Installing pavers is a nice way to add a unique touch to your home. They come in a variety of styles, options, and sizes so you will be able to customise them to your specific needs and desires. Pavers help fortify areas receiving heavy traffic and are low maintenance. It is a project often completed in a weekend and when finished provides beauty as well as utility. We have made this general guide on how to lay pavers to assist you with your upcoming project. As with all such projects safety comes first! Make sure you are wearing the appropriate apparel to protect yourself from the materials you are using and the sun.
How to Lay Pavers – General principles
When it comes to answering how to lay pavers, there are numerous methods available to use. What follows are some basic principles to get started with.
Measure the area
Measure the area of your project and the pavers you plan to use. Factor in the gaps between pavers in your calculation. Use stakes and twine to mark the area.
Select the paver
Decide the material and the size of the paver you want to use with stone pavers being one of our most popular choices. After you know the dimensions of the site and the type of pavers desired you can calculate the number of pavers you need.
Prepare the site
Make the ground suitable for your pavers. Remove grass, dirt, and other debris from the site. Use a plate compactor to tamp down the soil so you get a firm and level surface. Paving should slope away from your home or structure.
Set the base
Prepare a layer of road base. This will give you a bed of material to lay your paver base on. The base can consist of different materials: sand, soil, or stone for example. We are going to discuss how to lay pavers on dirt and how to lay pavers on sand.
How to lay pavers on dirt
It is easy to lay pavers directly on dirt. You could forego setting a base and simply excavate the area you want to use then install the pavers. It is simpler. However, it doesn’t allow for proper drainage. Weeds and vegetation can sprout up and it may be challenging to get a level area. Temperature changes will warp your pavers over time as well.
How to lay pavers on sand
Sand is a popular material because it is affordable, readily available and easy to spread. When placed on top of a gravel base it helps keep your pavers firm and set. It may be used to fill in the gaps between paves which creates a tight-fitting lock.
Installing the pavers
Begin at a corner. Follow the pattern you have chosen by building forward in rows. Use a rubber mallet to tap down the paver. This ensures solid contact with the base. Place the adjoining pavers against each other. Use a string line to make sure your work is straight.
Cutting
At some point, you will most likely need to cut your pavers. Use a straight edge and marker to trace any designs onto your paver. You can rent the equipment, such as an angle grinder or masonry saw, from your local area if you don’t have one on hand. Remember to use proper safety equipment and follow the safety guidelines of all equipment you use.
Edge restraints
Edge restraints lock the sub-base, base, and pavers into place. It prevents your pavers from moving and separating. Metal or wood are commonly used as edge restraints, but plastic or concrete are viable options too.
Ready to get started?
This has been a general guide on how to lay pavers. If you are interested in starting a paving project or another type of landscaping project, Centenary Landscaping has the supplies you need. Please contact us on 07 3373 4999, visit us in store or simply get in touch with us online by filling out our online contact form.