How to Lay Pavers on an Uneven Surface

Measure the area where you want to install the pavers with a measuring tape. Calculate the square footage of the area by multiplying its length and width. Mark the area with grading stakes.

Check with your utility companies to ensure that there are no power lines or cables running through the area you are paving. Cut out the sod in the paver area with a flat shovel to a uniform depth of at least 7 1/8 inches. Measure the area with the tape measure as you remove the sod to ensure that the paving bed is even.

Run a plate compactor over the paving bed soil, overlapping each pass by about 4 inches until the whole bed has been compacted. Make sure that no soil sticks to the plate tamper.

Spread an even gravel base in a 2-inch layer over the soil with a shovel. Rake the gravel to spread it evenly. Wet the gravel with a garden hose to keep the dust down. Run the plate compactor over the paving bed gravel, overlapping each pass by about 4 inches until the whole bed has been compacted twice.

Spread an even 3/4-inch layer of dry sand over the smooth gravel base with a shovel. Work in 10-foot sections, smoothing and leveling the sand with a screed.

Lay the pavers, alternating from left to right and then from right to left until the paving bed is filled. Do not press the pavers into the sand. Run a vibratory plate compactor over the pavers twice, overlapping each pass by 2 to 4 inches.

Spread jointing sand over the paver surface. Work the sand into the joints with a broom. Run the vibratory plate compactor over the pavers again, and spread another layer of jointing sand over the surface. Sweep and compact the sand until the joints between the pavers are full.