How to Lay Clay Pavers
Clay or concrete pavers are often the "go to" choice for landscapers. They are both cost-effective, strong and weather-resistant building materials but the inexpensive cost can quickly offset by installation cost.Save the cost of installation by following this guide and lay the pavers yourself. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Garden area
- Clay or concrete pavers
- Sand and gravel mix
- Shovel
- Garden rake
- Mortar
- Trowel
- Club hammer
Instructions
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Excavate and level the area. Rake the area to clear of any roots or sticks. Prepare a sub-layer by spreading about 2 inches of compacted sand and gravel mix with a shovel. Pat the sub-layer firm.
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Begin placing pavers by setting an edging along one end and side first. Start mortaring, using mortar mix and a trowel, the pavers into position by spreading mortar on the pavers and pressing the pavers firmly onto the sub-layer.
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Position the pavers, laying them one at a time. Make sure they butt up to each other, and are firm against the edging.
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Use finishing edging strips to end the paving row by mortaring each into place as you finish a row.
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Brush sand into the joints, then vibrate or tamp again. It may be necessary to repeat this once more steps can be used for a drive or a patio as well as a path.
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Lay a 2-inch bed of sharp sand over the area, then use a straight edged piece of wood stretched between two height gauges (battens fixed at the height of the sand bed) to strike off surplus sand and provide a level surface.
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Tamp the pavers down with a club hammer over a piece of wood. Do not go too close to an unsupported edge or it could break.
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Use Plants to soften the area. Plants look attractive and soften the harsh outline of a rigid or straight path. They are easy to use with crazy-paving or any path edged with gravel. It may be necessary to excavate small holes. Fill them with a good potting mixture. Sow or plant into these prepared pockets.
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Tips & Warnings
Use stakes and twine to mark and level the area.
- Photo Credit Public Domain
