How to Level Rubber Pavers

Excavate the foundation hole for your pavers with a spade in the desired location to the paver depth plus an additional 4 inches. Tamp the base of the foundation with a tamper to compress the soil. Compression gives you a steady base that keeps them from shifting once leveled. Line the side of the hole with treated lumber boards to serve as edging for the pavers. Nail the boards together at the joints to create a frame.

Cover the base of the foundation with a 3-inch layer of crushed stone for drainage and solidity beneath the pavers. Tamp the stone layer down to avoid shifting.

Pour 1 inch of sand on the stone. Level it out using a screed, and verify that its level with a carpenter’s level. Adjust the sand as needed to make the surface even by adding additional sand to low areas. Cover it with a geotextile filter cloth, then tamp it down to compress the surface. Staple the cloth to your paver edging.

Spread polyurethane adhesive to the rear of the first paver for placement using a 1/8-inch trowel. Place the paver in the corner of the paving area, butted firmly against the two connected boards. Continue installation until you’ve covered the first row, then place the carpenter’s level across it. Cut the last paver in the row if needed to fit using a utility knife. Tap high ones with a rubber mallet until they sink slightly into the sand beneath the fabric and become level.

Place the next row adjacent to the first. Use the same laying method, however, check to see if they are level with the first row as well as across the new row. Tap high pavers in the sand with the mallet. Increase the height of low ones if necessary by pulling them up and adding more adhesive to their bases. Continue to place each row following the same leveling process.