Easy Steps To Installing Pavers
Few outdoor materials are as durable as concrete or brick. If you are actually putting in a patio, walkway or driveway, installing pavers is an easy to accomplish choice. They come in many shapes (square, rectangle, and round to list a few). You can select from a variety of stone finishes as well. Available finishes include sandstone, red brick, and concrete. When installing pavers, you will need to create a relatively flat surface with a bottom of dirt, sand, and gravel for the pavers to settle in. You can arrange it in paver patterns of your choice to add design interest.
Previously you did not have many options when it came to pavers. You could purchase red brick or concrete grey and sizes and shapes were limited. Pavers are now available in many shapes, colors and finishes. You can even obtain a pre-weathered finish if you desire.
Installation is relatively simple; but will require some before planning and physical effort on your part. Here are the steps to do concrete paver installation (or any other type paver) yourself.
1. Decide on a location
Take the areas slope and terrain into consideration. The more unlevel or filled with shrubs, the harder the project will be to complete. Your easiest option is to choose a relatively flat area that will not need a great deal of leveling.
2. Measure the Area
When installing patio pavers you need to figure how large the area is so you can purchase the correct amount of pavers. To make the measurements easier, rope off or mark the spot you intend to cover. This will take the guess work out of the job. Make a rough sketch of the area on a piece of paper including your dimensions on the diagram as you measure it.
3. Make a materials list
Your materials list should include the following:
• Rake
• Hoe
• Gloves
• Sand
• Gravel
• Selected type of pavers in the needed quantity. Store sales personnel should be able to assist you with the number of pavers you will need once you choose what kind you would like.
• Moisture barrier if desired. A moisture barrier is place over the area to prevent any unwanted vegetation growth.
4. Visit the retailer you wish to make your purchases at. You can either shop at the store or online. Do a comparison at different shops for the best pricing.
5. Site preparation
You will need to dig out the area where you will be installing brick pavers. It does not matter whether you will be installing a concrete (or any other) type of paver; installation procedure is still the same. The area needs all sod and topsoil removed until you have a uniform recessed level area that is at least 6 inches deep.
6. Installing Pavers
Once the area is ready you will apply any moisture barrier down first. Next you will place gravel chips on the area and pack it down. Then you will place sand over the gravel until you have a smooth surface you can rake to level (without picking up any gravel). Place the desired pavers in the layout of choice. You will firmly push the pavers in to the sand to set them. Try to maintain them fairly level when laying pavers. Continue installing pavers until the area is covered.
Enjoy your new outdoor space!
