K-Pattern Paver Installation

Preparation

• If you use paving patterns at home, you are most likely paving a driveway. Although this information is primarily about paving a driveway, you can use the general idea when paving anything else, such as footpaths.

  To begin, dig out the area where you want to place pavers. The depth of this dig-out should be the height of a paver block when it is laid down plus about 6 inches for the bedding. Also, dig an extra 8 to 12 inches on each side to provide space for edging. Smooth out and level the dug-out area with your shovel or other implement and then fill it to a depth of about 5 inches with road base, a mixture of sand and gravel. Rake the road base smooth.

Edging

• It is recommended that you use edging that is specially designed for paving bricks. Not only will it look neater at the end, but it will be simpler for you to install, especially if you’re a novice. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing the pavers.

  There are two main paver restraints to use: rigid ones for straight edges and flexible ones for curved edges. Lay your restraints with their tabs pointing away from the bricks. Then they can be secured by driving 12-inch nails through the provided holes into the gravel.

Paving

• To place the pavers, first lay a soldier row before you start making patterns. A soldier row is a row of bricks that all face the same direction, with the shortest side of the brick up against the edge of the paving. (Look at any example of paving and you should see it.) You can then fill the rest of the area by laying bricks in a K pattern--one square of bricks surrounded by rectangular bricks. (Links in the References and Resources sections offer illustrations.)

  To fill in the edges of the area, you may need to cut the bricks to fit them in the gaps. After you have laid the bricks, compact them until they’re even. Then spread sand over the top of them, letting the sand fall between the gaps and dry there. Continue to do this until no more sand will fall between the gaps, and then your paving should be ready to be sealed and used.