How To Lay Paving Stones

Check-out our guide to creating a new patio area for the summer.

How to lay paving stones

Laying paving stones can enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your outdoor space. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to lay paving stones:

Materials and Tools:
- Paving stones of your choice.
- Coarse sand or gravel for the base.
- Fine sand for filling joints.
- Spade, shovel, rake, tamper, level, measuring tape, and string.
Planning and Preparation:
- Determine the layout and pattern of the paving stones.
- Mark the area where the paving will be laid using stakes and string.
- Excavate the area to a depth that allows for the thickness of the paving stone plus a base layer (usually 4-6 inches).
Base Preparation:
- Spread a layer of gravel or coarse sand at the bottom of the excavation area. Consider using a sand and cement mix to ensure long term stability during the setting phase.
- Compact the base layer using a tamper to create a stable foundation.
- Ensure the base is level and has a slight slope for water drainage.
Setting Paving Stones:
- Start laying the paving stones from one corner of the area.
- Place the stones close together in the desired pattern.
- Use a level to ensure each stone is flat and at the same height as the others.
- Tap each stone gently with a rubber mallet to set it in place.
Cutting Stones (if necessary):
- If you need to fit stones around curves or edges, use a diamond-blade wet saw to cut the stones to the required size and shape.
Jointing and Finishing:
- Once all paving stones are in place, spread fine sand over the surface.
- Use a broom to sweep the sand into the joints between the stones.
- Compact the surface again with a tamper to ensure the stones are set securely.
Edging:
- Install edge restraints along the perimeter of the paved area to secure the stones and prevent shifting.
Maintenance:
- Regularly sweep the surface to keep it clean and free of debris.
- Reapply sand to joints as needed to maintain stability.

By following these steps and taking your time to ensure proper installation, you can create a beautiful and durable paved area in your outdoor space.

How To Lay Paving Stones

Laying paving stones can enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your outdoor space. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to lay paving stones:

Materials and Tools:

Paving stones of your choice.

Coarse sand or gravel for the base.

Fine sand for filling joints.

Spade, shovel, rake, tamper, level, measuring tape, and string.

Planning and Preparation:

Determine the layout and pattern of the paving stones.

Mark the area where the paving will be laid using stakes and string.

Excavate the area to a depth that allows for the thickness of the paving stone plus a base layer (usually 4-6 inches).

Base Preparation:

Spread a layer of gravel or coarse sand at the bottom of the excavation area. Consider using a sand and cement mix to ensure long term stability during the setting phase.

Compact the base layer using a tamper to create a stable foundation.

Ensure the base is level and has a slight slope for water drainage.

Setting Paving Stones:

Start laying the paving stones from one corner of the area.

Place the stones close together in the desired pattern.

Use a level to ensure each stone is flat and at the same height as the others.

Tap each stone gently with a rubber mallet to set it in place.

Cutting Stones (if necessary):

If you need to fit stones around curves or edges, use a diamond-blade wet saw to cut the stones to the required size and shape.

Jointing and Finishing:

Once all paving stones are in place, spread fine sand over the surface.

Use a broom to sweep the sand into the joints between the stones.

Compact the surface again with a tamper to ensure the stones are set securely.

Edging:

Install edge restraints along the perimeter of the paved area to secure the stones and prevent shifting.

Maintenance:

Regularly sweep the surface to keep it clean and free of debris.

Reapply sand to joints as needed to maintain stability.

By following these steps and taking your time to ensure proper installation, you can create a beautiful and durable paved area in your outdoor space.