Do-it-Yourself Paver Installation

Mark the patio's perimeter by spray painting the ground.

Dig a hole inside the spray-painted lines that's deep enough to contain a 4-inch gravel base, a 1-inch layer of sand, and the height of the pavers. Create a slight slope leading away from the house for drainage.

Cover the soil with landscaping fabric. This prevents weeds from growing through the pavers and makes the soil more stable.

Add 2 inches of gravel into the hole. Level it and tamp it down, then water it to reduce dust.

Pour another 2 inches of gravel on top of the first layer. Rake it level, tamp it down and spray it with water.

Add a layer of sand 1 inch deep on top of the gravel. Drag a 2-by-4 board across the sand to smooth the surface. Add sand to any low spots, and drag the board across it again.

Place edge restraints around the perimeter of the hole. The restraints are usually installed by driving metal stakes through holes in the restraints, but read the manufacturer's instructions for the edge restraints that you purchase.

Place the first row of pavers on the sand against the edge of the hole.

Cut a paver in half with a wet saw, and place it in the second row along the edge. Install full-sized pavers in the second row until you reach the other side. Staggering the pavers in this manner strengthens the patio and makes it more visually appealing.

Run a mechanical compactor over the pavers.

Spread fine-grain sand over the pavers. Brush the sand into the gaps between the stones, working as much sand into the gaps as possible.

Clean debris such as leaves and twigs from the pavers.

Cover the pavers with sand-binding sealant, following the instructions on the packaging.