How to Install a Block Driveway

Pin garden stakes along the border of the driveway and tie a string around the top of each. Use a tape measure to ensure the width is at least 10 feet for a one-car driveway and 16 feet wide for two cars.

Remove growth and dirt from the area with a shovel. Place a measuring stick against a foundation wall and dig until it is at least 12 inches deep. Start at the side closest to the house and remove and extra inch of dirt for every 8 feet of distance to slope the surface toward the street for drainage.

Stabilize dirt at the bottom of the driveway by making three passes over the surface with a compactor machine or tamper tool.

Install an 8-inch-thick layer of gravel. Compact the rocks down every few inches so the base feels as firm and solid as possible.

Fit metal, PVC or timber edging against the inner borders of the site. Secure the strips to the ground with lawn spikes and a hammer.

Cover the gravel base with a 1-inch-thick bed of coarse grit sand. Rake the sand so it is smooth and flat.

Position the paving blocks on the sand bed in your planned pattern. Herringbone and basket-weave are two examples of classic designs. Butt the sides against adjacent pavers. Once each section is laid, place a flat board on top and walk on it to apply even pressure over each block.

Brush fine sand over the blocks with a broom so the particles fall into the joints. Continue adding sand until the joints are filled. Sweep off any excess and spray the driveway lightly with a hose to weigh down the sand joints.

Seal the paving blocks with penetrating sealer a few weeks after the driveway is installed. Use a roller brush to apply two even coats.