How to Lay Driveways

Lay down two ropes along the sides of the path of the driveway, from the garage or parking area to the curb, and adjust them as necessary. Spray paint lines along the ropes with landscaping paint to mark the borders.

Excavate the land within the painted borders with a shovel to remove dirt from the driveway site to a depth of 12 inches.

Start at the center and run a compactor machine over the expanse until the dirt is firm under your shoes. Compacting the dirt keeps the base from sinking over time.

Fill the driveway site with two 4-inch layers of aggregate. Compact the surface before adding the second layer, and then compact the second layer. Compacted aggregate allows water to drain, while providing a strong support for the paving materials.

Set edging restraints along the sides of the driveway to hold the surface materials in place. Use wood or metal edging for straight or angled driveways, and flexible material for a curved driveway.

Rake 1- to 1½ inches of sharp-grit sand over the aggregate base.

Place pavers or bricks on the course sand, beginning at the center of one end of the driveway, according to your planned pattern. Work from the center out to both sides, pressing the materials flush against each other. If you need to cut the pavers or bricks to fit, cut only the end pavers for a polished, professional appearance.

Lay a wooden board over small sections and walk over the board to embed the pavers or bricks into the sand. Applying even pressure will level the materials so the surface of the driveway is flat.

Empty a load of stone dust of fine-grained sand over the driveway, and sweep it into the gaps between pavers or bricks with a shop broom. The joints lock the paving materials in place and pad them as they shift under traffic.