Pavers are block-like stones that can be made of a variety of materials (like natural stone, brick or concrete) and are typically used in exterior floorings. Available in many different colours and styles, pavers are excellent building materials for walkways, driveways, edgings, pool decks, and patios.
Patios, in particular, can benefit greatly if you select beautifully designed pavers for its construction. Generally meant to be used as space for outdoor dining, entertaining, or simply hanging out, patios offer homeowners an opportunity to get creative with the look of their outdoor space and really create an area that is aesthetically pleasing. Whether you choose pavers made from limestone, granite, sandstone or travertine (or even concrete and clay varieties), you're sure to achieve a highly attractive patio that the whole family (and your guests) will love — and they're sure to last a long while because pavers can be very durable, too.
The good news is that building a patio with pavers can also be done by homeowners on their own. Here are simple steps that you can follow if you prefer to go the DIY route on your home improvement project:
1. First thing you need to do is clear the area where the patio is meant to stand. Remove any existing plants, roots and stumps. Measure about six inches of soil and excavate that depth to make room for the pavers you'll be putting in. Next, rake up the soil until it's levelled, then tamp it down for a firm surface.
2. Lay landscaping fabric down onto the space. It has to be cut to the right size so that the ground is completely covered. It's porous enough to let water flow through to the ground, but it will also discourage the growth of weeds.
3. Take some crushed gravel and lay it onto the landscaping fabric until it's about two inches deep. Make sure to smooth the layer over. Tamp this first layer of gravel down until it is very firm and even, then add another two-inch layer of gravel and repeat the tamping process. A firm and even bed of gravel will ensure that the pavers will be evenly positioned.
4. Take a long and straight board and attach a level to it, then move it across the gravel bed to check how even the surface is. Make the necessary adjustments until the surface becomes completely even.
5. Spread builder's sand over the gravel (about 1 1/2 to 2 inches). Place a long and straight board along the base of the house. Take a second board and notch both ends. Then move the second board along the surface and the first board to level the sand.
6. Lay down the first paver. Make sure not to position pavers more than 1/8 of an inch apart. Use a rubber mallet to tap the pavers into place.
7. When all the pavers have been installed, spread some sand (just a shallow layer) over the pavers and use a push broom to work this sand into the crevices between pavers. Hose the area to help the sand settle even more. If you find spaces, fill them in with more sand, then hose it all over a second time.