Installing patio pavers is one of the easiest ways to create an enjoyable outdoor space. They’re a great choice because they’re fashionable, durable, and available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and patterns, making it easy to find patterns to suit your tastes.
- Measure: The first step in DIY patio paver installation is to determine the area or size of your pavers. By estimating one square meter, you will be able to estimate the amount and cost of the necessary materials. Mark your territory with a can of spray paint. Make allowances for tire and rim restrictions.
- Choose your paving patterns and calculate how much material you will need based on the measurements. Most concrete and paver suppliers will help you determine what you need to build your own patio. You should also include sand and gravel in your plans. Remember that it is always better to have a product that is great than a product that is not enough.
- Preparation: Excavation and preparation of the area is one of the most important steps in the installation process. Using a shovel or loader, dig a space eight inches deep. Always obey the excavation regulations and be careful with underground cables. Before spreading the gravel, lay down landscape fabric for additional support. Then rake the gravel from the area.
- Gravel: Using 2 x 4 boards, flatten the bottom of the patio to create runoff and always direct water away from the house. If your gravel is dry, dampen it with your garden hose so you can pack it more efficiently.
- Sand: Pour masonry sand and re-level the patio. You should add less than a quarter inch of sand. This will fill in any cracks and provide a workable finish.
- Pavers: Lay the pavers in the desired pattern. Try to locate them as close as possible. Keep in mind that if you want your patio to have a curve of any kind, you will need to use a diamond paver blade and saw to cut and fit some of the pieces.
- To complete the contacts, place the plastic pens about two feet apart. Pour fine masonry sand on the patio and work it into the cracks with a brush. This is an important step when laying patio pavers so things like sticks and small pebbles can’t nest. Fill in the edges with black soil and create a border or plant grass as desired.