DIY Level Tumbled Pavers

Pound stakes at the corners of the proposed patio area with a hammer. Tie the string to one post, and run the string to the next post and tie it securely. Continue to run the string all around the area until you have outlined it.

Measure a slight 1-inch slope with the tape measure. For every 5 feet, place a mark with the felt pen on the stake that is 1 inch lower, going in the natural direction of drainage. Mark the stakes on both sides of the area.

Run string from the stake on the left side of the project area to the matching stake on the other side. Align the string with the marks on the stakes. You should have many horizontal strings along the project area.

Run strings vertically from the top stakes to the bottom from the highest measurement of the slope to the lowest measurement. You should have a large grid of strings over the pavers.

Fill the area with 3/4-inch aggregate gravel and sand in an approximate 5-inch thickness. Compact the area with the plate compactor. Wet the gravel lightly with water to help compact it. Place the pavers to match the slope of the strings on top of the gravel/sand mixture. Remove any paver that is too high and dig out the base materials with the shovel or spade. Add aggregate stones and sand under the paver if it is too low.

Run a hand-held power compacter over the pavers to set them in the aggregate and sand. Ensure the pavers are level with the spirit level. Continue adjusting the pavers until you get the proper height and slope.