Site Preparation and Excavation

What happens here

After clearing the old concrete, the site needs to be properly prepared. This involves excavating the area to the correct depth, which typically includes the thickness of the pavers, a layer of bedding sand, and a substantial base layer (e.g., compacted gravel). The ground should be sloped away from the house (usually 1-2%) for proper drainage. A tamper or plate compactor is used to compact the subgrade (the natural soil) to ensure a stable foundation. Landscape fabric is often laid down over the compacted subgrade to prevent weeds and help stabilize the base material.

Goal: Create a stable, level, and properly sloped subgrade for the paver base.