How to Install a Driveway With Patches of Grass

Specialty open-block concrete and plastic paving systems make installing “green” driveways quick and simple, or at least simpler than it was before these products existed. That doesn't mean they're cheap. However, using simple square paver blocks set in checker-style rows alternating with equal-size patches of grass, sand, gravel or topsoil, you can ensure you have as green a driveway as practical, without spending a ton of money. A permeable base of gravel and sand beneath the pavers will help filter waterborne impurities and pollutants before water gets into the groundwater supply. But wait, there's more: Green driveways reduce urban heat retention and -- aside from an occasional mowing -- are typically maintenance-free.

Work gloves
Measuring tape
Construction stakes
Twine
Garden spade
Trenching hoe or small backhoe
Level
Medium gravel or crushed rock
Construction sand
Iron rake
Leaf rake
Square concrete pavers, 2-3/8-inches thick
Broom
Topsoil

Instructions

- 1
  Measure out and mark the driveway dimensions with stakes and twine. Figure out the number of 12-inch square pavers you’ll need by first drawing a sketch. On grid paper, measure the length and width of the driveway parameter. One foot of real distance will equal one block on the grid paper. You'll need roughly half as many pavers as there are square feet in your driveway, or fewer if you leave the center of the driveway free of pavers. By working the figure out on a grid, you'll know exactly how many pavers you'll need. Buy extras for eventual replacements.
- 2
  Excavate the driveway site to a depth of 12 inches. A small backhoe is the simplest option, but in most soils you can dig fairly quickly with a good garden spade and trenching hoe. Make sure the soil is moist if you’ll be hand-digging.
- 3
  Check all areas of the site to make sure it’s level. Add 6 inches of gravel. Smooth it evenly around the driveway site, using the back of the iron rake. Walk on the gravel in boots, to tamp it down. Check to make sure it’s level. Add 3 inches of sand, smooth it, walk on it, then ensure it’s level also.
- 4
  Loosen or “fluff up” the packed sand surface with a leaf rake, so pavers will sink down and settle into the sand layer. Lay down pavers in a checkerboard pattern, or in a suitable pattern of your choice, such as a herringbone pattern, a zipper pattern or a staggered checkerboard pattern.
- 5
  Scatter sand across the top of the pavers, then sweep the sand into the spaces between them to a depth of about 1 inch. The sand will help lock the pavers in place. Walk across the pavers in all directions to help settle the sand.
- 6
  Scoop topsoil into the remaining space between pavers and water it thoroughly with a garden hose to make sure soil completely fills available space and settles into place. Plant turfgrass seed between the pavers, or otherwise install lawn as you would normally do.

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