Paver Installation

Step 1 Excavation:Mark your project area with wooden stakes and string lines where you would like the top of your pavers to be. Remove sod and and dig out area at least 7 3/8" below string line (if installating a residential driveway or parking area, you need to dig out at least 9 3/8"). The area to be paved should slope 1" for every 4' to 8'. The slope can be in only one direction, or in a domed shape to allow runoff in more than one direction.

Step 2 - Foundation:
Bring in 5/8 minus crushed rock (or 3/4" minus) for your sub base. Bring the crushed rock up to 3 1/2" below your string line - the rock should be at least 4" deep in all places (if installing a residential driveway or parking area, the rock should be at least 6" deep in all places). Level and compact crushed rock using a plate compactor*. This procedure provides a level surface upon which the pavers are laid, and is very important to the quality of the finished pavement.

Step 3 - Edge Restraints:
Edging is very important, without it your project will settle and spread over time. Install first edge restraint starting at the corner; follow the edging manufacturers recommendations for anchoring the edge in place (typically, use 10" landscape spikes spaced 18"-24" apart).

Step 4 - Bedding Sand:
Screed the bedding sand in place by using two pieces of 1" steel electrical conduit for spacing. Place them parallel to one another on the base rock. Level coarse sand between the conduit with a straight 2x4 (approximately 60 ft2 at a time). Remove conduit and fill in voids (do not compact or walk on sand). Screed only as much sand as you can cover with pavers in one day. Sand left overnight or longer can become unlevel or wet.

Step 5 - Lay Pavers:
Lay pavers in your desired pattern**. Start in corner of project and lay pavers outward in a triangular pattern. If cut pavers are necessary, you can use a guillotine cutter*, masonry saw*, or a hammer and chisel. Measure over to your string line every few feet to make sure that you are staying on track. You should leave a gap of approximately 1/16" - 1/8" (2 - 3 mm) between pavers to allow for joint sand.

Step 6 - Compact Pavers:
Install remaining edge restraints. Sweep sand diagonally across pavement into the joints. Then vibrate the pavers into place using a plate compactor. Don't leave the compactor in one place too long - it can cause the pavers to compact unevenly or crack.

Step 7 - Sand Joints:
Spread more sand over the surface of the pavement and sweep it diagonally into the joints to finish filling them. Save any extra sand - you may want to sweep sand into your pavement again later to refill joints that wind or rain may empty.