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Step 1. Site Selection/ Design |
Step 9. Laying the bricks |
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Step 2. Gathering tools/ equipment |
Step 10. Soldier course |
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Step 3. Choosing materials |
Step 11. Edging |
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Step 4. Site layout |
Step 12. Cutting bricks |
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Step 5. Excavation/ Leveling |
Step 13. Compaction |
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Step 6. Installing of base |
Step 14. Filling with sand |
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Step 7. Installing of sand |
Step 15. Restoring the site |
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Step 8. Setting the first bricks |
Step 16. Taking care of the pavers |
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This is a cross section of a paver installation. Refer to it as you read the step-by-step if you get confused of where you are |
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On most occasions there is not much choice in site selection. Usually a patio or walkway is being installed to fill an already defined space. For example when connecting a driveway to a an entryway the site is pre-defined. If you have options when choosing a site you want a relatively flat site with a moderate slope away from your house or building. There is room to play with the design of the patio or walkway. The shape and size you choose is a very important aspect. One thing to keep in mind is it is easier to install a square or rectangular patio when using square or rectangular pavers. The same is true with circular pavers. It is possible to integrate curves into your design but there will be additinal cutting of bricks later. Curves are more appealing to the eye and seem to soften what will become a hard object in your landscape. My best advice is to sketch out your ideas on paper first. Do not attempt to install a paver patio before thinking about what it will look like when it is done. One idea is to talk to a local landscape contractor. For a small fee they will help in the design and layout of your patio to ensure that you will be pleased with the end result. |
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Most of the tools you will be using you may already have. Some you may need to buy or rent. When deciding whether or not to buy a new tool decide if you will need to use it again. If you do not think you will ever use that tool again, rent. Every tool or piece of equipment that I listed at my tools and material list page is available for rent. Contact your local equipment rental store for rates and availability. You will need a vibratory plate compactor and a brick saw. Both are available at most rental stores. |
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There is a lot of variety and options available in brick pavers. I have included on my site a links page where you can go directly to suppliers and manufacturers of brick pavers. I encourage you to use their websites or even visit their establishments and explore all the shapes, sizes, styles, and colors of pavers that are available to you. My favorite style of paver is the standard 4" x 8" brick paver. Different manufacturers use different names for this style of brick. When you visit a manufacturers site though you will see that there are numerous varities available and you will be able to choose one that suits your personal taste. The two other materials that you will need are base gravel and sand. The base gravel is a crushed limestone that when wetted and compacted forms a concrete-like base. It is also availabe by most brick manufacturers. The sand you will need is your basic course sand and it too is available by most brick manufacturers. The manufacturers will also help you to determine how many bricks and how much edging you will need. |
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Now you are ready to start working on the actual project. Using either the string line or garden hose simply lay out where you will be putting your new patio or walkway. Use the stringline and wooden stakes where you have straight edges. If you have curves use the garden hose and lay it directly on the ground. Then using your spray paint, paint a line 8" outside of your patio boundary. This painted line becomes your line of excavation. You need the additional 8" for base and plastic edging. |
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