Patios and walkways are two outside areas that can be laid using a stone, or other material such as concrete or brick. Brick pavers can be used as a surface for a patio or walkway and can be set in a specific design or pattern. Brick pavers are typically installed using sand that is leveled on top of a gravel base. You can install brick pavers with sand by first determining where they should be laid.
Instructions
1. Measure the width and length of the patio or walkway where the brick pavers are going to be located. Add about 12" around the perimeter of the area that you want to place the pavers.
2. Place stakes in the ground to outline the area that needs to be excavated. Connect the stakes with string to create the outline.
3. Remove grass and dirt from within the stakes or outline with a shovel to a depth of about 10 inches. This will allow for the base material and sand that needs to be added.
4. Compact the ground using a plate compactor. You can rent a plate compactor at your local Home Depot store.
5. Add six to seven inches of crushed gravel for the base. Spread an initial 5 inches of gravel and press it down with the compactor. Continue to add various layers of gravel, compacting between each layer, until the base is about 3 1/2" from the level of the finished grade.
6. Lay a 1" layer of sand as a final base for the pavers. Place strips of wood or sections of conduit rails laid 6' to 8' apart on the bed or gravel. Spread sand within the rails and drag a 2x4 over the rails to even the sand to create a smooth surface.
7. Choose a pattern that you like and begin laying the pavers. Start in a corner and move outwards while keeping all of the joints straight. Leave 1/8 inch between the pavers that will be filled in with sand.
8. Spread masonry sand over the pavers with a broom so that the sand will get into all of the joints.
9. Compact the entire surface using the plate compactor.
10. Sweep the excess sand into the joints to complete the project.
