How to Lay Pavers for Drives

Check with your town government about permits and codes required before demolishing and paving a driveway. Obtain the necessary permits if required. Contact the local utility company to ensure there are no underground wires or pipes that may be hit during demolition or paving.

Create a plan for the driveway by drawing out the dimensions and layout of the stones. Stake out the driveway area leaving an additional 12 inches on each side, and be sure to account for sloping where drainage needs to occur. Ensure a 90-degree angle to begin laying the stones. Excavate the drive area 9 to 11 inches deep, and place processed gravel about 6 to 8 inches deep in the area.

Flatten the gravel and fill with 3/4 of an inch of crushed stone and flatten again. Wet the gravel to help compact it. Repeat this until the base is 3 to 3 1/2 inches from the level of the finished grade of the drive.

Place edge restraints along the drive to begin laying stones. This can be aluminum, concrete or pressure-treated wood. Ensure the corners are 90 degrees. Place strips of wood 6 to 8 inches apart down the drive. Add the sand to the drive. Hand pack it in so the rails are held in place. The sand should be about 1 inch higher than the rails when complete. Use a trowel to flatten the sand.

Lay paver stones beginning in the 90 degree corner. Lay the stones according to the design laid out on paper. When finished, sweep the surface of debris. Spread masonry sand to fill any gaps then re-sweep. As the sand settles over a week, spread additional sand to fill in the joints. This is important if it rains because the rain will compact it.