How to Lay Pavers on Bare Ground
The resilience of concrete and stone pavers makes them an ideal choice for patios and walkways on landscapes in nearly any climate. With some types of paver, including flagstone, you can set the pavers onto bare ground that has been excavated to allow for the space of the pavers. This enables you to customize the height of your patio or walkway and to ensure that the design and appearance are exactly to your liking. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Rope or garden hose
- Measuring tape
- Shovel
- Hand tamper or plate compactor
- Level
- Rubber mallet
- Diamond-blade wet saw
- Leveling sand
- Push broom
Instructions
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Rope off the area in which you will install your pavers with a rope or a garden hose. This will give you a guideline to follow while you dig.
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Measure the height of your pavers and decide how far off the ground you want the patio or walkway to rise from the ground around it. If you want the pavers level with the ground, dig to the height of the pavers minus ¼ inch. Adjust your digging depth as necessary to achieve the desired height.
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Excavate the area to your decided depth. Dig ¼ inch shallower than you want the pavers to sit, to allow for extra space from soil compaction.
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Remove any stones or debris from the excavated area. Compact the exposed soil with a hand tamper or plate compactor. This will create a flat, stable surface to support your stones.
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Set your pavers into place, starting at one end of your installation area and setting them firmly onto the ground. Butt the pavers as close together as possible for the smallest joints. After you lay a few pavers, set a level across them to make sure they lay flat. If necessary, tap them into place with a rubber mallet to create a completely level surface.
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Cut pavers as necessary using a diamond-blade wet saw to fit into your design. Lay all pavers in place.
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Spread leveling sand over the surface and force it into the tiny joints between pavers with a push broom. Sweep away all excess sand and spritz the surface with a hose to help the sand settle. Fill in any remaining gaps to complete your installation.
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Tips & Warnings
You can rent or purchase a plate compactor, hand tamper or diamond-blade wet saw from a hardware or home improvement retailer.
Some pavers will need to be sealed after installation to protect them from weathering. Follow your manufacturer's instructions for details.
If your paver installation sits near your home or a similar structure, you must allow for drainage away from the structure. Excavate your area 1 inch lower for every 38 inches you move away from the structure for appropriate grading.
While some pavers can be laid on bare ground, others manufacturers and installers require that you create a stable base with sand or gravel. Improper installation can result in shifting stones, drainage problems or damage to the pavers. Follow your manufacturer's instructions regarding installation.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
