How to Pave an Area

Outline the area you want to pave with powdered chalk or insert a stake at each corner and thread a length of garden wire to join them. Mark the location of any utility lines with powdered chalk so you do not dig over those.

Multiply the width and length at the widest and longest points over the area you want to pave so you know the square footage. Always have 10 to 15 percent more bricks than calculated for the area covered to make up for those that are damaged and for those you will cut to fit along edges or corners of the area.

Dig a trench for the base within the outline to accommodate gravel base material, a sand bed and pavers. Keep it 7 to 9 inches deep if the paved area will be exposed to only foot traffic or 9 to 11 inches deep to withstand vehicular traffic. Increase the depth of the trench by an inch after every 4 to 5 feet to provide a gradual slope that directs water away from nearby structures.

Position a plate compactor over the soil at the base of the excavation and run it so it is firm and smooth.

Lay 2 to 3 inches of pre-moistened gravel or limestone over the trench to form the base and run the compactor over them. Moistening stones reduces friction and makes them easier to compact. Test the base material by walking over it to determine whether you leave an indentation. Stop compacting if there is no indentation or continue compacting if you leave footprints on the gravel.

Spread a second identical layer of base material over the compacted material, moisten lightly and run the compactor over it in a circular motion. Repeat the process of spreading the base material a third time and compact.

Insert edging material along the edges of the excavation to keep the pavers in place and prevent them from shifting. Push plastic edging over the area and pound 10-inch spikes through the slots provided along it so they hold it firmly in the soil.

Cover the base material with a 1 1/2-inch layer of sand that serves as the sand bed or foundation for the pavers. Level the surface of the sand.

Position the pavers over the sand bed in your desired design. Start from one corner of the prepared bed and continue to the other. Space bricks 1/8 inch apart. To break a brick, pound a chisel positioned over the desired point with a sledgehammer.

Sweep sand over the bricks so it fills the gaps between adjacent pavers. Brush away the excess.