How to Install a Driveway Apron

Mark the outline for the apron by inserting wooden pegs into the ground every few feet and connect them by tying a long string around the top. Consider shaping the street end on a wide flair to make it easier for vehicles to turn around.

Dig up 12 inches of ground cover and topsoil from the area within the ropes with a shovel. Pitch the subsoil toward the street so water will flow from the yard. Slope the ground by digging down 1/8-inch more per foot of distance toward the street on a consistent slope.

Compress the dirt with a hand tamper until it feels hard to the touch.

Pour two 4-inch-deep layers of angular gravel over the expanse and compact it between each layer.

Install flexible edging restraints along the outer sides of the site. Ground the restraints by hammering 12-inch nail spikes through the pre-cut slots along the bottom.

Spread coarse sand over the gravel base with a long board. The sand will fill in some of the gaps between rocks and provide a smooth bed for the paving materials. Measure the depth of the sand bed with a yardstick and add more until it is 1 inch thick.

Set the first paver on the sand at the center of the street end of the apron. Lay the next paver flush against the first, according to your design. If the rest of the driveway is also laid with pavers, change the pattern for visual interest. Continue setting the pieces in small sections, tapping each section in place with a mallet.

Mark a cut line with chalk to show where the end pavers need to be cut. Cut them to fit with a brick splitter or masonry saw and set them flush against adjacent pavers and the edging restraints.

Use a push broom to pack the joints with fine sand to cushion the pavement and keep individual pieces from shifting under pressure.