How to Place 12-Inch Brick Pavers

Plan the installation area for your pavers. Sketch what you envision your walkway or patio looking like and write down the dimensions. Then, go outside and measure out your area. Mark off the four corners by placing wooden stakes into the ground at each of the four corners.

Excavate the area for your pavers. Ensure you allow for a slope of 1 inch for every 5 feet. The slope should run away from your home.

Add a 4-inch layer of crushed gravel to the excavation area and compact the gravel with a plate compactor.

Set a 2-inch by 4-inch piece of lumber on top of the crushed gravel base and set the level on top of the lumber. Ensure the slope runs away from your home. If necessary, add more gravel and repeat the compacting step.

Add an edge restraint on the two longest sides of your area. Line up the edging along each side and secure the edge by pounding stakes through the holes in the edge material and into the ground.

Add a 1-inch layer of bedding sand on top of the compacted gravel surface. Place a screed rail along the two longest sides of the area and drag a 2-inch by 4-inch board across the rails to smooth out the sand.

Install the 12-inch pavers. Start in any corner and install the pavers one row at a time. Put 1/4-inch spacers between each paver. If you need to make cuts, mark your cut lines with a piece of chalk and use a chisel or wet saw to cut the paver down to size.

Remove the paver spacers and pour bonding sand in between the joints between the pavers. Spread the sand around with a broom. Let it set for 12 hours before walking on it.