Installing an Interlocking Paver Patio
A lot of work goes into a professional and proper interlocking paver patio installation!
In this timelapse video below you can see about half of the steps that we took for this particular paver patio job.
This timelapse of Kodiak Landscape installing a paver patio does not include the demolition of the old concrete pathway and flagstone patio, excavation of dirt, installation of the base aggregate, cutting of all edging pavers, or the installation of rebar and concrete retaining edges.
Anyone considering DIY'ing a project like an interlocking paver patio should watch this video and seriously consider hiring a pro.
What are the steps to properly install an interlocking paver patio?
Select the correct paver - for pedestrian patios, you can get away with most pavers. Since they need to support foot traffic only, not vehicles, the thickness of the paver is less relevant. We prefer at least a 60mm paver thickness. The finish or type of paver is also relevant, as you will have certain maintenance considerations depending on your chosen paver (e.g. porcelain paver vs permeable, etc.).
To properly install a paver patio, you'll need to excavate the depth of the paver plus 3/4" for paver sand and 4" for base aggregate. If you live where temps get below freezing regularly, like we do in Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah, you should excavate 6" for base aggregate. This is for pedestrian patios. Pavers for vehicle usage (like driveways) require an even deeper base.
After excavating, install the base aggregate in small 2-3” layers, stopping after each layer to compact to the appropriate hardness. This requires special equipment. Base aggregate must also be leveled and graded properly with the final grade in mind so that it sheds water away from the house. The correct grade must be successfully achieved in this step, not later. You can not and should not try to correct grade using the paver sand in the next step.
Paver sand is then laid on top of the base aggregate and graded. Now the level should be exactly at final grade minus the thickness of the pavers.
Pavers are then installed and cut. Cutting pavers requires special diamond saws and equipment. The dust from pavers is dangerous to breathe, so masks must be worn and special care used to control dust.
After laying the pavers, install the retaining edges. Some pros prefer to create the retaining edges first, before laying pavers. The type of retaining edge that you choose will really determine whether you should install it before or after laying pavers. At Kodiak Landscape, we only use concrete and rebar for retaining edges on paver patios. For this type of retaining edge, it is most easily done after laying the pavers. Regardless of what type of retaining edge you choose to install, skipping retaining edges or choosing to use a less rigid retaining edge (like plastic) will likely result in interlock failure and patio failure. The retaining edge must never break down or fail to retain the blocks.
Polymeric sand is then spread over the pavers and worked into the joints. A vibratory plate compactor is run over the pavers to ensure the sand works into the joints. At Kodiak, we repeat this process twice.
Finally, sand is cleared from the top of the pavers with brooms and a leaf blower, taking care not to remove the sand from the joints. Then water applied in correct amounts to activate the adhesive in the polymeric sand. Once dry, the patio is now ready for foot traffic.
Sealing the paver patio is an optional step that we also recommend. Sealing the patio will help prevent stains on the pavers and bring the colors to life. But check with the paver manufacturer, because many pavers have coloring used in the manufacturing process that will effloresce during the year after installation. If you seal the pavers before this happens, you will ruin your patio. You want to seal these types of pavers one season after installation.
My advice to anyone considering DIY’ing an interlocking paver pathway, patio, or driveway is to call us for a free consultation. We can help you understand the full scope of work required and what the project would cost you. The investment in Kodiak Landscape for your paver project will return dividends to you for the rest of your life - our work will last.
Book your free paver consultation with Kodiak Landscape now!
