How to Install a Paver Over a Concrete Driveway

Installing pavers over your driveway can provide an elegant, trendy look.

Installing pavers over concrete is a good idea for those who want a clean, updated look for their driveway. Hiring someone to do the job for you can be quite pricey, so understanding how to install your pavers yourself can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in labor costs. Installing the pavers over your concrete driveway also means you don't have to worry about the time-consuming task of laying the foundation for your new driveway.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hose
• Scrub brush
• Mortar
• Wheelbarrow
• Shovel
• Trowel
• 3/8-inch paver spacers
• Bonding sand

1. Wash the driveway thoroughly by scrubbing the concrete with a scrub brush and water. Rinse any excess dirt or debris, and allow the driveway to dry before proceeding.

2. Mix your mortar in a wheelbarrow according to the directions on the package.

3. Lay the border pavers for your driveway. Apply a 1/2-inch-thick layer of mortar for three or four pavers at a time. Spread the mortar evenly onto the concrete with your trowel. Lay your border pavers down so they are even with the edge of your driveway. You can choose to lay them horizontally or vertically. Leave 3/8-inch of space between each paver and place the paver spacers in between each of them.

4. Set the rest of the interior pavers one row at a time. Again, spread enough mortar for three or four pavers at a time, and work your way across each row. Use the spacers to ensure you leave 3/8-inch of space between your pavers. You can lay the pavers straight or do an alternating "basket weave pattern," where you lay each paver so it is perpendicular to the one next to it. Allow the mortar 24 hours to set before proceeding to the next step.

5. Remove your pavers spacers and cover the pavers with the bonding sand. Use a broom to spread the sand into the spaces. Continue to dump more sand on top of the pavers until you have filled all the spaces and cracks.

6. Sweep the remaining sand off the surface of the pavers. This is important because, once you get the sand wet, it hardens and sets. If you leave any sand on the surface of the pavers, you will have a hard time getting it off. Once all the sand is off, spray a light mist of water onto the sand that is in the spaces between each paver. Wait a half hour and spray another light mist of water. Repeat this four times.

7. Let the bonding sand set for 12 hours.

References

• This Old House: Lay an Appealing Brick Patio
• Tile Tech Pavers: Mortar Set Installation