Instructions for Placing Pavers

Plan your paver area. Create a detailed, sketch of the overall area that includes your measurements. Take your sketch to your paver supplier and pick up the necessary product quantities based on your measurements and budget. Call your local utility company to inquire about underground utility wires before you dig.

Prepare your installation area by measuring and marking off the boundary with wood stakes in each corner.

Excavate the area between the stakes. For walkways and patios, dig 8 inches deep into the ground. For driveways, dig 12 inches deep. Allow for 4 inches of extra space on each of the two longest sides to account for the edge restraints.

Fill the excavation area with your base gravel material. For best results compact no more than 3 inches of gravel at one time. Add one 3-inch layer, compact the gravel, add another 3-inch layer and compact one more time.

Add a 1-inch layer of bedding sand atop the gravel base.

Lay screed rails parallel to each other along the edge of the two longest sides of the area. Drag the screed board across the sand to create an even surface.

Begin laying the pavers a single row at a time. Set the pavers so they are tightly against each other.

Add filler sand in between the joints between the pavers. Spread the sand around with your broom.

Run the plate compactor over the pavers to secure them in place.

Install the edge restraints. Place each edge restraint flush against the pavers along each of the longest sides of the building area. Hammer the stakes through the edging and into the ground.

Fill the joints once more with sand. Sweep excess sand off the surface of your pavers. Spray the sand with a fine mist of water to help the sand set. Wait a day before walking on the pavers so the sand and pavers set completely.