How to Do Mortared Pavers

Mortared pavers are less prone to shifting over time.

Installing mortared pavers can be a messy, strenuous and time-consuming job. However, the amount of money you may save by doing the job yourself may be worth the effort. Installing pavers with mortar as opposed to the "dry" installation method using sand and a compacted base may be messier, but it results in a more stable foundation for your pavers. Whether you are laying pavers for a driveway, walkway or patio, following a systematic process can help save you time and money.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Paper
• Tape measure
• Spray paint
• Shovel
• Base material
• Plate compactor
• 4 pieces of wood, 2-by-6
• Saw
• Hammer
• Nails
• Stakes (optional)
• Concrete
• Wheelbarrow
• Trowel
• Mortar
• 1/4-inch paver spacers
• Pavers
• Grout
• 2 sponges
• Bucket

Instructions

1. Plan the paver area. Draw a model for how you envision the patio. Write down specific measurements for all sides of the paver area. Measure the area in which you wish to install your pavers, marking off the boundary with spray paint.

2. Excavate the working area. Dig down in the ground to a level that is 14 inches deep.

3. Fill the working area with a 4-inch layer of base material, which usually is crushed gravel. Compact the gravel with a plate compactor. Add another four inches of base material; compact this gravel as well.

4. Install a temporary edge for the concrete slab. Cut and attach the 2-by-6 beams to one another using a hammer and nails to form a rectangle or square around the outer edge of the building area. If you are building a circular patio, install a flexible edge by lining the edging around the border in a circular pattern, then securing the edging by pounding stakes through the edging and into the ground.

5. Mix the concrete in a wheelbarrow according to the package instructions. Pour concrete inside the frame, then use a trowel to spread the concrete around until you have an even layer all the way across. The concrete slab should be between 4- and 6-inches deep. Let the concrete dry for 24 hours before proceeding.

6. Use a trowel to spread a 1-1/4-inch mortar bed that is enough for three or four pavers at a time. Set the pavers atop the mortar bed, and place 1/4-inch spacers between each of the pavers. Once you have installed all the pavers, remove the paver spacers. Let everything dry for 24 hours.

7. Mix up the grout according to the package instructions and use a grout sponge to spread grout between the joints. Use a clean sponge and a bucket of water to clean off the surface of the pavers. Let the grout set for 12 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you excavate, call 811, a free service that has professionals check for underground utility wires.

References

• Tile Tech Pavers: Mortar Set Installation
• PaverSearch: Limestone Pavers Installation