Landscape Paver Installation

Dry-lay the pavers over portion of the area you want to pave to get an idea of how they'll look, ensuring you leave a 1/8- to 3/8-inch gap between stones. Dry-laying will show you which dimensions fit your pavers without needing to cut. Mark the extent of your paving area with stakes and string.

Excavate the area. Building codes often have a requirement of 4 to 6 inches of gravel base for walkways and patios, so check with the housing authority in your area. Whether you must have a gravel base or not (as in the case of garden borders), you will still need a sand base of 1-1/2 inches under your pavers. Excavate deep enough for your base plus the depth of your pavers.

Tamp the area with a tamper. Lay weed cloth over the area. Install your gravel base, if any. Tamp this layer. Lay weed cloth over it to prevent the sand from filtering into the gravel. Install coarse sand or concrete sand, and tamp this layer.

Set each paver into place and seat it firmly with a rubber mallet. Do not twist the paver into place. After all pavers are in place, go back and tap a flat board with the rubber mallet on top of the paved area to ensure an even surface area.

Sweep fine mortar sand across the area with a push broom. Work it from several directions to pack it into the joints. Tamp the paved surface. Mist the mortar sand to help it settle, but don't flush it out of place. Repeat sweeping and misting until the joints are completely filled.