Installing Border Pavers and Final Compaction
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A little tiered patio walkway to ease the transition down to the pool deck?? Don't mind if I do!!
What happens here
With the drainage channels and cut pavers in place, fill in any remaining gaps and complete the patio area. Often, smaller, distinct 'border' pavers are used around features like drainage or along the perimeter of the patio to create a clean finish and define spaces. Lay these border pavers using the same method as the main pavers, tapping them into the bedding layer with a rubber mallet. Once all pavers are laid, sweep jointing sand (such as polymeric sand) into the gaps between the pavers. Then, use a vibratory plate compactor to compact the entire patio surface, settling the pavers and locking the jointing sand into place. Finally, gently spray the patio with water to activate the polymeric sand, creating a hard, weed-resistant joint.
Goal: Complete paver installation and secure the patio surface.
Tools and materials
- Hearing Protection — Protecting ears from compactor noise
- Level — Making final checks on the patio's levelness
- Push Broom — Sweeping jointing sand into the paver joints
- Rubber Mallet — Seating border pavers and making final adjustments
- Safety Glasses — Protecting eyes during compaction
- Small Paver Blocks — Creating borders and finishing edges around features like drainage channels
- Vibratory Plate Compactor — Compacting the entire paver surface to lock them in place and settle the jointing sand
- Jointing Sand — Filling the gaps between pavers to lock them in place and inhibit weed growth
- Water — Activating polymeric sand