How to Install Concrete Pavers
Mark the area., Excavate the soil., Lay the base., Place the drainage system., Compact the base., Lay bedding sand., Place concrete paving stones., Compact and set pavers., Add polymeric sand., Clean the area., Seal your paving stones.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Mark the area.
Use twine and sticks to mark the area where you will be laying your pavers and use it as a guide during the process. -
Step 2: Excavate the soil.
You will need to excavate 8 to 9 inches and then firmly compact the soil. Be sure to measure once done so that your patio, driveway, or walkway does not accidentally slope in any one direction. , Your pavers should not be placed directly onto the soil. Instead, they must be placed on top of a gravel base.
High-quality, Class 2 Road Base is preferred for this type of project, and you will need enough to be 4 to 6 inches deep throughout the entire area. If the concrete pavers are only being used for foot traffic, you can get by with a base that is only 3 to 4 inches deep. , If the area is prone to flooding, you may want to install a drainage system to ensure that the area remains free of standing water.
There are several types of solutions you can use with the objective being to direct water away from the area using pipes or gravity. , This is a critical step for ensuring that your pavers remain secure and do not shift over time.
The base must be firm and secure. , Placed on top of the gravel base, bedding sand provides a smooth surface for your concrete pavers to be placed on. The sand needs to be 1 inch thick and perfectly leveled, the sand provides a gap and allows the pavers to be compacted. , Use your drawing or rendering as a reference and begin laying your concrete pavers in the correct pattern. Begin with the interior pavers, placing them firmly onto the base and compacting them as you go.
Next, lay your border pavers using the same technique. , Once all of your pavers have been placed, apply pressure to set each stone to ensure that it is firmly secured to your sand base. , This sand is preferred as the finishing touch to your concrete pavers installation. It is poured in between each paving stone and will serve to prevent weeds from growing in between the pavers, along with reducing the presence of unwanted insects. , Sweep away any loose sand or debris from your paving stones prior to washing them with water. , To prolong the life of your pavers, apply a paver sealer on an annual or bi-annual basis. -
Step 3: Lay the base.
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Step 4: Place the drainage system.
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Step 5: Compact the base.
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Step 6: Lay bedding sand.
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Step 7: Place concrete paving stones.
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Step 8: Compact and set pavers.
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Step 9: Add polymeric sand.
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Step 10: Clean the area.
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Step 11: Seal your paving stones.
Detailed Guide
Use twine and sticks to mark the area where you will be laying your pavers and use it as a guide during the process.
You will need to excavate 8 to 9 inches and then firmly compact the soil. Be sure to measure once done so that your patio, driveway, or walkway does not accidentally slope in any one direction. , Your pavers should not be placed directly onto the soil. Instead, they must be placed on top of a gravel base.
High-quality, Class 2 Road Base is preferred for this type of project, and you will need enough to be 4 to 6 inches deep throughout the entire area. If the concrete pavers are only being used for foot traffic, you can get by with a base that is only 3 to 4 inches deep. , If the area is prone to flooding, you may want to install a drainage system to ensure that the area remains free of standing water.
There are several types of solutions you can use with the objective being to direct water away from the area using pipes or gravity. , This is a critical step for ensuring that your pavers remain secure and do not shift over time.
The base must be firm and secure. , Placed on top of the gravel base, bedding sand provides a smooth surface for your concrete pavers to be placed on. The sand needs to be 1 inch thick and perfectly leveled, the sand provides a gap and allows the pavers to be compacted. , Use your drawing or rendering as a reference and begin laying your concrete pavers in the correct pattern. Begin with the interior pavers, placing them firmly onto the base and compacting them as you go.
Next, lay your border pavers using the same technique. , Once all of your pavers have been placed, apply pressure to set each stone to ensure that it is firmly secured to your sand base. , This sand is preferred as the finishing touch to your concrete pavers installation. It is poured in between each paving stone and will serve to prevent weeds from growing in between the pavers, along with reducing the presence of unwanted insects. , Sweep away any loose sand or debris from your paving stones prior to washing them with water. , To prolong the life of your pavers, apply a paver sealer on an annual or bi-annual basis.
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Teresa Young
Brings years of experience writing about lifestyle and related subjects.
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