How to Install Pavers
Looking for a way to spruce up your boring driveway? If you’re tired of seeing the usual asphalt or brick surface, there’s one great option you can turn to: install pavers. It certainly adds a lovely touch to your landscape, but installing it is not a piece of cake. Here’s how to do it.
What You’ll Need:
Pavers (choose from clay, brick or concrete)
Crushed stone or processed gravel
Shovel
Plate compactor
12-inch spikes
Edge restraints
Coarse sand
2×4 inch board
Table saw (preferably one with a diamond blade)
Broom
Procedure:
Excavate the location where you plan to have the pavers installed. If you’re putting them on patio, a depth that’s at least 7 to 9 inches is needed, while 9 to 11 inches is ideal for driveways. Don’t just dig your target paved area, but add an allowance that’s at least 12 inches wide.
favers installation
Get the crushed stone or processed gravel and lie them down on the area, to form your base. Keep adding in layers, until you’re 3 to 3 1/2 inches away from the top of the area you excavated. For every foot in one direction, have a 1/8 inch slope, to allow water drainage.
Prepare your edge restraints. These can be made from either steel, plastic, pre-cast concrete or aluminum. Edge restraints work to shape the area you’re planning to pave. They also prevent the pavers from moving and separating due to high traffic and weather. Cut the restraints according to your desired shape for the paved area. After putting them in position, fix them to the ground using 12-inch spikes.
For rails that are set six to eight feet apart, use strips of wood or piping. You can adjust the height by packing the sand under. To hold the rails in place, pack sand around them, too.
Pour some sand in between the rails, too, making it slightly higher. Run a 2×4 inch board across it to smooth. If there are low spots, fill them in, then repeat. Fill in the indentations with sand, and remove the rails. Use a trowel to smooth.
Set the pavers on your driveway, walkway or patio, according to the pattern you want. If necessary, cut them using a table saw. Use one with a diamond blade for best results.
Press down the pavers in the sand bed using a plate compactor. For the gaps, sweep some dry sand in between, then compact.
Some Reminders:
When setting in the edge restraints in the ground, don’t pound the spikes all the way through, until after you have the shape you wanted. In case you’ll need to reset the restraints, it’ll be easy.
Once the sand level is smooth, don’t walk or wet it. Stepping on it should also be avoided, even when you’re laying down the pavers. To do this, begin at the outer edge, working your way inwards.
Before excavating, see if your local utility company approves it first. You might accidentally hit a power line.
Be careful when handling tools like the table saw and the plate compactor. Use safety goggles when cutting the pavers.
Add style to your driveway or patio by installing pavers. It’s hard work, but once you see how lovely your outside space looks, you’ll know that it’s worth it!