A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Pavers Like a Pro

Starting your first paving project can be a daunting process, you’ve got the pavers and you’ve pulled up your yard but how do you get them down and looking great? Luckily it can be broken down into a few easy steps; with a few tools and a bit of time, your outdoor area can be transformed literally from the ground up.

Required Tools

Shovel
Spirit Level
Screed Board
Screed Rails
String Lines
Broom
Mechanical plate compactor *for most domestic paving projects this isn’t needed as you can get the desired result from compacting by hand. You will need to use one if you intend to pave areas that see high vehicle traffic

Prepare the site: Excavate the designated area for paving to accommodate the base layer (typically 100 – 150mm thick of road base), bedding sand (generally 30mm thick coarse washed river sand), and the thickness of the pavers. Ensure proper falls and levels using a spirit level on the screed board. Spread the road base evenly and compact it using a mechanical plate compactor.

Level the surface: Embed the screed rails into the bedding sand and drag the screeding board in a sawing motion across the rails to establish a firm, flat surface.

Set the lines: Position string lines at right angles to establish paving lines for straight joints, ensuring a professional finish.

Begin laying: Commence laying along the longest straight edge of the area, starting with whole pavers. Maintain 3-5mm gaps between pavers for jointing sand, unless the pavers have nibs.

Cut pavers: Cut and place part-pavers as needed, ensuring edge restraints are in place to prevent movement.

Fill the joints: Sweep jointing sand over the dry paving, ensuring all joints are filled.

Finishing touches: Compact the surface using the appropriate technique:

For pavers 50mm thick or greater, use a plate compactor. Place a rubber mat or carpet beneath the compactor to protect the pavers.
For pavers 40mm thick or less, hand compact with a rubber mallet.

If you need assistance with your next paving project come see the team at Newtons Building and Landscape Supplies, where one of our experienced staff can run you through everything you need to transform your outdoor area.

A big thanks to Lutum Pavers for providing the info and images for this article.