How to Lay Interlocking Patio Stones
Interlocking stone pavers create a great, solid-surface outdoor entertaining area. With a firm foundation, the patio will look great for many years. Although it will take time, preparation and a lot of hard work, you will save a lot of money by doing this project yourself instead of hiring a contractor. Purchase all of the materials needed from a home improvement center. Borrow tools from friends to help save even more money. Rent the plate compacter from a contractor rental supply store. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Landscaping paint
- Flat shovel
- Pointed shovel
- Rake
- Wheelbarrow
- Cold chisel
- Rubber headed hammer
- String
- Line level
- 4-foot level
- Edge restraint
- Conduit pipe
- 6-foot 2-by-4
- Hand tamper
- Plate compacter
- Ear plugs
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Interlocking pavers
- Broom
Instructions
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1
Determine the area for the pavers. Mark the perimeter with landscaping paint.
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2
Use the flat shovel to dig a flat bed for the pavers that is 4 inches deep plus the thickness of the pavers. Rake the soil to level and remove bumps.
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3
Push stakes into the ground at the edges and tie at least two lines across the area in two directions to form a grid. The string should be 1 inch plus the thickness of the pavers above the gravel. Use the line level to level the line. For large patios or patios that are against a foundation, there should be a slope away from structures of 1/4 inch per foot. Measure the distance and push the string down on the stakes by that measurement.
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4
Install the edge restrains around the perimeter of the area planned for the interlocking pavers according to the type of edge restraint chosen for the project.
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5
Place at least two conduit pipes on top of the gravel. They should be close to the edges of the project. Fill the area between and around the conduit pipes with sand. Use the 6-foot 2-by-4 to level the sand by placing the edge of the 2-by-4 on the conduit pipes and dragging them across the pipes. Fill low spots with sand to level the sand on the entire bed. Remove the conduit pipes and fill the void with sand. Smooth into place without disturbing surrounding sand.
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6
Pour sand generously over the entire patio. Go over the entire patio with the plate compacter to press the sand in between the joints between the pavers to hold them in place. Sweep the remaining sand off the patio.
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Tips & Warnings
Cut edge pieces as needed by scoring at the desired width with the cold chisel and then place the edge of the chisel in the scored area. Strike the cold chisel with the rubber-headed hammer to break the interlocking patio stone at the scored area. Do not use a regular metal hammer on the cold chisel because the metal head of the hammer may shatter.
Before digging, be sure there are no underground pipes or wires in the area planned for the interlocking patio stone installation.
Always protect eyes from flying chips with safety glasses or goggles when cutting edge pieces.
