Creating a stunning outdoor space begins with a solid foundation - and laying pavers correctly ensures your new patio, walkway, or driveway remains level and durable for years to come. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or preparing for professional installation, this guide explains every step in the paver installation process, from excavation to compaction.

Step 1: Plan and Excavate the Area

Before installing pavers, mark the area where your new outdoor surface will go. This could be a patio, walkway, driveway, or pool deck. The goal is to excavate the ground so the final paver height sits flush with your desired grade or finished surface level.

Dig the area to a depth of about 5 inches plus the paver thickness. A standard setup includes:

• 4" of compacted crushed stone base
• 1" of bedding sand
• Paver thickness (usually around 2 and 3/8")

Make sure the excavated surface is about 7 inches below finished grade and slopes slightly away from your home for proper drainage. Avoid low spots and ensure the clay base underneath drains freely to prevent pooling water beneath your pavers.

Step 2: Install Geotextile Fabric

Next, lay geotextile fabric across the entire excavated area. This fabric acts as a barrier, keeping soil and base materials separate while improving stability and reducing weed growth. Allow about 8 inches of overhang around the edges, trimming excess later. Proper fabric installation helps maintain a long-lasting, even surface.

Step 3: Add and Compact the Base Layer

The base layer is the backbone of any paver installation. Pour approximately 2 inches of crushed stone (also known as crush-and-run or road base) over the fabric and spread it evenly. Use a plate compactor - available from most equipment rental stores - to compact the base thoroughly.

Since compactors typically compress about 2 inches at a time, repeat this process twice to build a full 4-inch base. Use extra base material to fill divots and less in high spots to create a perfectly level foundation. In corners or tight areas, use a hand tamper to ensure full compaction and support.

Step 4: Prepare the Sand Bedding Layer

After compacting the base, it's time to create a smooth bedding layer of sand. Use metal pipes about 1 inch in diameter to help achieve a consistent depth. Lay the pipes across the width of the area, then spread sand evenly over them. Use a straight board or screed to level the sand until it's flush with the top of the pipes. Carefully remove the pipes and fill the gaps with sand.

Avoid walking on the leveled sand bed, as even minor footprints or uneven spots can affect how the pavers sit.

Step 5: Lay the Pavers in Your Desired Pattern

Now comes the exciting part - laying the pavers. Begin at a straight edge or 90-degree corner and place each paver tightly against the next, following your chosen pattern (such as herringbone, basket weave, or running bond). You may step on the newly laid pavers, but stay about 2 feet from any unfinished edge to avoid disturbing the sand bed.

Pavers are not mortared together. Instead, they rely on tight placement and joint sand for stability. Once all pavers are in position, they should sit slightly higher than the surrounding ground; tamping will settle them into place.

Step 6: Install Edging and Apply Joint Sand

Before compacting the surface, install your paver edging to lock the pattern in place and prevent lateral movement. Then, spread a thin layer of sharp or polymeric sand over the surface. Avoid silica or play sand, which can promote algae growth. Sweep the sand into all the joints between pavers, filling the gaps completely.

Run the plate compactor over the surface in multiple directions to settle the pavers into the sand bed and tighten the joints. Add more sand as needed and repeat sweeping and compacting until all joints are filled and stable. This "interlocking" step gives pavers their strength and flexibility.

Step 7: Final Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Once compacted, sweep away any excess sand and lightly rinse the surface with a garden hose. Avoid using high-pressure water directed at the joints, as this can dislodge sand. Your new paver patio, walkway, or driveway is now ready for use.

Paver surfaces are designed to "float," allowing for natural ground movement and temperature changes without cracking. With proper installation and care, they'll remain level, stable, and beautiful for decades.

Professional Paver Installation You Can Trust

At Dreamscape Landscape Company, we specialize in ICPI-certified paver design and installation. Our team combines experience, precision, and digital design tools to create outdoor spaces that enhance your home's beauty and value. Every project comes with a lifetime installation warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is built to last.

Contact us today on 678-574-4008 or via our online form for a free consultation and on-site estimate. Our experts will show you a visual 3D design of your driveway or patio and help you choose the perfect colors, patterns, and materials for your property.

Transform your outdoor space - start your Dreamscape paver project today!