8 Steps For DIY Pavers

Step 1: Preparation

Prepare your site by smoothing the surface, allowing for drainage.

Hang string or use chalk to present a visual image of the area that will be paved.

Step 2: Calculations

You must ensure that you buy the right amount of paving materials.

- The area to be paved is calculated by multiplying the length by the width. This will indicate the square metres.

- To calculate the amount of Road Base: Paving area above m2 x layer depth (mm)/1000 = the m3 Road Base.

- For amount of Bedding Sand Paving area m2 x (20 mm/1000 = the m3 Bedding Sand.

- Always allow about 10 percent of extra pavers for product loss or waste.

Step 3: Extra Preparation!

Make sure that the paving will slope away from the building, as you don’t want rainwater running into your home.

Paving should be flush with the lawn an flat set on compacted road base, sand, or concrete.

Step 4: Straight Edges

When beginning to lay the pavers, begin at a corner of the building or from a corner of a fixed object.

Follow the string lines to ensure straight edges. Allow at least a 3mm gap. This will reduce chipping. Try to avoid walking on the compacted base when laying the pavers. This will prevent shifting.

Step 5: Good Cutting

Diamond Saw Cutters provide the very best finish to any paving.

Rent or buy a diamond saw cutter to cut some of the pavers, always a necessary evil in paving.

But, remember - be careful!

Step 6: Compacting

Compacting and Joint Filling – Once your pavers are laid, it is time to secure them.

Use a mechanical plate compactor with either a piece of carpet or rubber mat under the compactor to protect the pavers.

For smaller areas, a rubber mallet of hardwood plank can be used to compact the pavers.

Step 7: Sealing

Proper sealing is essential to good paving.

If your supplier recommends sealing the pavers, make sure the excess sand has been removed from all pavers.

Once cleaned, seal the pavers. Sealing provides a lasting layer of protection.

Step 8: Maintenance

Maintenance is what keeps your well laid paving fresh for a long time.

To prolong the fruits of your hard work, regularly maintain your paving job.

Sweep and hose on a regular basis.

For more information about DIY paving, and the great paving products that we

manufacture, give us a call on:

01993 771697

Visit our website at:

MinsterPaving.co.uk