Example of Paver Installation

I have previously talked about the difference in a concrete patio, and a paver patio.  Today, I want to give you a brief overview on how to install a paver patio or sidewalk.  Please feel free to send me an email with any questions.  There is only so much info I can put into one blog!

The first thing you need to do is pick out the spot you want to put your patio.  It is very hard to install one if you don’t know where you are going to put it!  Usually, the upside down spray paint works well to help give a visual as you are working.  Reapplying the paint as the day goes on will be key to minimizing mess up time.

The second thing is decide whether you are going to dig down in the dirt to allow the pavers to be level with the current ground level, or if you want to lay the pavers high, and backfill dirt around the edges when the project is completed.  If you are going to dig, then now would be the time to do that.   Remember you will have to compensate for not only the depth of the paver, but also the fill rock underneath the paver.  If you dig too much dirt out, do not backfill with dirt!  Only backfill with rock.  Dirt will settle and end up causing your patio to be lumpy or unlevel.

The next thing will be to level the under rock for the pavers to sit on.  I use finely crushed limestone rock.  They call it quarter down, because the largest rock is a quarter inch and it goes down to a dust.  Some parts of the country it might be cheaper to get the DG (decomposed granite).  Whatever type of rock you use, make sure it is rock and NOT sand!  Sand will always give and take under the paver, leaving you with a mess down the road.  If your patio is of any good size, you will want to rent a machine vibrator.  If your patio is smaller, than you can get a manual tamping rod.  Either way, you want to level and compact the gravel that is the base for the pavers.

It is now time for the pavers.  There is no secret or trick to laying out the pavers.  If your gravel is done right than that only thing you have to do is make sure the pavers touch each other.  Install them in whatever pattern you so choose, and watch your patio take shape.  If you are worried about the edges being tight, there is a really cool edging product, made just for pavers.  I rarely use it, but I keep some with me all the time for emergencies. A standard hammer and chisel and a little practice, is all you need for breaking the blocks to fit around the edges.  A tile wet saw, a chop saw, even a circular saw with a mason blade can be used for cleaner cuts.  If you have the machine vibrator, I have seen people vibrate the block a little before grouting the edges.  I never have though.

The next to last step is sanding in the edges (grouting).  You can get whatever color sand you desire, and use a broom and sweep the sand into the cracks.  This is a process that usually takes me a couple days to complete.  I sweep, than I wet with a hose, or let it rain…then I sweep, and use a hose.  No matter your technique, you want all the edges completely filled with sand.  This is what holds everything in place.

The final step is the dirt and landscaping around the edges.  This is the easy part!

Well, now you know what it takes to install a paver patio or sidewalk.  Good Luck and

Happy Paving