How to Lay Interlocking Pavers
Interlocking pavers are an attractive addition to any outdoor area. They come in a variety of styles suited to many tastes. Preparation of the base is the most labor-intensive and time-consuming part of the installation process, but it is not overly difficult. Plan on spending several days to complete the patio. To save money and time, use the dry method of installation, which uses sand and crushed gravel to secure the pavers rather than traditional mortar. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- 4 wood posts
- String or rope
- Shovel
- Crushed gravel
- Plate compactor
- Level
- 4 pieces pressure-treated wood
- Hammer
- Nails
- Saw
- Sand
- Long 2-by-4
- Broom
Instructions
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1
Measure the area with a tape measure. Pound wood stakes into the ground and tie string or rope along the outside of the stakes to mark the patio border.
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2
Excavate the area within the wood stakes until it's 10 inches deep, using a shovel.
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3
Compact the soil with a plate compactor, then add a 3-inch layer of crushed gravel on top of the soil. Your gravel base should be sloping slightly away from any building structures; this helps ensure proper drainage.
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4
Compact the crushed gravel with the plate compactor. Add a second 3-inch layer of crushed gravel and compact this layer of gravel as well.
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5
Set a level on top of a flat piece of wood on the gravel. Remember, the slope should run away from your house.
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6
Install the edge restraint, which will help hold the pavers in place over time. Saw four pieces of pressure-treated wood to fit against each of the four walls on the inside of the excavation area. Set each of the pieces of wood flush against the walls to form a rectangular (or square) border inside the excavation area. Attach the pieces of wood to each other with a hammer and nails.
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7
Pour a 1-inch layer of sand on top of the gravel. Drag a long 2-by-4 across the surface to smooth out the sand into a level layer.
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8
Install the interlocking pavers in your desired pattern. Start in a corner and work your way outward. Set the pavers one at a time, leaving 1/8 inch between them.
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9
Pour sand in between the spaces of the pavers. Go over the pavers with the plate compactor, and add more sand if necessary. Sweep sand off the surface of the pavers with a broom.
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Tips & Warnings
Pre-cut paving stones are available, which will save time. Also, many home improvement stores now offer interlocking paver kits, which come with detailed instructions for installation.
References
- Photo Credit brick walkway image by PaulPaladin from Fotolia.com
