DIY the perfect paved area

What are the benefits of having a paved area?

Pavers are an excellent way to add space to your backyard for gathering. They make a smooth, solid surface for benches, outdoor chairs, and outdoor grills. You can use them to create paths and add structure to the landscape design. Many different types of pavers are available, including brick, sandstone, and specialty concrete. Many people choose to install backyard pavers as a DIY project. This guide to DIY paving made easy will give you the basics. 

What tools and materials do I need for paving?

You can find patio pavers that give it a formal look or a more rustic, casual one. If you choose the DIY paver installation, here are a few tools that you need to have on hand. Depending on the paver base, some of these supplies needed might change. Here are some of the items that you will need before you begin. 

Paver supplies

• String line
• Paver sand
• Marker paint
• Paver sealer
• Pavers
• Concrete (optional)
• Gap sand 

Tools

• Rubber mallet
• Brick or concrete saw
• Wooden stakes for markers
• Measuring tape
• Shovel or spade
• Spirit Level
• Wheelbarrow
• Plate compactor (Can be rented)
• Trowel
• Push broom

Safety equipment

• Safety glasses
• Sturdy gloves (leather or mechanic’s gloves)
• Safety boots (steel toes are best)
• Hearing protection
• Long-sleeved shirt and heavy pants

Preparing to lay pavers

Now that you have your supplies and equipment together, you are ready to begin. Here are the basic steps for laying pavers on sand. It might be noted that laying pavers on soil is not recommended because they will shift and move over time. 

1. Measure the area’s size and shape. The first thing that you need to do is to determine the location, size, and shape of your paver area. Mark the edges of the area with stakes and string between them. The area can be any shape that you wish. 
2. Choose a paving pattern. The next thing that you need to do is to design the paver area. You can find plenty of ideas online. You can use one type of paver for a uniform look or a combination for a custom look. 
3. Contact your local council for approval. Next, you need to contact your local council and supply them with your plans for any approval processes that are necessary for your local area. 
4. Clear the chosen area. Once you have approval, clear the areas of anything that is in the way. This includes perennial plants, sod, bushes, or trees. Next, you need to dig down a few inches and excavate the entire area. Make it as smooth as possible. 
5. Prepare the ground with sand, gravel, or concrete. Next, put down a layer of sand, gravel, or concrete. The proper way to install pavers is to use a base of sand or gravel for stability. Laying pavers on concrete is another popular method. Laying pavers on soil is not recommended, but if you do, use a plate compactor to tamp down the soil as much as possible. 

How to lay pavers

Next, it is time to start installing the pavers. Here are the steps. 

1. Set up a string line. When you first did the preliminary plan, you set up stakes and strings. Now, it is time to make sure they are solid and exactly where you want them. These will be your guide for laying the pavers. 
2. Lay mortar mix and the first row of pavers. Laying the first row is the most important because it will set the spacing for the rest of the project. Take your time and get this one right. 
3. Use a spirit level and mallet after laying each paver. When placing pavers on top of concrete or laying pavers on a sand and cement mix, you need to use the mallet to tamp them down until they are level. If you do not, you can create a tripping hazard. 
4. Continue laying the next rows. Now, continue laying the next rows following your plan. Make sure to tamp and level each one as you go. 
5. Cut pavers for the edges. The final step is to cut and place the pavers for the edges. Once this is finished, sweep sand over the pavers to fill in the cracks and add stability. 
6. Let the pavers set. Allow the pavers to settle for at least a week before attempting to walk on them or use them. You might need to tamp some of them down again to make them level. Now, you wash them off with a hose and apply several coats of sealer. 

How to cut pavers

Cutting pavers must be done carefully so that they do not crack or splinter and cause harm. You can cut pavers with a hammer and chisel. Use a pencil or marker to draw a line all the way around the brick or paver. You will need to score all four sides. Use the edge of the chisel to score a groove around the paver. Now, you can use a larger chisel to continue chipping away until the paver is the right size and shape. You could also use a paver or concrete saw to cut the pavers. Make sure to use a diamond masonry blade and wear proper safety protection. 

How to lay brick pavers on grass

Laying pavers on sand is the preferred method. If you choose to lay brick pavers on grass, make sure to kill the grass with a poison. Before laying the brick, compact the soil with a plate compactor. Using paver sand is the recommended method because over time, even if you use grass killer, eventually weeds will grow between the cracks. 

How to calculate how many pavers you need

Here are the steps for calculating the number of pavers that you need. 

1. Multiply the length by the width of the paver area in centimetres. This will give you the total square centimetres. If the area is not square or rectangular, measure it at the widest point. You can also break the area into sections and add them together. 
2. Next, measure the width and length of the paver and multiply them together. For instance, a standard brick is 21.5 cm x 11.25 cm, which equals 241.9 cm. 
3. Now, divide the total square centimetres of the paving area by the square centimetres for each paver, and you will have the approximate number of bricks or pavers that will be needed. 
4. It is usually recommended that you purchase between 5-10% extra for breakage. If you find out that you do not have enough, finding a perfect match can be difficult, so it is usually best to buy a few extra. 

How to hire a paver

As you can see, the process for creating a paved area in your yard has many steps, and it is hard work. If this is your first time, you might not be satisfied with your outcome. This is why hiring an experienced paver installer might be the best option. Here are some tips for hiring the right person for the job. 

Licencing and qualifications

Pavers who do hardscaping and pavers or pour hard outdoor surfaces might need special licences in some circumstances. For instance, they might need a licence for laying a poured concrete foundation. They might need a bricklaying licence for a brick patio. In some cases, they might need a landscaping licence. The best pavers in Australia have a certificate in paver installation. This certificate takes six months of coursework to complete.