It is understood that laying patio pavers might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s actually quite manageable with proper planning. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from measuring your space to adding those finishing touches. You don’t need to be a professional contractor to create a beautiful outdoor living area—just patience and attention to detail. Once you understand the proper layering technique and drainage requirements, you’ll be surprised how straightforward the project becomes. The real secret lies in what goes underneath those pavers.
Planning and Measuring Your Patio Area
Three essential steps kick off any successful paving project: planning, measuring, and prepping your patio area.
We always start by laying out a garden hose to visualize the shape – it’s much easier to adjust at this stage than later!
Once you’re happy with the design, hammer in wooden stakes at corners and use twine to create precise outlines.
Now, measure carefully. Calculate your patio area’s square footage, then add 10% extra for wastage. If you’re planning curves or diagonals, bump that up to 15-20%.
Finally, remove any existing turf to expose bare soil for a clean foundation.
Gathering Essential Tools and Materials
Gathering the right tools and materials is absolutely critical before you start laying those pavers.
We’ll need specific tools including a shovel, rake, level, and tamper. Don’t forget safety gear – those goggles and gloves aren’t optional, trust me!
For materials, you’re looking at about $5 per square foot for pavers, plus you’ll need construction gravel (about 2.5 tonnes for a decent base) and coarse sand for bedding.
A two-by-four works great for screeding, and parallel pipes help maintain even sand height.
And remember, proper edge restraint is key – we typically use concrete or metal edging with stakes to keep everything secure.
Preparing the Ground Surface
The real key to a perfect patio lies in proper ground preparation – it’s actually the most critical stage that many DIY’ers rush through.
We recommend starting by outlining your patio shape with a garden hose, then securing it with stakes and twine for precision.
You’ll need to remove about 6 inches of turf to make room for your base material and bedding sand.
Check the slope with a level—aim for a 1-inch drop per 48 inches for proper drainage.
After excavation, lightly water the area before adding gravel. This helps with compaction.
Then level everything off using a two-by-four before moving forward.
Creating a Proper Drainage Slope
Proper drainage serves as the backbone of any successful patio installation, so we’ll want to get this part absolutely right.
Creating a proper drainage slope is essential—never aim for a completely flat surface. Water needs somewhere to go!
When creating proper drainage, remember:
- Aim for a 1-inch drop per 48 inches of patio length (or 20mm per meter)
- Always slope away from your house and neighboring properties
- Use a bubble level regularly to check your work
- Maintain the same slope in both your base materials and bedding sand
We actually find that checking the slope frequently during installation saves tons of headaches later—trust us on this one!
Installing the Gravel Base Layer
Now that we’ve got our drainage slope sorted, it’s time to lay down a solid foundation.
You’ll need about 2.5 tonnes of recycled road base to create a 50mm thick layer—trust me, skimping here will cause headaches when you lay pavers later.
Spread your gravel evenly, then use a steel straightedge on a timber frame to check your 20mm-per-meter slope. It’s essential for proper drainage.
Here’s a pro tip: lightly water the base before compacting. Then compact, water, and repeat five times. Sounds excessive? Well, it makes all the difference.
When you’re done, you should have a surface that’s practically bulletproof!
Adding and Leveling the Bedding Sand
Three things make the difference between a patio that stands the test of time and one that shifts and sinks: proper base preparation, correct sand depth, and careful leveling.
Now it’s time to add the bedding sand. We’re aiming for a thickness of about 20mm—that’s the sweet spot for paver stability. Let’s get this right:
- Use screeding tools (we prefer timber or steel) to create that perfectly even surface.
- Set up parallel 3/4-inch pipes as guides to maintain consistent height.
- Check for levelness with a bubble level—trust me, this step is essential.
- Lightly compact the bedding sand before laying pavers.
Laying and Arranging Paver Stones
With your bedding sand perfectly leveled, you’re ready for the fun part—laying those paver stones.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll start by placing pavers in your chosen pattern, keeping those joints tight for a clean look. We always recommend checking alignment frequently—trust me, it’s easier to fix now than later!
For edges, you’ll need to cut some pavers. A masonry saw works great, but don’t forget safety gear.
Once everything’s in place, we’ll tamp them down using a hammer and plywood (never hit directly on those beautiful pavers).
Finally, sweep fine sand into the joints—this locks everything in place.
Cutting Pavers for Edges and Curves
Cutting pavers properly makes a huge difference between a patio that looks professional versus one that screams “first-timer.”
As you approach the edges and curves of your patio design, you’ll need to create custom-fitted pieces that integrate seamlessly with your overall pattern.
For successful cutting, we recommend:
- Use a masonry saw for clean, straight cuts and an angle grinder for curves
- Mark your cutting lines precisely after measuring the space the paver will fill
- Always wear safety gear—trust me, those goggles aren’t optional when dust is flying
- Test-fit every cut piece before final installation to guarantee proper alignment
Finishing With Sand and Edge Restraints
Now that your pavers are perfectly cut and positioned, it’s time to lock everything into place. First, install edge restraints around your patio’s perimeter—they’re essential for preventing shifting.
Make sure they’re level with your pavers and stake them if needed.
Next, sweep dry sand across the surface, working it into the joints between pavers. Once filled, lightly spray the sand with water (not too much!) to help it settle properly.
Finally, run a plate compactor over the entire surface to secure everything tightly.
Don’t forget that you’ll need to add more sand occasionally as it washes away—it’s just part of regular patio maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Prepare Ground for Patio Pavers?
We mark, dig, and clear the area. We guarantee ground leveling by excavating 6 inches deep. Then we add crushed gravel, compact it thoroughly, and layer sand before installing pavers.
What Do You Put Down Before Laying Pavers?
Before laying pavers, we’ll excavate about 6 inches, then add a base material of crushed rock (at least 2 inches thick), compact it thoroughly, and finish with a 1-inch sand layer.
How to Install Pavers for Beginners?
Planning first, digging later. We’ll teach you to install pavers by preparing the ground, adding gravel and sand bases, then carefully arranging your chosen paver patterns for an attractive, durable finish.
Can I Just Lay Pavers on Dirt?
We don’t recommend laying pavers directly on dirt. Without proper base materials, you’ll experience poor paver stability, with shifting, sinking, and uneven surfaces over time. Proper foundation guarantees lasting results.
