Though installing your own interlocking paver walkway or patio may seem like a daunting project, with a little advance planning, it is something the average homeowner can handle. While it is not too difficult, there is actual work involved and it is important to do it correctly. Here are the basic steps to constructing your own paver project.

Preparing the Site

Remove any turf and topsoil that is present where you are going to build your patio. The project needs a solid soil foundation without organic matter that will decompose and settle over time. While the subsurface soil does not have to be completely even, it should have a fairly smooth surface. It should also slope in the same direction that the finished patio will slope.

The Base Layer

The base course of your interlocking unit paver project provides subsurface drainage and a stable, even surface to support the pavers. A coarse sand or very fine stone aggregate works well. Though pea sized gravel provides both drainage and stability, it is harder to work with than smaller aggregate.

For a home paver project, the base layer should be about three inches thick. Spread the material thicker than this final depth; it needs to be compacted. This is one of the most critical steps. If the base is not thoroughly compacted, the pavers will settle unevenly. Hand tampers are available at landscape supply stores. Tamp the entire surface at least two or three times. You can also rent a vibrating plate tamper that’s quick and easy to use.

Leveling the Base

You will need to level, or screed, the base so you have an even surface for the pavers. A screed board is usually a one by four with a notch at each end the same thickness as the pavers. The length of the board should fit guide boards that you have in place. The top of the guide boards match the final surface height and slope of the patio. Dragging the screed board between the guide boards scrapes away excess sand until the base course is at the right level. It will take several passes.

One guide board on each side of a walk is enough. For patios, you may need one or more intermediate boards. Compacting and levelling the base course for your unit pavers is the hardest part of the project. It takes time, but it is important to do it right.

Installing the Pavers

Installing the actual pavers goes quickly once you get the hang of it. You should have already decided on a paver pattern. Start at one end of the walk or a straight edge of the patio. Put each row in place before you start the next row. The pavers should be hand tight to adjacent pavers. If you used intermediate guide boards for screeding, you will have to carefully remove them to tamp and level the sand before you place pavers there.

Once the pavers are in place, install edging along all sides without a hard boundary. Your landscape supplier has pre-manufactured edging strips. Carefully stake them in place.

Before you start walking on the pavers, install joint sand. It is swept into the narrow spaces between each paver. Consider using polymeric sand. It minimizes problems with weeds, ants and displaced pavers. Lightly spread sand over the surface and start sweeping. It will take several passes and a light misting with a hose. You might need to repeat in a couple of days as the sand settles.

Those are the basic steps for your interlocking unit paver project. We can deliver the aggregate and interlock materials you choose right away.