Installing pavers transforms outdoor spaces into beautiful, durable surfaces for patios, walkways, driveways, and pool decks. Our paver calculator helps you accurately estimate the materials you'll need, including pavers, base gravel, bedding sand, polymeric sand, and edge restraints. This comprehensive guide covers everything from planning and material selection to installation techniques and maintenance.
Understanding Paver Types and Materials
Concrete Pavers
The most popular and affordable option, concrete pavers offer versatility and durability:
- Standard Concrete: Wide variety of colors, shapes, and textures; most economical option
- Interlocking: Designed with unique shapes that lock together for added stability
- Permeable: Allow water drainage through joints, excellent for eco-friendly projects
- Stamped/Textured: Mimic natural stone, brick, or wood grain patterns
Natural Stone Pavers
Premium option offering unique beauty and exceptional longevity:
- Bluestone: Dense, durable stone in blue-gray tones, ideal for patios and walkways
- Flagstone: Irregular shaped stones for natural, rustic appearance
- Granite: Extremely hard and durable, available in various colors
- Travertine: Porous limestone with warm earth tones, stays cool in hot weather
- Slate: Naturally slip-resistant with rich colors and texture
Clay Brick Pavers
Traditional choice with timeless appeal:
- Standard Clay: Classic red brick appearance, extremely durable
- Thin Pavers: Lighter weight for overlay applications on existing concrete
- Antique/Tumbled: Distressed appearance for aged, rustic look
Common Paver Sizes and Patterns
Standard Paver Dimensions
- 4" x 8": Holland stone, most common for walkways and patios
- 6" x 6": Small square, versatile for various patterns
- 6" x 9": Standard rectangle, popular for most applications
- 12" x 12": Large format, contemporary look with fewer joints
- 16" x 16": Extra large, modern aesthetic for patios and pool decks
- Irregular: Flagstone and natural stone in various sizes
Popular Laying Patterns
- Running Bond: Offset brick pattern, simple and classic
- Herringbone: 45° or 90° V-pattern, very strong for driveways
- Basket Weave: Pairs of pavers alternating direction, traditional look
- Stack Bond: Grid pattern with aligned joints, modern appearance
- Random: Mixed sizes creating irregular pattern, natural stone style
- Circular: Radiating pattern from center point, focal point feature
Base Preparation - The Foundation of Success
Excavation Requirements
Proper excavation depth ensures a stable, long-lasting paver installation:
- Patios and walkways: 7-9 inches (4" base + 1" sand + 2-4" paver)
- Driveways: 9-12 inches (6-8" base + 1" sand + 2-4" paver)
- Pool decks: 7-9 inches with special drainage considerations
Base Material Selection
The base layer is critical for preventing settling and maintaining a level surface:
- Crushed stone (3/4" minus): Best choice, angular edges lock together when compacted
- Crusher run: Mix of crushed stone and stone dust, excellent compaction
- Class 5 gravel: Aggregate and fines mixture, approved for road base
- Avoid round gravel: Doesn't compact well, causes shifting
Base Installation Steps
- Excavate to proper depth plus 1 inch for settling
- Ensure 2% slope for drainage away from buildings (1/4" per foot)
- Compact native soil with plate compactor
- Add geotextile fabric to separate soil from base (optional but recommended)
- Spread base material in 2-inch lifts
- Compact each lift thoroughly until no movement occurs
- Check grade and slope after each lift
- Final base should be extremely firm - no footprints when walking
Bedding Sand Layer
Sand Specifications
- Type: Concrete sand (coarse washed sand), not mason sand or beach sand
- Depth: 1 inch (no more, as excess sand causes settling)
- Purpose: Provides smooth, level surface for pavers to rest on
Sand Screeding Process
- Install 1-inch PVC pipes or metal rails as screed guides
- Spread sand between guides
- Use straight 2x4 or screed board to level sand across guides
- Remove guides and fill voids carefully
- Never walk on screeded sand - work from laid pavers
- Screed only small sections you can pave immediately
Edge Restraints - Critical Component
Edge restraints prevent pavers from spreading and maintain installation integrity:
Types of Edge Restraints
- Plastic edge restraint: Most common, flexible, stakes into base, hidden from view
- Aluminum edge: More rigid, professional appearance, longest lasting
- Steel edge: Heaviest duty for driveways and commercial applications
- Concrete curb: Permanent edge, visible border element
- Soldier course: Pavers set on end as border, decorative option
Installation Requirements
- Install edge restraint along entire perimeter before laying pavers
- Stake every 12-18 inches with provided spikes
- Ensure top of restraint aligns with finished paver height
- Overlap sections according to manufacturer instructions
- For curves, use flexible plastic edge or cut rigid edge into short sections
Paver Installation Process
Laying Pavers
- Start from fixed edge: Begin at house, wall, or edge restraint and work outward
- Establish pattern: Lay first few rows carefully to set pattern
- Use string lines: Maintain straight lines every 4-5 feet
- Butt tightly: Push pavers together tightly - gaps filled with polymeric sand later
- Avoid walking on sand: Always kneel on laid pavers
- Check alignment: Periodically check pattern alignment and adjust
- Random pattern: Blend pavers from multiple pallets to minimize color variation
Cutting Pavers
Cut pavers to fit edges and around obstacles:
- Wet saw: Best method for clean, accurate cuts; rent if needed
- Guillotine splitter: Mechanical splitter for straight cuts, faster than saw
- Angle grinder: For small cuts and curves, use diamond blade
- Brick chisel: Score and split method for occasional cuts
- Safety: Always wear safety glasses, dust mask, and hearing protection
Compaction and Joint Sand
Initial Compaction
- After all pavers are laid, sweep surface clean of debris
- Run plate compactor over entire surface 2-3 times
- Use rubber pad on compactor to protect paver surface
- Compaction seats pavers into bedding sand and levels surface
- Add more pavers if any settle below desired height
Polymeric Sand Application
Polymeric sand contains bonding agents that harden when activated with water:
Application Steps
- Ensure pavers and joints are completely dry before application
- Pour polymeric sand over surface
- Sweep sand into joints using push broom from multiple directions
- Fill joints completely to within 1/8 inch of top
- Sweep all excess sand from paver surface thoroughly
- Use leaf blower to remove remaining dust (critical step)
- Lightly mist surface with fine spray to activate polymers
- Allow to dry 24 hours before foot traffic, 48 hours for vehicles
Benefits of Polymeric Sand
- Hardens to prevent sand washout during rain
- Resists weed growth in joints
- Deters ants and other insects
- Stabilizes pavers and reduces shifting
- Available in colors to match pavers
Drainage Considerations
Proper drainage prevents water damage and extends paver life:
Surface Drainage
- Minimum 2% slope (1/4 inch per foot) away from structures
- Direct water to yard, storm drains, or catch basins
- Avoid creating low spots where water can pool
- For large areas, consider crown or multiple slope directions
Subsurface Drainage
- Install perforated drain pipe along low edges if needed
- Wrap drain pipe in filter fabric to prevent clogging
- Slope drain pipe 1% minimum to discharge point
- Particularly important for clay soils and high water table areas
Permeable Pavers
For eco-friendly installation that allows water infiltration:
- Use specially designed permeable pavers with wide joints
- Install over open-graded stone base (no fines)
- Fill joints with gravel instead of polymeric sand
- Reduces stormwater runoff and recharges groundwater
- May qualify for LEED credits or stormwater fee reductions
Cost Considerations
Material Costs (Typical Ranges)
- Concrete pavers: $3-8 per square foot
- Clay brick pavers: $8-15 per square foot
- Natural stone pavers: $15-40 per square foot
- Base gravel: $40-60 per cubic yard delivered
- Bedding sand: $30-50 per cubic yard
- Polymeric sand: $30-60 per 50-pound bag
- Edge restraint: $2-5 per linear foot
Installation Costs
- Professional installation: $12-25 per square foot total (materials + labor)
- DIY savings: 40-60% by doing the work yourself
- Equipment rental: $100-300 for compactor, saw, tools
- Timeline: 3-7 days for typical patio depending on size and complexity
Long-term Value
Pavers offer excellent return on investment:
- Lifespan of 25-50+ years with proper installation and maintenance
- Individual pavers can be replaced if damaged
- Access utilities beneath pavers without demolition
- Increases property value and curb appeal
- Lower maintenance than stamped concrete or asphalt
Maintenance and Care
Regular Maintenance
- Sweep regularly: Remove debris that can stain or hold moisture
- Rinse periodically: Hose down to remove dirt and prevent buildup
- Seal as needed: Every 2-4 years to enhance color and protect surface
- Refill joints: Add polymeric sand if joints become depleted
- Remove weeds promptly: Pull any weeds before they establish roots
- Prevent stains: Clean spills immediately, especially oils and acids
Cleaning Methods
- Regular cleaning: Water and mild detergent with stiff brush
- Stubborn stains: pH-neutral paver cleaner from home improvement store
- Efflorescence: White mineral deposits, remove with efflorescence cleaner
- Pressure washing: Use carefully with wide fan tip, 1500-2000 PSI maximum
- Avoid: Acidic cleaners that can damage pavers and deteriorate joints
Sealing Pavers
Sealing enhances appearance and provides protection:
Benefits of Sealing
- Enhances and deepens paver color
- Provides stain protection
- Inhibits weed growth and prevents insect nesting
- Stabilizes joint sand
- Makes cleaning easier
Sealer Types
- Film-forming: Creates glossy or satin finish, enhances color dramatically
- Penetrating: Soaks into pavers, natural look, breathable
- Water-based: Low odor, easy cleanup, environmentally friendly
- Solvent-based: More durable, better enhancement, stronger fumes
Seasonal Care
- Winter: Avoid deicing salts that can damage pavers; use sand for traction
- Spring: Check for settled or displaced pavers, refill joints as needed
- Summer: Monitor for weed growth, apply sealer if needed
- Fall: Keep clear of leaves that can stain, final cleaning before winter
Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
- Inadequate base preparation: Skimping on base depth or compaction leads to settling
- Poor drainage planning: Insufficient slope causes water pooling and frost heaving
- Skipping edge restraints: Pavers spread and installation fails prematurely
- Too much bedding sand: Excess sand (over 1 inch) causes settling
- Walking on sand layer: Disrupts level surface before pavers laid
- Insufficient joint filling: Incomplete joints allow paver movement
- Improper polymeric sand activation: Too much or too little water causes failure
- Not removing polymeric sand haze: Leaves permanent film on paver surface
- Rushing the process: Taking time ensures quality, long-lasting results
When to Hire a Professional
Consider professional installation for:
- Large areas over 500 square feet
- Complex patterns or custom designs
- Driveways requiring heavy-duty base
- Areas with drainage challenges
- Projects with extensive cutting requirements
- When you lack time or physical ability
- If you want warranty coverage
Conclusion
Proper paver installation requires careful planning, quality materials, and attention to detail at every step. Our paver calculator helps you accurately estimate all materials needed, ensuring you order the right quantities and avoid costly shortages or overages.
Whether you're building a simple walkway or an elaborate patio, following professional installation techniques will result in a beautiful, durable surface that enhances your property for decades. For first-time installers, start with a small, simple project to gain experience before tackling larger or more complex installations.