How to Prepare to Lay Paving Stones

Paver walkways and patios can add a special look to a garden or landscape. A variety of colors and styles can be purchased to match your landscape or create a mix-and-match appearance. Like many outdoor home projects, laying pavers starts with preparation. Pavers will face heavy exposure to the elements, making it necessary for you to ensure that rain or snow does not ruin your pathway or patio.

String
Stakes
Hammer
Shovel
Tamper
Two-by-four
Level

Instructions

- 1
  Before beginning this project, walk through the area where you plan to lay the pavers. Take note of any large rocks or tree roots that might make installation difficult.
- 2
  Mark off the area where you will lay pavers with stakes and string. Place them so that they will guide the work but allow for easy removal once the project is complete.
- 3
  Dig 6 inches into the ground for laying the paver base. Slope the walkway or patio away from structures; 1 inch for every 4 feet to 8 feet is a recommended slope. Install edging around the walkway or patio area.
- 4
  Tamp the ground so that it is solid. Place a paver base in the area where the pavers will be laid. Three to 4 inches of crushed rock usually forms a good base. Tamp the crushed rock so that it is compact.
- 5
  Spread half an inch of sand over the crushed rock. Level the sand with a two-by-four. Use a level to check that the paver surface is flat before laying the stones.

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