How to Install Paving

How to Install Paving

Installing pavers is a straightforward, although time-consuming process. Paving stones do make a great option no matter what you’re using them for, however. Driveways, patios and walkways all look wonderful with properly installed paving stones. The first step to any installation, of course, is the planning.

Plan your paving design before doing any work. Choose the type of paver you want to use, what size, how much sand you’ll need, how much crushed stone, and how much edge restraint. You can take your design to a home improvement or landscaping store for help determining the amount of supplies you’ll need. Just take accurate measurements of the area.

Next, prepare the area. Outline your design area with string and stakes, going outside your plan by six inches to allow for a base and edge restraints. Make sure your project slopes away from your home to allow drainage. Slope driveways toward a street and walkways merely away from the home. An appropriate slope is 1/8″ for every linear foot.

The next step can be a bit difficult. You need to excavate the area according to the traffic and purpose of the project. For a simple walkway, excavate the area four to six inches for the base material, one to one-and-a-half inches for the sand and the depth of the pavers you’re using. Pool areas and driveways require a deeper excavation; seven to nine inches for the base material, one to one-and-a-half inches for the sand and whatever the depth of the pavers. Don’t measure by the ground, measure by the line level you’ve created.

Installing the base material comes next. Put in a third of the crushed stones you’ll need. Dampen them and use a Plate Compactor to solidify. Use the line level and measure to make sure the depth is appropriate. Next, fill in any dips or holes and compact it again.

After you’ve installed base materials move on to the edge restraint and the sand bed. Edge restraints come in a variety of materials, from concrete, wood and plastic to steel and aluminum. Use stakes to keep restraints in place. Next, use the sand to create a one inch layer. Use a piece of wood to create a level surface and measure from your line to make sure it’s level and has the correct slope (1/8″ per linear foot).

Lay your pavers down next. Lay them at a 90 degree angle against the home if able. Be sure to lay pavers down directly on top of the sand. Use a paver splitter to cut any pieces you need to. Every so often check your level and ensure it’s still accurate. After all pavers are laid down use your Plate Compactor. Next, spread sand over the top to seal the pavers. Do this using push broom to make sure all gaps are filled.

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