Laying Concrete Paving Slabs

Measure the thickness of the pavers you are using.

Outline the area where the pavers will be placed. Tap stakes into the ground and run twine from one stake to the next. Dig out the area inside the twine. The area must go down 6 inches plus the thickness of the pavers if you want the patio flush to the ground. If you want it up an inch, reduce the digging depth by 1 inch.

Use a level in the hole to aid in making a slope. The patio should drop 1/2 inch for every 4 feet. Since you don't want one end of the patio to be below the surface, it is better to add dirt to create the slope, which will cause one end to be slightly above ground. Choose which direction you want the patio to drain and point the level in that direction to help you adjust the level of the dirt.

Placing the level on a flat surface and then raising one end 1/2 inch will show you where the bubble should be when you are leveling the ground.

Place plastic polyurethane sheeting over the surface as a vapor barrier.

Spread in crushed gravel and tamp it down with a compactor. Check it with a level to maintain the slope.

Pour sand in the hole and spread it around. Tamp it down, checking the slope as you go.

Set the pavers in the sand. Use spacers to keep a 1/4-inch gap between them. Do not press the pavers into the sand.

Remove the spacers and pour sand over the pavers. Use a broom to push sand into the spaces between the concrete pavers. Spray the surface with water to set the sand.