How to: Easy Pavers

Measure the desired dimensions of your paver area and use spray paint to mark your building lines. Allow for six extra inches on the two longest sides to account for the edge restraint.

Excavate the area you marked off with spray paint. For driveways, excavate 12 inches deep. For walkways and patios, excavate 8 inches deep. Slope the area away from building foundations by a minimum 1/8-inch per foot to ensure proper drainage.

Add 3 inches of gravel base material.

Compact the gravel base using a plate compactor or hand tamper. Add a second 3-inch layer of gravel and compact it as well.

Install the edge restraints along the two longest sides. Secure the edging by hammering stakes through the slots into the ground.

Set a screed rail along the edge of each of your two longest sides so they are parallel to each other. Add a 1-inch layer of bedding sand in the space between the rails. Level out the sand by dragging a screed board, like a two-by-four, across the two rails until the sand forms into a smooth, even layer.

Lay the paving stones. Start by lining pavers along your two edge restraints and work your way in. Set the pavers flush against one another. Secure each paver by tapping it with the rubber mallet. Cut any pavers with a wet saw or by using a chisel.

Sweep dry joint sand over the paving stones and work it into the joints with a push broom. Run the plate compactor or hand tamper over the paving stones, add more sand and fill all joints thoroughly.