Installing new patio pavers does not have to be complicated, and many do it yourselfers have successfully tackled these projects and made beautiful walkways, patios, borders, edgings, and driveways without any professional help. The method used to install the pavers will depend on their purpose. If pavers are simply going to be stacked to form a border or edging for flower beds, trees, and plants, installing these stones can be quick and easy, with no special preparation. Simply place or stack the pavers where you want them and the project is done once you get the desired look. If your project is to create a patio, walkway, or driveway, the installation will require more work and preparation, because these will be walked and driven on.
The first step to installing new pavers is to make a design plan, and plan out exactly where the project will be located, what size area will be paved, any drainage for the area, the correct slope to ensure water runs off the pavers, colors and designs required in the paving stones, and any other aspects of the project. Draw up the design using graph paper, making changes as needed through the design process.
Once you have the project design done, you are ready to buy the materials and get started. Pavers can offer an excellent way to improve both the function and appeal of the project. Patio pavers are available in hundreds of different colors and styles, giving you a wide variety to choose from. The design and purpose of the project will determine how you estimate the number of pavers needed. If the pavers are square or another shape that fits together easily without any cutting, your estimate will be more accurate. If the project has curves, or the pavers are an irregular shape, estimate ten percent more than you will need, to account for cut pavers so the fit is correct. Make sure to order an extra five to ten percent on top of the final amount needed, because you may fall short and you do not want to have to stop in the process of doing the project to run back to the paver supplier.
Outline the project using chalk or string before you start the project. You can also use a hose or other items to lay an outline. This step will help you ensure the edges are in the right place. Now consider the slope of your project. Pavers should be set slightly above the surrounding areas, to prevent pooling of water on the pavers. Plan a small slope leading away from the pavers, to allow any rain and water accumulation to flow away from the pavers. Measure the depth of the area as well, while excavating. If you are installing a walkway or patio, then you may need as much as six inches of base material to install the pavers, while driveways may need as much as one foot, if the soil is very wet. The paver manufacturer or a local builder supply store can give you the exact requirements for the base depending on the specific paver you are using. In addition to considering the base, the excavation location should also take into account an additional one to two inches for the sand layer plus the depth of the specific pavers being used, which can vary. Add together the base depth, the sand layer depth, and the paver depth to get the total depth needed for excavation. Now lay the base and use either a hand tamper or plate compactor to compact the base level. This may need to be done more than once to get the correct base depth. The base must be compacted very well before the next step is started.
The next step in installing new pavers, is to install the edge restraints, these will help your project hold the intended shape for years to come. After this is done, lay down the sand layer and then screed it until the sand is smooth and at the correct depth for the project. After this you lay down the pavers over the sand layer, making sure that they fit snugly together and there are no large gaps or cracks. Small gaps of up to one eighth of an inch are expected. Use the plate compacter or hand tamper on the pavers once they are all laid out. The last step is to dump a large amount of sand on the pavers, and sweep the sand into any gaps to ensure a tight fit. This will also lock the pavers in place and prevent any movement or sliding. Sweep off any excess sand, and your new pavers are installed. Some pavers may require an additional step, sealing the pavers to help protect them from the elements and damage. The paver you choose will determine if this last step is needed or not.
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