Step 8: Stake a Level Line

staking a level line for edging on an asphalt driveway
Photo: Kolin Smith
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Drive a stake at each end of the trench. Measuring from the driveway's surface, mark the desired height of the blocks above the asphalt on both stakes. Tie a mason's line to one stake at the marked line, pull it taut, and secure it at the mark on the other stake. For long or unevenly pitched driveways, place additional stakes at the midpoint and as needed along the trench's length, and tie the line to each one at the proper height. Repeat all steps for the other side of the driveway.
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    • concrete saw
      Concrete saw (Rents for about $50 a day from The Home Depot)
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    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