?

Starting at a patio corner, lay out the paver stones one by one. Work as if you’re starting at the tip of a triangle and working out. When setting the stones, place them straight down into the sand and fit them together snugly. Make sure you’re not dragging the pavers across the sand and never stomp a paver into place.

How do you lay pavers on a pattern?

Quote from the video: Quote from Youtube video: So basket weave differentiates itself from stack bond because you're taking two stones and you're alternating the direction to add a little bit of design to your patio.

What is a soldier pattern for pavers?

A soldier course is when you lay a row of pavers side to side, perpendicular to the rest of the field. In other words, you lay the long sides next to each other, and the short sides are touching the fieldstones.

What should you not do when laying pavers?

Backfilling with dirt. If you use dirt as your backfill or base, your pavers will sink, rotate, and separate. …

What to put down before laying pavers?

Sand Bedding Before laying the pavers, a layer of bedding sand is placed over the compacted base material. This layer provides a bed into which the pavers are set. The sand bedding also helps to protect the sand joints from being eroded away. Lay down one inch diameter PVC pipe across the bass material.

What is the easiest way to lay pavers?

Quote from the video: Quote from Youtube video: It's very important to start off nice. And straight when you're starting to put the pavers. Down we have the brick wall to use on this side. And the wood forms also help us out on either end.

Which paver pattern is best?

Herringbone: This is both the most versatile and the most durable of driveway brick paving patterns. Rectangular paving stones are arranged in either a 45 or 90 degree fashion, revealing a beautiful zig-zag pattern.

What is a soldier course?

Soldier course: Rectangular pavers are laid with the short sides together for a strong and clean border.

What does pavers do for security?

Security and safety: By clueing in visitors to the edges of things, these pavers can add a measure of safety to such features as pools or steps. Poolscape edges or changes in elevation are clearly marked.

What are the different types of pavers?

Achieve both beauty and versatility with the numerous design options that Unilock pavers offer. For that special extra touch, consider one of the popular border choices below: 1 Soldier course: Rectangular pavers are laid with the short sides together for a strong and clean border. 2 Sailor course: Rectangular pavers are laid lengthwise in one or multiple rows. 3 Inlaid borders: Contrasting borders are laid further inside the field pavers for a striking look. Inlaid borders can be soldier course or sailor course by using contrasting rectangular pavers, or by using the same field pavers in the patio but in a different pattern.

What are paver borders?

Paver borders are both supportive and functional. They are supportive in the sense that they should complement the nearby field pavers and fit into the overall scheme of the driveway, patio, or walkway. And they are functional in that they denote an ending or a transition, while also offering structural support to the smaller cut pieces of field pavers near the edge. They can serve as a marker to warn visitors that the elevation has changed or the outdoor room they are standing in is about to become something else. Here are a few other ways to think of the borders in your next paver project:

What does the contrast between Unilock pavers do?

The contrast in colors between these Unilock pavers helps to draw the eyes forward, right to the main door of the house.

What is bordering walkway?

Guidance: Borders along walkways provide subtle guidance for visitors to stay within the chosen path as they navigate the landscape. The use of contrasting shapes, color, and perhaps texture is an aesthetically pleasing approach to making the way forward clear.

What is the purpose of the soldier course?

The orientation of the bricks are installed to expose the long narrow side of the brick to make them stand in a row, similar to soldiers. In many cases the soldier course is used as an accent band within a masonry facade, or as a decorative head detail for a window or door.

How does soldier course fall into coursing?

The soldier course will fall into coursing by matching with three courses of a running bond or commonly laid brick. In many instances the soldier course is doubled or tripled to create a wider band of dissimilar laid brick in the facade. Architects may chose to change the coloration of this band.

Why do you cut a soldier course?

When a soldier course is laid to a curve, the block may need to be cut to avoid overly wide joints. The joint width is determined by the size of the radius, with faster radii resulting in more open joints. Generally, any radius of less than around 2 metres will need the blocks to be trimmed to avoid glaringly wide joints.

How are edge courses formed?

Edge courses can be formed using, for example, dished channels or even linear drains, but, in most cases, standard blocks will be used, and so, by laying these on a concrete bed and haunch, their role in directing surface water and generating the correct falls within the body of the pavement can be assured.

Why do the edges of a block pavement collapse?

In many cases where the edges of a block pavement have collapsed, as in the photo above, it is because the edge blocks were laid on a sand bed and the haunching was a token gesture at best . There are no excuses for this type of workmanship. It is shoddy and would not be acceptable under site conditions.

Why do you need to lay a camber on a pavement?

Some pavements, particularly those for commercial or industrial projects, are constructed with a camber, and so the main body of paving is shaped to drain towards the edges. These edges need to be accurately laid to ensure that they direct the surface water to a suitable disposal point, such as a gully or linear drain . Even on smaller pavements, laying the edge courses to pre-determined falls and levels can help ensure that the completed pavement will drain, and that there will be no puddles or standing water.

What holds the edge units in a fixed position in terms of lateral movement?

The concrete bed holds the edge units in a fixed position in terms of surface level and adds mass to the retaining structure. The haunching holds the edge units in a fixed position in terms of lateral movement, and also adds mass to the retaining structure.

What is edge course?

Edge courses are the blocks, bricks or other paver units used at the edge of a pavement. Sometimes referred to as Soldier Courses, their main function is to provide a robust restraint for the paving, to prevent it spreading and losing its load-bearing capability.

What is the function of an edge course?

Eliminate cuts at pavement edge. This function of an edge course is fairly self-explanatory. By using full blocks (or other units) to form the edge course, there is no risk of having small or cut pieces of paving at a free edge, where they are more likely to work loose.

What are the different types of paver patterns available? How do you lay them?

The most popular types of paver patterns are the herringbone, basketweave, and running bond. Each of these patterns has its unique look and feel that can add personality and charm to your home’s exterior.

How do you choose the best paver pattern for your home and landscape design scheme?

There are a few things to consider when choosing the best paver pattern for your home. First, you need to decide what look you are going for. Do you want a sleek and modern look or a more traditional feel? Second, you need to take into account the functionality of the space.

Unique Patterns

If you want your pavers to stand out and create a unique look, there are a few patterns that you can choose from that aren’t as popular but can still give an amazing design.

Strength of Paver Patterns

When you are choosing a paper pattern for your home, it is important to consider the strength of the pattern. The stronger the pattern, the more durable it will be.

Using Different Colored Pavers

Another great way to add a unique touch to your paver pattern design is to use different colored pavers. You can use different colors to create accents or borders in your design. You can also use different colors to create a more unique overall look. You can pick a color that accents your house or your landscaping.

Speaking of Borders

Paver borders are a great way to add a unique touch to your paving stone design. Borders can be used to frame a patio or walkway in whichever way your imagination allows. There are many different border options to choose from, so you can find the perfect one to complement your overall design scheme.

Sailor Course Border vs Soldier Course Border

The benefits of sailor and soldier courses are that they can provide a more finished look to the area. These types of borders also help to add stability to the pavers and keep them in place over time.

What pavers do square courses use?

Square courses use pavers like City Square, Camino Square, or Park. If you’re looking for border design inspiration, look at our showcase paver projects or download our online brochure and look at page 66.

Why is it called a soldier course?

It’s because, in battle, soldiers don’t line up vertically; they line up horizontally. In other words, they all stand next to each other, facing forward as they head into battle. This course is different than the sailor course, as we describe below.

What is a square course?

A square course is just what it seems. It’s made up of square stones only that encase the fieldstones. As you can see below, the owner of this hardscape laid both small squares and large squares along his walkways to add a unique design depth to the simple square course.

What color are the stone stones in the sailor course?

As you can see in the image above, the owner laid the dark brown (or reddish stones) as a sailor course between the fieldstones and a square stone border (described below).

What is a soldier course border?

Soldier course paving stone borders are the most common type of border treatment that use Holland, Plaza, Camino Large Rec, or Camino Small Rec. With this type of pattern, your border stones are often a different color than your fieldstones.

What is pattern in paving?

Pattern: The design and layout of your paving stones. This term can describe both borders and fieldstones.

What is an alternative to a soldier course?

An alternative to a soldier course is the sailor course. You lay this course end-to-end parallel to the field. In other words, the short sides are next to each other, and the long sides are touching the fieldstones.

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