10 Basic Steps for Building Brick Paver
Patios, Walkways and Driveways
Tools required:
- Wheel Barrow
- Rake
- Shovel
- Level
- String Line
- Tape Measure
- Earth Compactor
- Paver Saw or Brick Splitter
- Marking Paint
- Push Broom
Step 1
Draw a plan showing measurements and grade elevations, then come and see the Pros at Angelo’s who can calculate the amount of materials and estimate the cost of your project. Angelo’s also has color samples that you can take home.
Step 2
Mark our the location of the patio, walkway, or driveway using either Mason Line or Marking Paint, both of which can be purchased from Angelo’s. Call Miss Dig (800-482-7171) 3 days before digging to mark the location of electric, gas, water, phone, and cable lines.
Step 3
Excavate the minimum required depth depending on your application; patios & walkways 6”, and driveways 12” of base will be needed in addition to the brick thickness of choice ( in areas where there are poor soil conditions, an increased depth of base will be needed). For walkways, excavate a minimum of 3” wider than the area on each side. For driveways, excavate a minimum of 6” wider on each side than the area you are paving.
Step 4
Fill the area with 21A or 21AA gravel, to formulate the quantity needed take the total depth excavated and subtract the depth of your brick and subtract 1”, for (2NS) bedding sand on top of the gravel. Grade the base as closely as possible to the final contour of the finished job. Slope all installations away from the house or building for drainage purposes. (Minimum 8” slope over ever 10 feet). Compact a maximum 3” thick at a time.
Step 5
Pavers are laid on a 1” bed sand (2NS), placed directly on the compacted base. Use a 1” diameter pipe as a screeding guide on top of the gravel. Set up the guides so that your pavers are ¾” above the finished level to allow for compacting. Level the sand evenly by pulling a board along the pipes. Once you have completed the area, remove the guides, and fill in the grooves. Do not walk on the screeded surface.
Step 6
Place the pavers directly on the screeded bed of sand. Start laying along the longest straight side. Keep lines straight using string lines. This will minimize the cutting required. It is important that the lines of your pavers are square, (90o to each other), to fit properly, If you are installing circles, fans, or a soldier course (a border of pavers around the perimeter of the area) you will want to place these before installing the rest of the pattern.
Step 7
You may need to cut pavers that don’t fit along the edges or around objects. Mark the pavers with a soap stone and cut with either a brick splitter or a paver saw (a hand held or a table saw are available) at Angelo’s. A brick splitter is the easiest method of cutting, but for an exact cut a paver saw works best. These can be rented at Angelo’s. Always wear the appropriate safety gear when cutting.
Step 8
Angelo’s Brick Paver Edging is a critical element to the durability of a paver installation. They prevent the pavers from moving and shifting over time.
Step 9
After the installation is complete, including the Brick Paver Edging, the pavers must be swept clean and then compacted with a plate compacter available at Angelo’s. This helps settle the pavers into the bedding sand and creates a flat surface.
Step 10
Sweep jointing or sweeping sand into the joints of the pavers. This locks the pavers together creating a very durable surface. When the sand has been swept completely off all the pavers you may then choose to apply an Ultimate Sealant (available only at Angelo’s) which gives the pavers a wet appearance making the color darker.
Now relax and enjoy…