How to Lay Pavers With a Vibrating Plate

Measure the area where you want to lay your pavers and mark off the boundary with spray paint.

Excavate the area 10-inches deep into the ground. Level the bottom of the excavation area until it is smooth all the way across. Then, run the vibrating plate compactor across the surface of your excavation area starting in the center and working your way out toward each of the four corners.

Install the flexible edge restraint. Line the edging around the interior wall of your excavation area. Secure the edging by pounding metal stakes through the slots in the edge restraint and into the ground.

Dump a 3-inch layer of crushed gravel into the excavation area.

Run the vibrating plate compactor across the crushed gravel.

Add another 3-inch layer of gravel and compact the gravel down like you did in the previous step.

Dump a 1-inch layer of bedding sand on top of the gravel. Drag a flat piece of wood across the sand's surface to create a uniform layer all the way across.

Install the pavers by starting in a corner and setting down one row at a time. After you set each paver, tap it gently into place with the rubber mallet. Leave either 1/8-inch or 1/4-inch of space between the pavers, depending on your style preference.

Pour bonding sand, also known as polymetric sand, in between each of the pavers. Spread the sand around evenly with a broom.

Sweep any excess sand off the surface of your pavers. Then, spray a light mist of water on the sand between each of the pavers. Wait 30 minutes, then spray another mist of water. Wait another 30 minutes, then spray a final mist of water on the sand. Allow the pavers and bonding sand to set for 24 hours before walking on them.