Cheapest Way to Pave a Driveway

Measure the dimensions of your driveway and draw up a rough diagram of the area on a piece of paper. Take this diagram to your local hardware store and ask an assistant for the proper amount of pavers to cover the area. Tell him you would like a few extra, since buying individual pavers if you run out is more expensive than buying in bulk. Additionally, purchase enough edge restraints to line the entire driveway.

Purchase crushed stone from your local quarry. Take your driveway diagram with you so the quarry can calculate the right amount of stone required. You will want enough crushed stone to cover the driveway area with approximately seven inches of material. In addition, you will need enough sand to cover the area three inches deep.

Spread one third of the crushed stone over the driveway area and use a plate compacter to tamp, or press, it down. Renting the plate compactor from your local hardware store for the day will be most cost effective. Always operate the plate compactor according the the manufacturer's instructions. Spread and tamp the remaining stone in two more batches.

Install the edge restraints around the perimeter of the driveway following the manufacturer's instructions. The cheapest variety is typically made from plastic or aluminum and can be installed by driving stakes into the ground.

Spread two thirds of the sand over the driveway area and level with the plate compactor.

Lay the pavers over the sand, beginning with the edge of the driveway that abuts the garage or house. Use the manufacturer's instructions as a guide. Do not walk on the sand bed as you place the pavers. Fit the pavers as close together as possible, leaving no more than 1/8 of an inch between them. Tamp the pavers with the plate compactor when you have set them all.

Spread the rest of the sand over the driveway and use a push broom to move the sand back and forth over the pavers. This will cause the sand to fill the spaces between the paving stones, making a solid, level surface.