Are you looking to create usable space outside but may not
know the steps? Check out this 10 step
guide to installing a paver patio!
1. Planning and Layout – First you
want to layout the area you wish to put the patio taking into account
distances, curves, corners, and future plantings.
2. Calculating Pavers needed –
Measure the width and length of the area you wish to pave to get a square
footage. You should add a 5% overage for
any odd spaces or to fit curves. If you
know you will be cutting a lot of pavers due to the space, you should use a 10%
overage instead.
3. Excavation – Figure height that
the pavers should reach. Now you can
calculate the depth of excavation needed by adding together the 4-6 inches of
gravel base, 1 inch for bedding sand, and the height of the pavers. Dig out the calculated depth and compact the
ground with a compacting machine.
4. Base Material – Next you want to
lay the base material which is typically ¾” minus gravel. You can use a layer of geogrid or geofabric
between the base material and the soil below if you want to add additional
stability.
5. Edge Restraints – These keep your
pavers from moving due to high traffic areas or harsh weather. The edge restraints are essential for the
long term of your pavers and can be made out of plastic, pre-cast concrete,
metal, or wood.
6. Sand Bedding – Lay down 1 inch
diameter PVC pipe across the base material.
You may need to have multiple PVC pipe if your space is wider than your
screed. Spread the sand layer between 1
and 1.5 inches thick. Using a 2 x 4 or
other straight material, screed the material so that you get a nice uniform
layer of sand, 1 inch thick.
7. Laying Pavers – Lay the pavers in
the pattern and design that you planned for.
Some pavers have spacers between them for the design. If you need to cut pavers, use a diamond saw
or mechanical splitter and safety glasses.
Once all the pavers are laid, use a plate compactor to help set the
pavers into the sand bed.
8. Sand Joints – This step involves
sweeping sand over the surface to fill the joints and lock the pavers into
place. You should use a fine grained
sand rather than a coarse one so that the sand can compact much easier and fill
up the joints quicker.
9. Sealing – Clean and sweep the
newly paved area in order to remove all materials and debris. Seal the area with a sand binding sealant so
that the joint sand will not disappear which will also prevent weeds to grow in
the joints. Sealing your pavers helps
prevent stains and allows you to clean off any stains with much greater ease.
10. Maintenance – Regular cleaning and
sweeping of the pavers is recommended.
Re-sealing your pavers may be necessary to maintain color and
appearance. It is not recommended to power
wash due to the potential to dislodge the joint sand.
Now that you have the fill list from start to finish, you
can make the final decision on a DIY project or finding a contractor to install
the pavers for you! GOODLUCK!
Do you have a new outdoor space to be enjoyed this summer,
but the space isn’t accessible from all parts of your property? Like my new project, there is enough grade
change that requires steps in order to get from one side of the yard to the
other. Connecting the new deck to the
new patio with stairs can raise the aesthetic appeal of your new outdoor living
while making your new area the talking point of the neighborhood.
