Exterior Work: Installing Pavers
Pavers look great when properly laid and will dramatically enhance the curb appeal of your home and laying them is within the ability of any reasonably fit person, men and women.
This is what you’re going to need:
Pavers - in the style and color you want. The manufacturer will specify how many pavers will cover a square yard or square foot but if you are laying a large area you will likely be ordering them by the ton so ask the supplier to do the conversion for you if this is not apparent. You should also order 15% extra to cover wastage and for making cuts as well as for keeping some as spares.
Sand and substrate – one cubic yard will be enough to cover an area of 108 feet to a depth of 3 inches. Again, if you order by weight (usually the ton) ask the supplier to perform the conversion for you. Substrate is also known as “paver base”.
Doing the Job
Ground preparation- dig down to the subsoil and remove any loam or soft earth.
Lay the substrate – spread out the paver base and compact this down firmly. You then lay approximately an inch of sand on the top. If you have clay as the underlying subsoil you should consult with your supplier to see what else you should be using to encourage good drainage and avoid flooding or excess water on the finished job.
Lay out the edge – fix edging strips to hold the pavers in place (usually metal or plastic).
Lay the pavers – start laying the pavers but a tip is to use a pattern which will reduce the number of cuts you need to make, for instance a herring-bone or diagonally set pattern will require all the edge pavers to be cut but a square or in-line pattern will minimize the need to make so many. The pavers should butt up to each other so they are snug and ensure they are level.
Fill the joints – use mason’s sand to fill the paver joints by sweeping the sand over the laid pavers. Use a vibrating plate compactor to work the sand deep into the joints which will stop the pavers from rocking or becoming loose.
Apply Sealer – you don’t need to seal the pavers but it is a good idea as this will prevent discoloration, weeds and mold. If you are using pavers next to a swimming pool it is essential that you seal the pavers as the join sand will come loose and this will block or damage the pool filters. First, clean the pavers and use a degreaser which should then be allowed to dry. Using a garden sprayer, apply the sealant with a mist setting and allow to dry. Note you will need to reseal on a regular basis, usually every couple of years.