How to Install MS International Tumbled Pavers

Excavate the area in which the pavers are to be installed to a minimum depth of 16 inches using the shovel. Only the overall depth of the excavation is important at this point. The soil compactor will help even out any bumps within the excavation. Be certain, however, to remove any rocks that would extend above the soil beneath the patio.

Pack the soil tightly with the soil compactor. This machine works by jumping up and down on the dirt's surface, using a large flat plate to pack the dirt. Once the soil is compacted, remove the compactor from the excavation.

Fill the excavation with at least 8 inches of paver base gravel. In this stage, it is important to make certain that the surface of the gravel is level. To do this, spread out the gravel within the excavation and then use a framing level in several places to check to be certain that the surface is level.

Compact the paver base gravel with the soil compactor when you have found it to be level, then fill the rest of the excavation to the rim with paver base sand. Level and compact this layer, as well. Once compacted, the sand will be approximately 2 inches below the level of the surrounding dirt.

Install the pavers on top of the paver base sand in your choice of patterns. If you have chosen a complicated pattern, it may be a good idea for you to lay out several of the pavers on the ground near the excavation before adding them onto the paver base sand to give you a reference from which to work.

Spread construction sand on top of the pavers, then use a stiff-bristled broom to work the sand into the gaps between the pavers. Once the gaps have been filled, spray the pavers with a mist of water and work more sand into the cracks. The water spray will compact some of the sand inside the cracks and will allow you to fit more in to lock the pavers in place. Sweep the excess sand off the top of the pavers and into any gaps that surround the installation.