How to Level Out the Ground for Patio Pavers
Installing a patio with pavers is a fairly simple do-it-yourself project. The installation is mostly a matter of steady work that requires a bit of energy and strength. The most important steps are planning and preparing the site. After selecting the area and procuring supplies, you will need to excavate and level the site. Leveling is, by far, the most important step because any mistake in this process will be evident in the finished product. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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How to Level the Ground for Patio Pavers
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Excavate the site using a shovel. The depth of the excavation should be equal to the height of the pavers, the thickness of the sand and aggregate base layers. Excavate to a depth slightly deeper than your calculation. The difference can be made up with base filler.
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Remove any large rocks or roots from the area. Flatten the excavated area using a plate compactor.
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Place stakes at intervals surrounding the excavation. Use a line level and tie string between the stakes. The more strings the better, as these serve as your points of reference to ensure the correct depth and level of the base.
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Use crushed rock or another, similar aggregate as your base. Spread the base throughout the excavation area. Be sure that the base extends past the intended boundary of the finished project by at least a few inches.
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Use a ruler or tape measure to check the height of the base back to your string. You want the base to have a slight grade in one direction for water drainage. The grade should be about 1 inch for every 8 to 10 feet.
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Use the plate compactor to level the aggregate base. Check the height of your base regularly. Once complete, you can remove the strings and stakes and begin setting your pavers.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a weed killer or a weed-restricting cloth between the soil and the aggregate base to help eliminate roots or weeds from growing and pushing pavers out of place. Soil and drainage conditions determine the thickness of the base layer. Four inches generally is sufficient for any patio, but you may want to add more if water drainage is an issue in your area.
Do not rush through the leveling process. This is the most important step and should account for the bulk of the project time.
