Ask an expert

Get free help from our community of tradespeople

How to lay patio square ft. Pavers

Posted by Todd Mcmurray, on
How to prepare before u lay them an grout them
Rafal Kaczynski

Rafal Kaczynski

6) Add a layer of fine sand over the gravel and compact it. The sand layer should less than 1 inch thick and follow the same grade as the gravel. This is the last layer you install before laying paver blocks, so make sure it is smooth. 7) Lay the pavers in the pattern you desire. Start at a point nearest the house or entry area and keep the blocks as close to each other as possible. 8) Cut paver blocks to fit around obstacles. If the patio needs to fit around trees or fencing, cut paver blocks using a saw with a diamond paver blade. 9) Install plastic edging around the patio perimeter. Once all pavers are installed, secure the plastic edging tightly against the outer edge of the pavers using spikes placed 2 feet apart or closer. 10) Fill the cracks with sand. Cover the entire paved patio with the same fine sand you used to make the base. Use a broom to sweep the sand back and forth until it fills all the spaces between the pavers. 11) Compact the patio. Attach a thick towel or piece of cardboard to the base of the compactor and go over the entire patio. 12) Finish off the edging. Fill in any areas along the patio edging with black dirt. Plant grass or ground cover, or fill the space with whatever material matches the rest of your yard.
Rafal Kaczynski

Rafal Kaczynski

Hi Todd Installing patio pavers can turn an outdoor area into a gathering space. Pavers come in many shapes, sizes and colors. Once you choose the kind for your project, must prepare the patio site before you lay the blocks. Consider renting a ground compactor for this project, as it is the easiest and most effective way to create a stable paved patio. 1) Buy the pavers for your project. Most pavers are sold by the square foot, some are sold as individual blocks. When you purchase pavers makes sure you buy at least 10 percent more than you plan to use. Paver blocks can break or you may need to cut some to fit around obstacles. 2) Mark the underground utilities. Before digging up the backyard, have your utility companies locate and mark underground lines 3)Measure and mark the patio area. Measure your patio dimensions and mark them on the ground with stakes at each corners of the plot. Wrap a rope around the stakes to outline the patio's perimeter 4)Dig up the ground. Create a 6-to-8-inch trench by digging up and removing all the soil in the marked area. 5) Add a gravel base to the area. Pour a 4-to-6-inch layer of gravel into the patio trench and compact it using a ground compactor, also called a plate compactor. Spray water over the gravel to wet it down so the stones compact better.

What would you like to do now?

Find more questions Create my Job

Homeowner stories

Homeowner stories - Nick

Nick shares his story of finding local tradespeople in his new area.

app-icon

Get our app for homeowners

  • Send messages and get notifications from tradespeople
  • Add photos to get more accurate quotes
  • View tradespeople’s profiles