How to Do a Paving Stone Patio

Select the area in which you will install the patio. Use wooden stakes to mark off the perimeter of your patio area and tie nylon cords between the stakes.

Dig out the top 7 inches of soil from your designated patio area. Use a measuring tape to check that the entire area goes to a depth of 7 inches.

Compact the dug-out area with a plate compactor or hand tamper. This will ensure a flat, level surface on which to install your paving stones.

Cover the patio area with landscape fabric. The fabric will help prevent grass and weeds from growing up beneath your paving stones.

Fill in the patio area with a 4-inch layer of patio paver base material. Use a rake to evenly distribute the material through the entire trench. When the trench is full with the 4-inch layer, spray the base lightly with a hose and compact the surface with the compactor or tamp. This will create a firm, level base on which you can install your stones.

Cover the level base material with a 1-inch layer of paver sand. Use a screed or similar grading tool to level the sand. Mist the sand with water to help it stay together in a smooth, even base.

Set your first paving stone as tightly into one of the patio corners as you can. It may help to set this first paver against the side of your house, if the patio abuts your house. Set the second patio stone as tightly against the first as you can.

Lay the paving stones in your desired design. Check for level after installing every three to four stones. If you find an unlevel stone, tap it gently into place with a rubber mallet or add some extra paver sand below it, to ensure uniformity.

Cut pavers with a diamond blade wet saw if necessary to make the paving stones fit into place. Always wear protective gloves, goggles, dust mask and ear protection when working with such a saw. Continue to cut and install until all paving stones are in place.

Install a retaining edge around the paving stones to hold the stones firmly together. Set the top of the retaining edge about 1 inch below the top of the stones. Hammer landscape spikes into place to hold the edge firmly against the pavers.

Cover the patio with paving sand. Use a push broom to sweep the sand into the joints between the pavers. Sweep up excess sand. Gently spray the patio surface with a garden hose to compact the sand in place.