How to Install Paver Blocks

When a homeowner is choosing a driveway or patio, there are many choices available. Concrete is so brittle and breaks so easily while asphalt is not at all pretty. Gravel is cheap, but needs replacing often and finding gravel in the lawn with your feet or the lawnmower can be uncomfortable and dangerous. One alternative is to use pavers. They come in so many colors and sizes and allow the owner or contractor choices of patterns and edgings to make a driveway or patio a piece of art. Repairs, if necessary, require no more than picking up a broken paver and replacing it. There's no better material than pavers for your driveway or patio and the best part is you can install them yourself with some hard work and preparation.

Things You'll Need

• Compactor (rented or bought)
• Sharp sand
• Road gravel or mine rock
• Screed
• String
• Edge restraint

Instructions

1. Prepare the base. Mark the area and excavate it to a depth of 4 inches for patios and sidewalks. If the area is topsoil and is large, you can rent a topsoil remover from a rental store or big box store. See if you can find another spot for the topsoil. Most people have bare or sparse spots in the lawn. Soil can go in the compost heap or can be used to make a berm for future landscaping purposes.

2. Prep for a driveway. If you are paving a driveway, excavate at least 10 to 14 inches so you can make a paver base of at least 8 to 12 inches of road gravel or crushed mine rock. You can get these delivered from a local company that specializes in hauling dirt and gravel.

3. Rake out and compact the gravel or rock. Place enough gravel to a depth within 3 inches below the finished grade of the pavers. Allow for a slight grade so water will not puddle in your driveway. Compacting is the most important part of the project. If the base is properly compacted, the project is assured a success.

4. Add sharp sand to a depth of 2 inches below final paver grade and screed to a smooth surface. This grade will allow for settling of 3/8 inches during final compaction. Keep material smooth during installation.

5. Begin with a straight edge or corner. Use a string line to keep the pavers straight. If you are paving a large, wide area, begin at a center line and work toward each edge. This helps keep the pavers better aligned. Keep the pattern in alignment. Use a 2 x 4 and hammer to make adjustments if necessary. Always place all full pavers before doing any edge cuts.

6. Install an edge of either concrete, edgers that came with your pavers, or treated lumber. The paver salesman can help you with when to install the edging as it varies with the paver you choose. When you are finished setting all pavers in place, sprinkle sand over the entire surface and compact. Sweep off the excess sand. If you wish, you can apply a sealer to enhance the color and give it a wet look.