Step 1: EXCAVATION
Carefully mark off the perimeter of the project site by outlining the area to be excavated.
The excavation must be carried out in such a way as to create a 2% slope to allow for proper drainage. This same slope will be repeated later on by the surface of the granular base, the leveling bed and the finished surface of the pavers. Level and compact the bottom of the excavated area.
Step 2: BASE
To prevent contamination of granular base, the use of geotextile is recommended, particularly where clay-like soils are involved.
Spread and compact 0 - 3/4” crushed stone in successive layers of 4” to form the base. Compact the materials using an appropriate vibrating roller: When this operation is completed to the desired height, the ground contour should be the same as that of the paved surface.
To provide effective support for the cement curbing and paving stones, the granular base must extend at least 8” beyond the outer edge of what will be the finished paved surface, throughout the perimeter.
The installation of curbing will require slight excavation and alignment, and, finally backfilling and compacting with crushed stone around the curbing.
The recommended base for cement pavers is a layer of non-compacted concrete sand approximately 1” thick. This laying bed can be leveled using a straight edge moved along two guides placed on the compacted granular base.
Step 3: LAYING THE PAVERS
Once the model of the paver and the laying pattern have been selected, place the first pavers at a 90 degree angle. On inclined surfaces, it is better to begin installing pavers at the bottom of the slope. The use of a line or square will make it easier to align the pavers.
For a more finished appearance, it is suggested that pavers be drawn from more than one different cube at the same time; this will provide uniformity of texture and harmony of color. Use a saw or a paver splitter to cut pavers to the desired shapes and sizes, when necessary.
When all the pavers have been laid, using a vibrating plate compactor, make two passes over the surface in opposite directions to stabilize and level the surface. This will cause the pavers to settle approximately 3/8” into the sand base.
Spread dry concrete sand over the surface and sweep it back and forth in all directions to work it into the joints. Use the compactor to force the sand into the joints between pavers; if necessary, repeat this procedure.
Step 4: DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF MATERIALS
Granular Base
2200 pounds of 0 - 3/4” crushed stone spread to a thickness of 4” will cover an area of 54 sq.ft.
Leveling Base
2200 pounds of concrete sand spread to a thickness of 1” will cover an area of 215 sq.ft.
Joint Filling
Filling the joints between 2-3/8” thick pavers will require 70 pounds of concrete sand for every 100 sq.ft. of paved surface.
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