How Do You Install Pavers In For A Driveway?

Whether you're planning to install brick, concrete or stonePavers, the following steps should be taken to install the paver. Even if you're planning on having your pavers professionally, it's a good idea to be familiar with the process installed.

 

1. Measure

​

Measure the area to include an overlap of 1 foot at the edge of each side. Take into account sloping away from buildings or structures to prevent the build-up of water at the base. Get an approximate cost and quantity of paperboard from your supplier. Be sure to consider the color, style, and shape of the pavement and how it blends or is compatible with your landscape and the architecture of your home.

​

​

2. Set the base

​

If the driveway is designed to support car traffic, dig a base foundation approximately 11 inches deep. Using gravel or crushed stone and a compactor (which can be rented for large jobs), compact a layer of gravel or crushed stone about 5 inches thick. Add water and another layer, compacting each one until your base is 31⁄2 inches from the level of the finished grade you want. Check to see that you have maintained a continuous slope away from your structure at a rate of approximately 1⁄4 inch for each foot of the pavers.

 

Constant use of the level ensures that the slope is correct. Use either concrete, lumber or PVC to hold the edges of your pavements. They 're easily and quickly installed, they 're going to last, and they can even give accents to your pavers. Lay a bed of sand about 1 inch deep and 12 inches wide. Spread the sand evenly to remove low spots. Two 2x2 sheets of plywood placed on top of the gravel will allow you to kneel on it while you 're working your way over the gravel.

​

​

3. Install Pavers

​

Begin laying the pavements at the top of your slope, preferably in the corner. Working from left to right, working your way across the top, trying not to disturb the gravel sub-base. Keep all joint lines straight and, if necessary, use a chalked string snapped along the pavements to ensure straight lines. Use 1/8 inch spacers and space them on all four sides of the pavers as you lay them in place. When you reach the end of the row, cut the end pavers to fit the overall pattern. This is supposed to be done with a special diamond blade saw. Although not recommended, you can use a hammer and a chisel to cut the pavers, but unless you have more pavers than you need, this is not a good idea.

​

​

4. Finish

​

Use a straw or custodial bale to sweep the top of the pavers. Next, spread the sand over the tops of the pavers and sweep it through the 1/8-inch cracks between the pavers. Carefully tamp the pavers with the compactor and spread more sand between the cracks. Continue this process until the cracks between the pavers are filled with a small hollow. You may need to water this area and add more sand as the sand between the pavers continues to settle.