Excavate and Prepare the Sub-base
At 0:00 in
allllll the way around the house. #hardscape #construction #paverpatio #paver #paverborder
What happens here
To ensure a stable and level foundation for the pavers, the area where the border will be installed needs to be properly excavated and prepared. Dig a trench deep enough to accommodate the base material (gravel, sand) and the paver height. For a standard border, this might be 6-8 inches deep. The width should be slightly wider than the pavers to allow for adjustment and the installation of edge restraints. Ensure the trench bottom is level and compacted thoroughly using a hand tamper or plate compactor. A weed barrier fabric can be laid at this stage to help prevent future weed growth through the pavers.
Goal: Create a stable and level sub-base for the pavers.
Tools and materials
- Hand Tamper — Compacting the sub-base layer. A plate compactor is recommended for larger projects
- Level — Checking the evenness and slope of the trench bottom
- Pickaxe — Breaking up hard soil or compacted ground
- Rake — Leveling the trench bottom
- Safety Gloves — Protecting hands during excavation and compaction
- Shovel — Digging the trench and moving soil
- Wheelbarrow — Transporting excavated soil and other materials
- Weed Barrier Fabric — Preventing weed growth through the paver joints