How to Pave a Dirt Driveway

Excavate the dirt driveway so it is 9 to 11 inches below the surrounding ground. This will accommodate the components of a paved driveway, including the 6-inch-deep gravel base, the sand bed and the selected paver thickness.

Collect and discard small stones, weeds and plant debris. Compact the soil with a plate compactor so it is firm and level.

Lay parallel lengths of edging along the excavation to contain the base material and pavers and prevent shifts due to vehicular traffic. Depending on personal preference, use plastic or metal edging and reinforce with spikes every 12 to 18 inches.

Spread base material such as limestone or crushed rock over the base of the excavation. Mist the base material lightly and use a compacting machine over it several times in a circular motion until it is firm. Continue spreading and compacting 3 inches of base material until its top is 3 1/2 inches below the top of the trench. Mist each layer of gravel before compacting to reduce friction created when the material rubs against each other.

Spread 1 to 1 1/2 inches of coarse sand as the paver bed over the base material. Level the top of the sand with a length of lumber.

Position your desired pavers over a corner of the sand bed, 1/8 inches apart. If required, cut the pavers with hammer and chisel, or use a diamond-blade wet saw to fit against the edging. Continue laying the pavers over the prepared sand bed until you cover the driveway.

Compact the pavers with a mechanical compactor to gently embed each in the sand. Pour fine sand over and around the pavers and brush it all around so it fits the crevices between adjacent pavers. If required, sprinkle sand into the cracks until it is flush with the surface of the pavers. Sweep excess sand and dirt off the surface of the driveway.