Installation Details for Interlocking Pavers

Plan your paver area. Draw a rough sketch of what you envision your paver area looking like. Include your desired pattern for the interlocking pavers. Go outside and measure the actual area and make sure it will fit where you want it. Then, call 811, a free service that will come and check for underground utility wires. Once you have the go-ahead, take your measurements to the paver supply store and ask a specialist to help you select the proper amount of materials based on the size of your job.

Remove the existing pavement, turf or soil. For patios and walkways, excavate a hole 8 inches deep. For driveways, excavate a hole 12 inches deep. Excavate 6 extra inches along the two longest sides of your area to account for the edging material.

Cut a piece of mesh fabric to fit inside your excavation area and cover the ground with the fabric. It will help prevent weeds from sprouting up through the joints.

Add two 3-inch layers of crushed gravel. Add the first 3-inch layer and compact this layer thoroughly with a plate compactor. Then add a second 3-inch layer and compact this layer too.

Install border edge restraints on top of the base material along your two longest sides. Secure the edging on each side by pounding stakes through the edging slots and into the ground. Edge restraints are an important part of interlocking pavers because they help keep the pavers from shifting over time.

Add 1 inch of bedding sand on top of the crushed gravel surface. Lay a screed rail along each of the two longest sides and drag the two-by-four across the top of the rails to level the sand out.

Install the interlocking pavers. Start in a corner and set each interlocking paver in the pattern you came up with when planning. Some interlocking pavers come equipped with spacer bars. If yours don't, set 3/16-inch spacers between each paver. As you set each paver into the sand, tap it with a rubber mallet to secure it.

Remove the paver spacers and pour sand into the joints. Fill all the joints and spread the sand around evenly using a push broom. Spray the sand lightly with a hose and allow the sand to set for 12 hours before walking on it.