In the summertime, there is nothing better than stepping onto your own backyard patio with the sun beaming down and friends gathered around. If you don’t have a little backyard sanctuary to call your own yet, before you line up for a patio table downtown, think about creating your own outdoor haven right at home.
With a bit of elbow grease and the right equipment, a paved patio or walkway can completely transform your yard, and Rentco Equipment is here to help you get the job done. Rentco helps lay the groundwork. We’re here to help make your diy paving stone installation project easy, and to teach you how to pave your patio or walkway, step by step.
DIY Paving Stone Installation, Step by Step
Step 1: Laying the Groundwork: Planning Your Layout
Start with a simple sketch of the project area. Use two stakes and string or even white marking paint to map it out on the ground. Measure carefully and with precision as this will help when you’re figuring out how many pavers you’ll need.
As you plan, consider your pattern you want to set the stones in. A well thought out planning stage will always show in the finished project.
Step 2: Gathering Tools and Materials
Before you start digging, gather all your tools and materials. You’ll need pavers, crushed stone for your gravel base, a sand layer made from paving or polymeric sand, your paving stones of choice, and landscape fabric to separate soil from your base material. Edge restraint pieces are also very important to maintain the longevity of your project over time.
Equipment like a shovel, rake, level, wheelbarrow, rubber mallet, hand tamper or plate compactor, and a broom will also come in handy. Our rental equipment catalog is a great place to find everything you take on DIY projects.
Step 3: Excavate with Precision
Excavation can make or break a paving job. Start digging to a depth that allows for the correct slope and a solid base. A total of 4 to 8 inches is usually required, depending on your paver thickness and usage.
Make sure your base has a slope away from any structures, about 1 to 2 percent, so water doesn’t collect and cause issues later. Use a line level or even a garden hose to guide your slope. This step makes sure there’s proper drainage and prevents long-term damage, so take your time with it.
Step 4: Add a Strong Gravel Base
Once excavation is done, lay your gravel base. This layer supports the entire structure and needs to be solid.
Add 4 to 6 inches of crushed stone, spreading it evenly across the entire area. Use a hand tamper or a mechanical plate compactor to compact every couple of inches.
Don’t skip the compaction step. Without it, your patio could shift or crack. Periodically check that you’re staying level and maintaining the correct depth.
Step 5: Spread the Sand Layer
Now it’s time to add sand. Spread a 1-inch layer of concrete sand or paving sand over the compacted base. Use a screed board to get it smooth and even. The sand layer helps the pavers sit level and fills any tiny gaps underneath.
This is also the moment to double-check your slope. A smooth, level sand layer gives you a stable base to begin laying pavers without worry of future settling.
Step 6: Begin Laying the Pavers
Start at one corner of the patio area and begin laying pavers. Set them down carefully and snugly next to one another. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap each one into place. Keep an eye on your pattern and spacing.
If you’re working in different directions, check alignment regularly. Lay pavers in a way that feels natural, adjusting as needed. The goal here is a tight, clean look that holds together over time.
Step 7: Cut Pavers for a Clean Fit
Eventually, you’ll reach edges or corners where full pavers just won’t fit. That’s when it’s time to cut pavers. Use a wet saw or chisel to shape them to size. Take your time and wear proper safety gear.
A poor cut can ruin a clean line. Trim only what’s needed and test fit before final placement. You can rent a wet saw from Rentco if you don’t have one handy.
Step 8: Add Secure Edging
With all the pavers in place, install paver edging to hold everything tight. Plastic edging or steel edge restraints are both strong options. Secure the edging with long spikes into the ground.
This step stops shifting and keeps your layout intact. It also adds a crisp, finished look around the perimeter. Don’t skip this if you want your walkway or patio to last through every season.
Step 9: Fill the Gaps with Sand
Next you’ll need to fill the joints. Sweep polymeric sand or jointing sand over the surface, pushing it into the gaps between the pavers. This locks the pavers in place and helps prevent weeds and insects from creeping in. Make sure the sand is completely dry before sweeping to avoid clumping. If needed, sweep more sand across the surface until all the joints are filled.
Step 10: Compact and Finish the Job
For the final step, use a plate compactor to settle the pavers into the sand bed and make everything level. Once compacted, sweep an additional layer of sand into any joints that have settled. Remove any excess sand with a broom.
Consider sealing the surface to protect from stains and make maintenance easier. When it’s done right, a paved patio or walkway is both a durable surface and a beautiful upgrade.
Make Installing Pavers Easy with Rentco Equipment
Your outdoor space should be a decorative extension of your home, and installing patio pavers for a backyard getaway, a tidy garden path, or a welcoming front walkway is a fantastic way to do that.
The easiest way to make it happen is with the right tools, clear guidance, and a little patience. Rentco Equipment has supported DIYers, contractors, and landowners across Western Canada for over 60 years. We offer a wide variety of tools and equipment for your concrete services, so that you can find everything you need for your project in our rental equipment catalogue.
Our team is ready to help you choose the best way to move your project from plan to polished. So if you’re looking to build something solid, Rentco is here to support every step of the way. Contact us today and let us help you with your next project!