How to Pave with Stone

For a patio or driveway, paving with stone creates a look that blends with nature and creates a harmonious connection between your home and the outdoors. With some elbow grease and a rented tool or two, you can install stone paving and add value to your home.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stones
• Crushed rock
• Sand
• Mechanical compactor
• Broom

Prepare the Site

1. Measure the area you plan to pave to determine the amount of stone, sand and crushed rock needed.

2. Excavate the area to the depth needed for the stone and the sand and crushed rock underneath.

3. Slope the land for water drainage away from the house; allow a 1-inch slope for every 4 feet. Create the slope by hammering in stakes every 4 feet, attaching string between stakes. Slant the string 1-inch downward every 4 feet.

Install Paving Stone

4. Fill the site with crushed rock to a depth of 1 inch. Compact the rock with a mechanical compactor.

5. Add 1 inch of sand to the crushed rock. Use coarse sand, which has sharp edges and stays in place better, rather than fine sand, which rubs and gives easily. Compact the sand with a mechanical compactor.

6. Put the stones in place; install them so that gaps between stones are small.

7. Fill the gaps with coarse sand, using a broom to sweep sand into the joints between the paving.

8. Seat the paving stone firmly into the sand with the compactor.