We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Best Tips for Installing Patio Pavers?

By Patrick Lynch
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,252
Share

Patio paver blocks are carved stone bricks that combine to produce a beautiful floor surface. When installing patio pavers, the area should be carefully measured before purchasing the requisite bricks. Buried wires in the yard need to be accounted for as does the edging when it comes to calculating measurements. A hole must be dug in which landscape fabric, gravel, and sand should be added. The bricks can then be laid before additional sand is brushed into the gaps left between stones.

It is important to decide how large the patio should be. For example, it may only be necessary to create a patio large enough to accommodate tables and chairs or there may be additional items such as a fireplace. Measure the space required while bearing in mind that a rectangular shaped patio is easier to install than a circular one. Once the measurements have been taken, it is possible to create a work plan.

When it comes to installing patio pavers, there are many choices of brick. There are also numerous different shapes and sizes. It is often best to ask an employee of a home improvement store for advice regarding the size and quantity of bricks needed. This is another reason why it is important to measure the area being paved.

Buried wires often lurk in the yard and are dangerous when installing patio pavers. Contact the local utility company and ask them about the whereabouts of wires in the yard. Hitting off one of these wires could prove fatal.

Ensure that the opposite sides of the patio are of the same length. Making sure that all corners are at right angles is also key when installing patio pavers. Remember to include edging in these calculations.

It is necessary to have between 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) of gravel underneath the patio when installing patio pavers. This will improve drainage, stop damage occurring during freezing weather, and stabilize the patio. This means a hole of approximately 8 inches (20 cm) should be dug. When installing patio pavers near a house, always have the patio slope away from the building to aid drainage.

Place some landscaping fabric at the bottom of the hole to prevent weeds from growing. Add gravel and rake it to make sure it is flat. A layer of sand should then be added which should also be raked flat. The edging should then be placed around the patio. This is designed to keep the bricks in place and stop weeds and grass from making their way on to the patio.

The process of installing patio pavers can now begin from the corner of the site. The bricks should be flat with a tiny space left between them. Throw some sand on the patio and sweep it between the gaps left in the bricks. This should help the bricks during the settling period. It may be necessary to aid several layers of sand during the first few days after installation.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Ocelot60 — On Nov 19, 2014

@rundocuri- You can use large, heaving trash bags in place of landscape fabric, because they are just as good at controlling the growth of grass and weeds in my opinion. Simply cut them open before laying them flat on the ground. You should only need a few if you use the largest ones you can find, which will also help you to save money on your project.

By Rundocuri — On Nov 18, 2014

Is there something I can use other than landscaping fabric when installing patio pavers? I am trying to save as much money as possible when I do this project.

By Talentryto — On Nov 17, 2014

I have found that larger patio pavers are the best for constructing a patio, even though they are heavier and more awkward to use than smaller pavers. I have had patios made of different sizes of pavers, and I had the best result with patios made of the larger variety.

The benefit that you get from laying patio pavers that are larger and heavier is that they settle into place better than their lighter counterparts. Once they do, they are harder to move and less likely to shift out of place. The weight of them is also beneficial when it comes to weeds and grass growing around them, because they have the tendency to prevent this from happening.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-best-tips-for-installing-patio-pavers.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.