How to Install Pavers With a Concrete Edge

Define the area to be paved and outline it with stakes and mason's twine. Adjust it to fit the dimension of the pavers to avoid having to cut pavers. Brick pavers are 4-by-8-inches and standard concrete pavers run 8-by-16-inches, for instance, so concrete edging should be placed to fit outside multiples of those dimensions. Vary the edging for irregular stones but try to make it fit the most common stone sizes.

Excavate the entire paving area with a shovel, 6 to 8 inches deep, and spread 4 to 6 inches of medium gravel in the area. Compact the gravel with a hand or mechanical compactor. Set pre-cast concrete edging in place around the area, on top of the gravel, with the top of the edging at or slightly above ground level. Use a level to make it level and follow the string outline to keep the edging straight.

Cast concrete edging in place by building forms of 1-by-4-inch boards set upright and secured on outside edges with stakes. Set forms 4 inches apart with the tops of the forms at ground level. Mix concrete in a wheelbarrow and pour it into the forms with a shovel, then smooth and level it with a mason's trowel. Let cast concrete cure for at least three days.

Fill the area inside the concrete edging with 2 inches of sand. Smooth and level it with a long board with a level on it; the top of the sand should be 2 inches below ground level, for brick or concrete pavers; adjust it to conform to the depth of flagstone or fieldstone pavers, which will vary in thickness.

Begin laying pavers in one corner of the area and work across and down the outline. Space pavers in any desired pattern, either with sides firmly together or with a regular space to be filled with sand or cement. Keep the tops of the pavers level with the top of the concrete edging. Cover the entire paving area, then sweep sand or cement into the joints with a broom to secure the pavers. Backfill with dirt on the ground side of the pavers to make a smooth transition from ground to paving.