Easy How to Guide for Laying Stone Pavers
First of all you need to decide what design you are going to make. Think both inside and outside of the box. You may want to simply liven up an area that is rectangle in shape, add circular designs for patio entertainment, create a winding footpath to the front door, etc. Think of your options and then write down exactly what it is you want to do. Perhaps you can even draw a sketch. Measure the space you will be filling and write that down as well.
Now it is time to order your supplies. You may want to go in person and show the drawing or sketch you have made and explain the existing conditions to a stone dealer (or other professional seller) so that you know you are getting all you need to correctly complete your specific task. Also, since the items you are purchasing, regardless of the size of the job you are doing, are going to be very heavy, have the items all delivered at once to your door.
You will need:
Your pavers. There are many designs to choose from so be sure to take your time when making your selection. You want to choose the best design style to reflect your personality and character into the job.
Item 4. This is a crushed rock mixture that hardens over time.
Washed concrete sand for your foundation bed.
Premixed concrete, make sure you give the dimensions of your job when ordering to ensure you have enough on hand to complete the job correctly.
You will also need the following traditional tools, many of which you probably already have in your tool area:
Safety Goggles
Knee Pads
Respirator or Dust Mask
Gloves
Tape Measure
Level
Pry Bar
Shovel
Rake
Sledgehammer
Wheelbarrow
Pointed Trowel
Rubber Mallet
Plate Compactor (If you are just doing this one job, renting this equipment makes sense)
Cutoff Saw
One 2×4 Board
You will also need something to keep the concrete misted as it cures, such as a lawn sprinkler or a garden hose that you can set to ‘mist.’
The first thing you want to do is remove any existing concrete or materials that exist in the area you will be paving. Don your safety glasses, respirator or dust mask, gloves and if you are removing concrete, use your cutoff saw to penetrate the surface into cuts and then the sledgehammer and pry bar to break up pieces. Then use the wheelbarrow to haul the broken pieces away. Rake the area carefully and remove all pieces of broken material. If the work requires you to be on your knees, you may want to invest in a pay of heavy duty knee pads.
Dig out your space, according to manufacturer’s directions for your pavers. Rake your soil again and then use your rented plate compactor to tamp the area.
Use your rake to spread an even layer, that rests about between three and four inches below where your finished sidewalk will be, of your Item 4 (crushed stone). Put on your safety goggles and use your plate compactor again to tamp the area. Do not skip this step as it solidifies the foundation which will save you on repair and maintenance problems later.
Now you want to put your washed concrete sand in place. Distribute it and rake an even one-inch layer all around the area you will be paving. Level the sand and remove any excess that may be in the way. Using a 2×4 for this to screed it, is ideal. Now you want to use your rake to slightly slope the sand so that when the pavers are in place, water will run off and not stay underneath it causing your problems in the long haul. This is a simple but essential step for a successfully finished job. Simply have the sand crown in the center and slightly slope around the edges.
Start putting your pavers down now, one at a time, using your rubber mallot to nudge them in place when it is difficult to do so by hand. Put your border or edging stones in place last.
Cut a trench around the entire edge of your designed paver creation that is three inches wide and two or three inches deep. Mix your concrete and use your shovel to put in in your newly created trenches. Use your pointed trowel to assist in concrete placement. Allow to cure for several hours, making sure the concrete stays lightly sprayed with water during the entire curing process. To aid you, if the area is small enough, you can mist a sprinkler over the area.
Use your plate compactor to roll over the finished project. This will help to get the joints full and compact with the sand. Add some cut to size sod to replace any areas of grass that have been damaged by your work and you now have a completed stone paved walkway or area to enjoy.
This job is difficult to do, but can be done by a beginner; it simply takes a lot of time and elbow grease to do the job and do it well. The end result though, is well worth the time put into it, and the results be extremely durable and long-lasting.
