How to Use Crushed Stone in Between Pavers

Mark the outline of your patio or walkway with wooden stakes and nylon cord. Use this outline as a guideline for preparing and installing your pavers.

Excavate your installation area to a depth of 7 inches. Remove the top 7 inches of soil and then flatten the soil with a plate compactor to create a smooth, even surface on which to lay the crushed stone and pavers.

Cover the installation area with landscape fabric. This fabric aids drainage and prevents soil from shifting beneath the pavers.

Cover the landscape fabric with a 3 inch layer of crushed stone. Use a garden rake, shovel or hoe to spread the stone evenly across the surface. When the stone is an even layer run a plate compactor over the surface in parallel passes, and then repeat with passes perpendicular to your original direction.

Lay another 3 inch layer of the crushed stone, spread and compact as before. Make this a completely flat, solid surface, because the pavers will rest on this layer of crushed stone.

Set your pavers into place on top of the crushed stone. Use a level to confirm that the pavers sit completely flat across the surface; if necessary, use a rubber mallet to tap stones into place to complete a level surface. Continue until all pavers are installed.

Wrap a retaining edge around the perimeter of your pavers and secure it in place with stakes and a mallet. This helps to keep the pavers in place over time.

Pour fine crushed stone chips onto the surface of the pavers and spread it in between the pavers with a push broom. This will fill in the gaps between pavers. Brush excess stone off of the pavers, and then sprinkle water over the stone with a garden hose to help it settle. Fill in any gaps after the stone has settled.