Do-It-Yourself Pavers

Measure the area for pavers with a tape measure. Record the measurements with a pencil and paper. Compute the area by multiplying the length times width. Then determine the area of one paver and divide that value into the total area to determine how many pavers you need.

Mark the borders by placing wood stakes at each of the corners. Call 811 so that the utility service will come to your home and mark underground utility lines that may be within the borders of the area.

Excavate to 8 inches deep for patios and walkways, and to 10 inches deep for driveways. Clear and level out the bottom surface of the excavation area. Ensure that the slope runs slightly away from your house for proper drainage and to prevent flooding in your home.

Pour a 3-inch layer of crushed gravel into the excavation area. Use a rake to spread the gravel around evenly. Compact the gravel with a plate compactor or hand tamper.

Place two pieces of 1-inch PVC pipe parallel to each another along the two longest edges on the gravel base.

Spread a 1-inch deep layer of bedding sand in between the two PVC pipes. Drag a two-by-four across the top of the pipes to level out the sand.

Set the pavers. Work one row at a time and place the pavers snugly against one another. Jiggle pavers back and forth so that they sit in sand without wobbling. Use a rubber mallet to knock the pavers firmly into place. Make any necessary cuts with a wet saw or chisel.

Dump bonding sand onto the surface of the pavers and use a broom to spread the sand between the joints. Use the rubber mallet to set the pavers one final time and fill any remaining joints with sand. Sweep off the surface of the pavers and spray a fine mist of water into the joints so the bonding sand sets.