How to Set Pavers on Concrete

Dry fit the pavers to the structure by laying them out in the desired pattern. Mark any necessary cuts with a marker. Cut the pavers with a masonry wet saw and lay the cut pavers to the side. Remove the pavers from the concrete pad.

Mix mortar with water in a bucket to a consistency of peanut butter. Spread the mortar with a trowel along two edges of the pad to a width equal to the pavers and a depth of 1/4 inch. Drag the notched edge of the trowel over the mortar to remove excess and to create grooves in the mortar parallel to the edge.

Lay the pavers starting at the corner of the two edges working along the edge. Level each paver as you lay it in place for side-to-side and front-to-back level. Tap each paver with a rubber mallet into the proper position. Check the level of each paver as you install it until the two edges are level.

Spread dry concrete over the remaining area excluding the remaining edges to a depth of 1/4 inch and create grooves in the concrete with the notched trowel.

Lay out the pavers starting in the corner working toward the opposite corner. Check the level with each paver laid. Install the remaining two edges in the same manner as the first.

Spread concrete sand over the structure. Brush the sand into the joints with a push broom. Wet the surface with a low-pressure water hose to rinse off excess sand and to solidify the joints.