How to Put Patio Pavers Down
Patio pavers can be an inexpensive way to add an attractive and useful feature to your yard. Pavers are fairly easy to install, so there is really no need to hire a professional. Pavers are pre-cut stone or cement blocks that can be placed to give your yard a nice patio area for furniture or a barbecue. A little planning, preparation, hard work and time is all that is required to do the job on your own. Supply stores will be happy to send the supplies to your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Shovel Stakes Line Level Pavers Aggregate Base Sand Plate Compactor Tape Measure Push Broom
Instructions
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How to Put Pavers Down
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1
Excavate the patio site using a shovel. Be sure to dig out the site so it is a few inches larger on each side that the actual, finished patio will be.
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2
Prepare the base for the pavers by tamping down the soil with a plate compactor. Use an aggregate base to level the site. Be sure to use enough base (about 4 inches) for good drainage and level the base so it is graded in one direction for water to drain. Strings tied to stakes and leveled with a line level across the excavation can serve as reference points to measure from as you level the base.
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3
Use pre-cast concrete curbs, 4x4 lumber or PVC as edge restraints around the patio area. The restraints keep the pavers from moving. They should be placed against the edge of the excavation, on top of the aggregate base. Use a tape measure to ensure that the inside dimensions between restraints are equal to the finished patio size.
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4
Place a 1-inch layer of sand on top of the base. This will help with drainage and secure the edge restraints. Use the plate compactor to ensure the base is still level and compacted.
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5
Adjust your guide strings, if necessary, so that they are at the desired height of the top of the patio. Lay pavers by starting in a 90-degree corner and working outward. The top of the pavers should touch the string. Slight adjustments can be made by filling or removing sand in areas.
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6
Once all the pavers are in place, dump sand over the top of the patio. Use a push broom to clear the sand. This will allow sand to fall into the areas between pavers. The sand will help secure the pavers in place and inhibit weed growth.
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Tips & Warnings
A 2 by 4 can be a handy tool to help spread and level aggregate and sand. Weed killer can be sprayed on the soil after excavating and tamping, before adding the base. This will help keeps weeds from growing up into the pavers.
