Pavers are a great way to extend the indoors to an outdoor patio, back or front yard. Whether you’re using them for an entertainment area, or simply a path to your mailbox and back, you want to make sure they are laid correctly. For any design work around the home, we recommend contracting professionals with the expertise to take the guesswork out of laying pavers and meet deadlines to exceptional standards. However, if you’re determined to try it yourself, here are our best tips for how to lay pavers to ensure that it looks great and stays put for many years to come.

#1 Prepare the Area

This is one of the most important steps that can’t be overlooked. You’ll need to level the surface area that you’re looking to lay pavers. Level ground ensures that pavers don’t shift or become loose over time. If you’re wanting to pave a slope, like a path or driveway, you should still level the ground to create a uniform angle of incline. If the area is too steep for a pathway, you may need to create multiple levels using retaining walls.

• Measure and excavate the desired area.
• Clear any weeds, or grass and dig approximately 18cm deep.
• Use a spirit level and rake to even out the surface.

#2 Lay the Foundation For Pavers

Paver base is usually a type of compacted gravel that will form the bedrock for your pavers. Pour this down and spread evenly, using the spirit level and rake to ensure an even layer. You’ll then need to use a plate compactor to compress the base into the ground. The next layer is bedding sand (crushed concrete). Pour an even layer, at least 3cm in depth, of bedding sand to make way for your pavers.

#3 Place the Paver Stones

Now that you’ve prepared and created a nice rugged foundation for the pavers, you can begin to lay them in the bond you’ve selected for the design. You’ll need a rubber mallet, a length of string tied from two stakes and your mortar. Take your time and carefully spread 30mm of mortar where you’re going to lay the first paver, then place the paver down. Use the string to check for the level of where the pavers should sit, and the rubber mallet to gently knock the paver into place. Continue wiping the pavers as you go so that no mortar dries on them. If any mortar does dry on your pavers, you can clean it off at a later stage. Keep a 5mm gap between pavers and lay according to your bond design.

Get Perfectly Laid Pavers Every Time with Solutions Built

Just because you know how to lay pavers doesn’t always mean that attempting it is a safe, cost-effective choice. Here at Solutions Built, we specialise in blockwork and brickwork, and can assist you with complex sites and patterns to bring your design ideas to life. View our portfolio to see our wide range of construction capabilities in commercial and residential spaces. Or get in touch to enquire about your project and obtain a quote from us.