Paver Patio and Walkway Installation
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A little before and after of a dreamy backyard from our archives!
What happens here
This major step involves the meticulous installation of the paver patio and walkways, which are prominently displayed in the 'after' footage. First, a compacted base layer of crushed stone (typically 4-6 inches deep) is laid, followed by a thin leveling bed of paver sand (about 1 inch deep). Edge restraints are installed along the perimeter of all paved areas to prevent shifting. High-quality pavers, in a chosen pattern (rectangular for the main patio and circular for the fire pit zone), are then carefully laid. Precision cutting is required for borders and around obstacles like the pool edge. Once all pavers are in place, polymeric sand is swept into the joints and activated with water to harden, locking the pavers together and inhibiting weed growth.
Goal: Construct a durable and aesthetically pleasing paved patio and walkways around the pool and throughout the backyard.
Tools and materials
- Landscaping Rake Various — Spreading aggregate and sand
- Level Various — Checking the level and slope of pavers
- Paver Cutter/Saw Various — Cutting pavers to size and shape
- Plate Compactor Various — Compacting the gravel base and paver sand
- Rubber Mallet Various — Tapping pavers into place
- Screed Board Various — Leveling the sand setting bed
- String Line Various — Maintaining straight lines and consistent spacing
- Crushed Stone Base Various — Creating the stable sub-base for the patio
- Edge Restraints Various — Maintaining the shape and stability of the paver edges
- Paver Sand Various — Creating the leveling bed for pavers
- Pavers Various — The main surfacing material for the patio and walkways
- Polymeric Sand Various — Filling and hardening paver joints