Step 1: Secure a Chalk Line

person puts nails in concrete driveway next to chalk line
Photo: Kolin Smith
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The edges of an asphalt driveway need to be cut straight so that the blocks line up evenly against it. Use a chalk line to mark the cuts. Lay a line near the edge of one side of the driveway. Next to the line, hammer nails partway into the asphalt, one at each end of the driveway and a few along its length, about 5 feet apart. Tie the line to the nail at one end, then pull the line taut as you loop it around the other nails along the edge, making sure it still rests on the asphalt's surface.
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    Tools List

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    • chalk line
      Chalk line
    • dust mask
      Dust mask
    • ear muffs
      Hearing protection
    • hammer
      Hammer
    • concrete saw
      Concrete saw (Rents for about $50 a day from The Home Depot)
    • trenching spade
      Square-tip spade
    • brick set
      Brick set
    • maul
      Maul
    • mason's trowel
      Mason's trowel
    • mallet
      Rubber mallet
    • push broom
      Push broom

    Shopping List

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    1. Nails Make sure they're at least 3 inches long

    2. Standard Concrete Mix such as Quikrete

    3. Belgian block stone Available at stone yards in a variety of sizes and shapes 4. Mason's Line to align the blocks It won't stretch or sag like regular string

    5. Stakes

    6. Paver Base Also known as stone dust

    7. Flowers and plants for landscaping