Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

DIY Weed Barrier Under Pavers

Weeding between pavers is a chore that no one relishes, but there are ways to hinder weeds from growing. While the method does eventually allow weeds to come through, as with commercial weed barriers, it slows weed growth considerably, especially during the first couple of years. A second method completely blocks weeds and is easier, but you may have to replace the barrier every few years -- or pull the weeds.

Sand and Gravel Barrier

Step 1

Dig an 8-inch trench the length and width of the area you are going to pave. Layer the 2-inch gravel on the bottom of the trench about 4 inches deep. Shovel an inch of sand over the top of the gravel. Spray the sand down so that it packs itself into the gravel.

Step 2

Add 1 inch of sand over the gravel and sand layer. Wet the sand down again, taking care to not wash the sand away. Layer the 1-inch gravel in a 2-inch layer over the previous layers. Spread sand on top of the gravel. Spray the sand to encourage it to pack itself between the gravel.

  • Dig an 8-inch trench the length and width of the area you are going to pave.
  • Shovel an inch of sand over the top of the gravel.

Step 3

Add an inch of sand, then wet the sand again to encourage it to pack itself into the gravel. Rake the sand evenly. Add enough sand to make the layers even with the top of the trench. Wet the sand and rake it even.

Step 4

Fit the pavers into your design on top of the sand. Stamp the pavers down as you install them. If the pavers are not level, adjust the sand under that paver to make it level.

  • Add an inch of sand, then wet the sand again to encourage it to pack itself into the gravel.
  • Stamp the pavers down as you install them.

Plastic Barrier

Step 1

Dig the sod out of the area in which you wish to install pavers.

Step 2

Spray the area with weed killer. Cover the area with the plastic sheeting.

Step 3

Install the pavers.

Related Articles

How to Install Pavers for a Grill
How to Install Pavers for a Grill
How to Lay Patio Pavers in Florida
How to Lay Patio Pavers in Florida
How to Build a Path in the Garden Using Sand
How to Build a Path in the Garden Using Sand
How to Fix a Gap Between the Driveway & Garage
How to Fix a Gap Between the Driveway & Garage
How to Install Holland Pavers
How to Install Holland Pavers
How to Build a Mulch Patio
How to Build a Mulch Patio
DIY Driveway Drains
DIY Driveway Drains
How to Build a Stoop Out of Bricks
How to Build a Stoop Out of Bricks
How to Build a Bark Mulch Path
How to Build a Bark Mulch Path
How to Repair a Cracked Cement Driveway
How to Repair a Cracked Cement Driveway
How to Use Driveway Pavers on a Steep Driveway
How to Use Driveway Pavers on a Steep Driveway
How to Build a Multi Level Patio
How to Build a Multi Level Patio
How to Install a Belgian Block Along a Driveway
How to Install a Belgian Block Along a Driveway
How to Mix Groundwork Weed Killer
How to Mix Groundwork Weed Killer
Garden Guides
×