Do-it-Yourself Driveway Pavers

Layout

• When installing driveways made from pavers, you will need to determine the shape and depth of the area to be paved. For the shape, use a hosepipe to layout the general shape of the driveway. Use orange marking paint and follow the outline of the hosepipe by spraying six to eight inches outside of the pipe. Remove dirt so that you can install crushed gravel and sand for the paver base. Figuring for the paver thickness (usually four inches), one to two inches of sand, and four inches of crushed gravel, you should remove nine to 10 inches of dirt. Remember to slope the driveway so that water will run off.

Calculations

• Multiply the length by the width of the driveway to get the total square footage of the area to be paved. Your local paver supplier will figure the number of pavers, crushed gravel, and sand that you will need to complete the job. If you want to figure your own amounts, then determine the number of pavers in one square foot and multiply the total square footage by that amount: For example, if five pavers equal one square foot, then multiply the total square footage of the job by five and you will have the total number of pavers.

Installing the Base and Pavers

• Install paver edging around the edges of the driveway in order to hold the pavers in place; failure to use edging will cause the pavers to move and come apart. Spread out the crushed gravel to a thickness of four inches. Use a hard rake to rake and smooth the gravel. Tamp the gravel with a hand tamper and then apply a one- to two-inch layer of sand. When setting the pavers, gently position them into the sand in the pattern you want and tap them into the sand with a rubber mallet. Once you have laid all of the whole pavers, go back and install the cut pieces. Use a tile or brick saw to cut the pieces--you can rent a saw from your local tool rental store. Fill the spaces in between the pavers with sand. Seal the pavers and the sand with a concrete sealer.