How to Install Hillside Pavers

Set the direction and route of your walkway. A straight walkway is the easiest to build. If you have to work around other landscaping obstacles, it is possible to curve your path, but it will be a bit more difficult in the long run.

Drive stakes on each side at the beginning of your path. Drive two more stakes at the end of your path, one on each side. If you decided to curve the walkway, drive stakes into the ground on each side of the walkway every two feet or so until the entire walkway is staked. Run your string between the stakes on one side of the path. Repeat with the stakes on the other side.

Dig terraces out of the hillside. The most time-consuming part of this project, terraces (or steps) must be dug out for your paver stones. Measure the depth of your pavers. This measurement plus 2 inches will be the depth of each step. Each step should be about 5 1/2 inches higher than the preceding one. Start at the bottom of the hill, and make your way upward. As you dig, use the level to ensure your new terrace (or step) is level. Attempt to keep the width of each step equal.

Cut the 1-by-6-inch boards into lengths equal to the width of your terraces. Place them against the back of the step where the step rises to the one above. The 1-inch portion should on the ground, with the 6-inch portion against the step going up. This will form a neat-appearing trim for your new terraces. Not only does this look nice, but it also helps to stabilize your new terraces and prevent erosion. Pound each of them into the ground 1/2 inch with the rubber hammer.

Fill each step with gravel. Place a paver in each terrace, and pound it into place with the rubber hammer.