We designed a beautiful front yard package for one of our Colorado clients, replacing their beat up and outdated narrow walkway with a beautifully clean paver pathway (and of course gorgeous water-smart plants to complement, with an edible garden in raised beds to create separation from the neighbors).
New pathways are a common feature in a lot of our designs, and they don't need to be expensive or complicated - in fact, we wanted to take the fear out of DIYing your very own paver walkway from the side walk to your front door.
Pathway layout and design:
- Determine the dimensions of the desired pathway (e.g., 3 feet wide and 20 feet long).
- Choose the type of pavers (material, shape, size, and color).
- Decide on the paver pattern (running bond, herringbone, basketweave, etc.).
- Incorporate design features, such as curves, borders, or inlays.
- Sketch out the design on paper or use design software to visualize the finished pathway.
- Consider the surrounding landscape and any obstacles when planning the pathway.
Pro tip: Take photos of the existing landscape and use them as a reference when sketching out your design or working with design software. This will help you visualize how the new pathway will integrate with the surroundings.
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Site preparation:
- Call 811 or your local utility locating service to mark any buried utilities before digging.
- Clear the area of grass, plants, or debris.
- Remove any large rocks or roots that could interfere with the excavation process.
- Mark the pathway using stakes and string, or spray paint.
- Ensure there is enough space on either side of the pathway for proper excavation and installation.
- Plan for proper drainage and sloping, if necessary.
Pro tip: When marking the pathway, add an extra 6-8 inches on each side to allow for proper installation of the paver edging and to accommodate any adjustments needed during excavation.
Materials and tools:
- Calculate the number of pavers, base material, and sand needed based on the dimensions and pattern of the pathway.
- Purchase or rent the necessary tools, including a shovel, rake, hand tamper or plate compactor, level, rubber mallet, straightedge, and a diamond blade saw or paver splitter.
- Choose between plastic or metal edging for securing the pavers in place.
- Consider additional materials like landscape fabric or gravel if dealing with poor soil conditions.
Pro tip: Organize all materials and tools in a designated area near the project site, creating a clean and efficient workspace.
Ground preparation and excavation
- Excavate the area to a depth of 7-9 inches, accounting for the base material, sand, and paver thickness.
- Create a slight slope (1/8-1/4 inch per foot) for drainage, ensuring that water will flow away from any structures.
- Use a line level attached to a string to check the slope along the entire length of the pathway and adjust as needed.
- Tamp down the excavated area to create a firm and stable base for the crushed stone.
Base material and compaction:
- Use crushed stone as the base material, with a 4-6 inch thick layer.
- Spread the crushed stone evenly across the excavated area.
- Compact the base material in 2-inch layers for optimal stability.
- Use a hand tamper for small areas or rent a plate compactor for larger projects.
- Check the levelness of the base material frequently and adjust as needed.
- Ensure the slope is still correct after compacting the base material.
Sand and paver installation:
- Lay a 1-inch thick layer of coarse sand and level it using a straightedge or pipes.
- Use two pieces of 1-inch diameter PVC pipe as guides for leveling the sand. Lay the pipes parallel to each other and screed the sand with a straightedge that spans the width of the pathway.
- Begin laying the pavers following the chosen pattern, starting from one end of the pathway.
- Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the pavers into place, ensuring they are level with one another and properly seated in the sand.
- Cut pavers as needed using a diamond blade saw or paver splitter to fit the edges or any curves in the design.
- Maintain a consistent gap between pavers to allow for joint sand.
Edging and final compaction:
- Install plastic or metal edging along the sides of the pathway, ensuring it sits slightly below the top of the pavers to keep it hidden while still providing support.
- Secure the edging with spikes or stakes according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Compact the pavers with a plate compactor or hand tamper, using a piece of plywood or rubber pad to protect the pavers.
- Check the level and alignment of the pavers after compaction and make any necessary adjustments.
Sand filling and sealing (optional):
- Sweep polymeric sand or regular fine sand into the gaps between pavers, filling them completely.
- Remove excess sand from the surface of the pavers using a broom.
- If using polymeric sand, lightly mist the surface with water to activate the binding agent.
- Allow the sand to dry and set according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- If desired, apply a sealer to the pavers to enhance their appearance and protect them from stains, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I build a paver pathway on a slope?
A: Yes, you can build a paver pathway on a slope, but you will need to create steps or use a leveling technique called "stacking" to ensure a safe and stable surface.
Q: How do I prevent weeds from growing between the pavers?
A: Using polymeric sand or applying a pre-emergent herbicide can help prevent weeds from growing between the pavers.
Q: How often should I reapply sealer to the pavers?
A: The frequency of reapplication will depend on the type of sealer used and the environmental conditions, but generally, reapplying sealer every 2-4 years is recommended.
Q: Can I use a different base material other than crushed stone?
A: Yes, you can use other base materials such as recycled concrete or crushed limestone, but make sure they provide adequate drainage and stability for your specific soil conditions.
Q: Can I build a paver pathway using permeable pavers?
A: Yes, permeable pavers are designed to allow water to infiltrate through the joints and into the ground, reducing runoff and promoting groundwater recharge.
Q: Is it possible to create a curved pathway with square or rectangular pavers?
A: Yes, you can create a curved pathway with square or rectangular pavers. To achieve the curve, you will need to adjust the gaps between the pavers and trim them as needed to fit the curvature of the design.
Q: How do I repair a paver pathway if a paver becomes damaged or stained?
A: To repair a paver pathway, you can remove the damaged or stained paver and replace it with a new one. Carefully lift the paver out of the pathway, replace the sand base if necessary, and install the new paver. Be sure to refill the joints with sand and compact the area to ensure a level surface.
Q: How can I add lighting to my paver pathway?
A: You can add lighting to your paver pathway by incorporating solar or low-voltage LED lights along the edges, embedding lights directly into the pavers, or using rope lights underneath the pavers for a soft, indirect glow.
Q: What can I do to ensure my paver pathway remains safe during winter months?
A: To keep your paver pathway safe during winter months, promptly remove snow and ice, apply a deicing product that is safe for your paver material, and consider adding a slip-resistant sealer to the pavers to improve traction.
Q: Can I install a paver pathway over an existing concrete walkway?
A: It is possible to install a paver pathway over an existing concrete walkway, but it is important to ensure the concrete is in good condition, level, and free of any cracks or significant damage. You will need to use a thinner paver or overlay product specifically designed for this purpose, and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for installation.