How to Install Pavers: Step-by-Step Guide for Patios, Walkways & Driveways
How to Install Pavers: A Step-by-Step Guide for Patios, Walkways & Driveways
If you’re planning a new patio, walkway, or driveway, installing concrete pavers is one of the best ways to create a durable, great-looking outdoor space. The key to a long-lasting paver project isn’t just the pavers themselves — it’s proper base preparation, compaction, drainage, and edge restraint.
This guide walks you through the professional method used for paver installations so your project looks great and holds up over time.
Why Proper Paver Installation Matters
Pavers don’t fail because of the pavers — they fail because of the base underneath them. In climates with freeze/thaw cycles, improper excavation or compaction can lead to shifting, sinking, and uneven surfaces. Following a proven installation process helps prevent costly repairs later.
Before you start, make sure you have the right materials for your project. You can browse our full selection of patio stones and paving stones here:
👉 Shop Pavers: https://directlandscapesupply.ca/collections/pavers
(Update this link if your pavers live under Belgard, Barkman, or Newstone collections.)
Step-by-Step Paver Installation Guide
1. Plan Your Layout & Drainage
Mark your project area with string lines or marking paint. Establish final elevations and ensure the finished surface slopes away from buildings so water drains properly. Check square corners and straight lines before excavation begins.
2. Excavate to Proper Depth
Excavate the area deep enough to accommodate the compacted base, bedding layer, and paver thickness. Remove all soft soil and organic material. Proper excavation depth is essential for long-term stability, especially in freeze/thaw climates.
3. Prepare the Subgrade
Grade and compact the native soil to create a stable foundation. In areas with poor drainage or soft soils, additional preparation may be required to prevent future settlement.
4. Install Granular Base (Compact in Lifts)
Install granular base material in multiple lifts, compacting each layer thoroughly with a plate compactor. Maintain proper slope during this process. A well-compacted base is the most important factor in preventing future movement.
5. Screed the Bedding Layer
Install approximately 1 inch of bedding material over the compacted base. Screed the surface smooth and level. Avoid disturbing the bedding layer before laying pavers.
6. Lay the Pavers
Begin laying pavers from a straight edge or corner. Place pavers tightly together and check alignment regularly to maintain straight lines and consistent joints. Cut pavers as needed to fit edges and borders.
If you haven’t chosen your pavers yet, you can view our full selection of patio pavers and stones here:
👉 Browse Pavers: https://directlandscapesupply.ca/collections/pavers
7. Install Edge Restraint
Install edge restraint along all outside edges and secure it into the compacted base. Edge restraint locks the pavers in place and prevents spreading over time.
8. Compact the Pavers
Compact the installed pavers using a plate compactor fitted with a protective pad. This seats the pavers into the bedding layer and helps level the surface.
9. Fill the Joints with Sand
Sweep polymeric sand into the joints, compact again, and top up joints as needed. Remove excess sand from the surface before activating.
10. Activate Jointing Sand
Lightly mist the surface with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid over-watering, which can wash sand out of joints or leave residue on the surface.
Important Tips for Long-Lasting Results
-
Always compact base material in lifts
-
Ensure proper drainage and slope away from structures
-
Use edge restraint on all paver installations
-
Build the base deeper in poor soil conditions or for driveways
-
Order extra pavers for cuts and waste (typically 5–15%)
Shop Pavers for Your Project
Choosing quality pavers makes a big difference in both appearance and performance. Whether you’re building a patio, walkway, or driveway, we carry a full range of concrete pavers and patio stones to match any style.
👉 Shop All Pavers: https://directlandscapesupply.ca/collections/pavers
👉 Belgard Pavers: https://directlandscapesupply.ca/collections/belgard-collection
👉 Barkman Pavers: https://directlandscapesupply.ca/collections/barkman-collection
👉 Newstone Pavers: https://directlandscapesupply.ca/collections/newstone-collection
Learn More: Official Installation Resources
For manufacturer-specific installation details, cross-sections, and technical requirements, refer to the official Belgard installation guide:
👉 https://www.belgard.com/plan-design/installation-beyond/installation/