How to Outline a Driveway With Pavers

Measure from the edge of the driveway to a point 1/2 inch wider than your pavers. For example, if you’re going to use 4-by-8 pavers and you want to install them so they form a wide, 8-inch border, measure 8 1/2 inches from the edge of the driveway and drive a stake in the ground.

Drive additional stakes the same distance from the driveway every 4 to 6 feet and run a string line from stake to stake, starting at the first stake and wrapping the string taut around each stake to form a straight line that represents the outer edge of the paver border.

Dig out the soil between the string line and the edge of the driveway to a depth of 6 inches with a shovel. It’s important to dig that deeply because a car tire may run over the pavers, and you’ll need to create a stable base beneath them to keep them from moving.

Measure the depth of your pavers and fill the trench with sand to a depth 1/2 inch lower than the depth of the pavers. For example, if the pavers are 4 inches thick, you will fill the trench with sand to a level 3 1/2 inches below the surface of the driveway.

Cut a 1-by-4 board that fits within the width of the trench, in this case, about 8 inches long, and use it as a screed, pulling it over the surface of the sand to level it.

Compact the sand with a plate tamper. This power tool is available for rent at construction rental stores. When compacted, the sand will be approximately 1/2 inch lower than it is now, making it the right depth for laying the pavers.

Position the pavers in the trench, butting them tightly together. The edge of the pavers nearest the driveway should also be snug against the side of the concrete. If a paver wants to slip toward the outer edge of the trench, add a little sand on the outside of the paver to hold it in place.

Lay all the pavers flush with the surface of the driveway and then spread a thin layer of sand over the surface, brushing it into the space between the pavers and the soil. The sand will also filter into small gaps, filling them and securing the pavers. Use a kitchen broom or a push broom.