Pavers – Content Hub

What are the benefits of having a paved area?

Pavers are an excellent way to add space to your backyard for gathering. They make a smooth, solid surface for benches, outdoor chairs, and outdoor grills. You can use them to create paths and add structure to the landscape design. Many different types of pavers are available, including brick, sandstone, and specialty concrete. Many people choose to install backyard pavers as a DIY project. This guide to DIY paving made easy will give you the basics.

What tools and materials do I need for paving?

You can find patio pavers that give it a formal look or a more rustic, casual one. If you choose the DIY paver installation, here are a few tools that you need to have on hand. Depending on the paver base, some of these supplies needed might change. Here are some of the items that you will need before you begin.

Paver supplies

String line
Paver sand
Marker paint
Paver sealer
Pavers
Concrete (optional)
Gap sand

Tools

Rubber mallet
Brick or concrete saw
Wooden stakes for markers
Measuring tape
Shovel or spade
Spirit Level
Wheelbarrow
Plate compactor (Can be rented)
Trowel
Push broom

Safety equipment

Safety glasses
Sturdy gloves (leather or mechanic’s gloves)
Safety boots (steel toes are best)
Hearing protection
Long-sleeved shirt and heavy pants

A paved area makes a great entertaining space / Source: Decor Brick Paving

Preparing to lay pavers

Now that you have your supplies and equipment together, you are ready to begin. Here are the basic steps for laying pavers on sand. It might be noted that laying pavers on soil is not recommended because they will shift and move over time.

Measure the area’s size and shape. The first thing that you need to do is to determine the location, size, and shape of your paver area. Mark the edges of the area with stakes and string between them. The area can be any shape that you wish.
Choose a paving pattern. The next thing that you need to do is to design the paver area. You can find plenty of ideas online. You can use one type of paver for a uniform look or a combination for a custom look.
Contact your local council for approval. Next, you need to contact your local council and supply them with your plans for any approval processes that are necessary for your local area.
Clear the chosen area. Once you have approval, clear the areas of anything that is in the way. This includes perennial plants, sod, bushes, or trees. Next, you need to dig down a few inches and excavate the entire area. Make it as smooth as possible.
Prepare the ground with sand, gravel, or concrete. Next, put down a layer of sand, gravel, or concrete. The proper way to install pavers is to use a base of sand or gravel for stability. Laying pavers on concrete is another popular method. Laying pavers on soil is not recommended, but if you do, use a plate compactor to tamp down the soil as much as possible.

How to lay pavers

Next, it is time to start installing the pavers. Here are the steps.

Set up a string line. When you first did the preliminary plan, you set up stakes and strings. Now, it is time to make sure they are solid and exactly where you want them. These will be your guide for laying the pavers.
Lay mortar mix and the first row of pavers. Laying the first row is the most important because it will set the spacing for the rest of the project. Take your time and get this one right.
Use a spirit level and mallet after laying each paver. When placing pavers on top of concrete or laying pavers on a sand and cement mix, you need to use the mallet to tamp them down until they are level. If you do not, you can create a tripping hazard.
Continue laying the next rows. Now, continue laying the next rows following your plan. Make sure to tamp and level each one as you go.
Cut pavers for the edges. The final step is to cut and place the pavers for the edges. Once this is finished, sweep sand over the pavers to fill in the cracks and add stability.
Let the pavers set. Allow the pavers to settle for at least a week before attempting to walk on them or use them. You might need to tamp some of them down again to make them level. Now, you wash them off with a hose and apply several coats of sealer.

How to cut pavers

Cutting pavers must be done carefully so that they do not crack or splinter and cause harm. You can cut pavers with a hammer and chisel. Use a pencil or marker to draw a line all the way around the brick or paver. You will need to score all four sides. Use the edge of the chisel to score a groove around the paver. Now, you can use a larger chisel to continue chipping away until the paver is the right size and shape. You could also use a paver or concrete saw to cut the pavers. Make sure to use a diamond masonry blade and wear proper safety protection.

How to lay brick pavers on grass

Laying pavers on sand is the preferred method. If you choose to lay brick pavers on grass, make sure to kill the grass with a poison. Before laying the brick, compact the soil with a plate compactor. Using paver sand is the recommended method because over time, even if you use grass killer, eventually weeds will grow between the cracks.

How to calculate how many pavers you need

Here are the steps for calculating the number of pavers that you need.

Multiply the length by the width of the paver area in centimetres. This will give you the total square centimetres. If the area is not square or rectangular, measure it at the widest point. You can also break the area into sections and add them together.
Next, measure the width and length of the paver and multiply them together. For instance, a standard brick is 21.5 cm x 11.25 cm, which equals 241.9 cm.
Now, divide the total square centimetres of the paving area by the square centimetres for each paver, and you will have the approximate number of bricks or pavers that will be needed.
It is usually recommended that you purchase between 5-10% extra for breakage. If you find out that you do not have enough, finding a perfect match can be difficult, so it is usually best to buy a few extra.

A more complex paving design / Source: We R Paving

How to hire a paver

As you can see, the process for creating a paved area in your yard has many steps, and it is hard work. If this is your first time, you might not be satisfied with your outcome. This is why hiring an experienced paver installer might be the best option. Here are some tips for hiring the right person for the job.

Licencing and qualifications

Pavers who do hardscaping and pavers or pour hard outdoor surfaces might need special licences in some circumstances. For instance, they might need a licence for laying a poured concrete foundation. They might need a bricklaying licence for a brick patio. In some cases, they might need a landscaping licence. The best pavers in Australia have a certificate in paver installation. This certificate takes six months of coursework to complete.

Sometimes, a garden or yard just doesn’t feel complete without paving to tie everything together. However, it can be overwhelming deciding on a colour or pattern with such a variety of pavers and sones available.

How to choose a paving colour?

There is a large selection of paver colours to choose from. You can choose solid colours or designs that have a myriad of vibrant colours. The colour you select can help create the illusion of space, add depth, brighten up or tone down an aesthetic and create the perfect ambiance. When deciding on a colour for your pavers, here’s what you should consider.

1. The location

You will need to assess whether or not your paving area is in a sunny area or in the shade. Opt to use lighter pavers for areas not exposed to too much sunlight and darker pavers for areas that receive lots of sunlight. If the area is sunny sometimes and shady during other times, then choose a light-dark pattern.

Source: Bondi Landscapes Design & Construction

2. Create the illusion of space with colour

Paver colours assist with the illusion of space and can create a warmer or harsher ambiance. When you pave a narrow concrete patio with light paving it creates a cheerful ambiance and makes the patio appear larger. Be careful though, as a very light paver used in a large area can make the area appear cold. For patios where there is lots of sunlight, it’s advisable to use softer tones. The use of clay tiles can do wonders for the transformation of a plain patio.

3. Further considerations when choosing colours

Be sure to select a colour that blends in with the surroundings. Try to avoid matching colours but opt for colours that complement the area.

For an expansive area such as your driveway, opt for multi-coloured pavers. You can use monotones for the rims andpavers with designs for the centre. You can add character and beauty with sharp coloured edging stones too. When using multi-colours on your driveway, you have the advantage of concealing small marks.

Natural multi-colours can be used to create a classy look for your garden path or lobby when you apply it to your main area with a charcoal coloured edging.

How to choose a paving pattern

Before you start reading about paving patterns, here are a few key terms that you’ll need to know in order to understand the paving descriptions:

Header – the paver’s shortest side
Stretcher – the paver’s longest side
Course– pavers set in a row
Bond – completed paving pattern

Herringbone paving pattern

For this popular design, any kind of paver, bricks, or stones can be used. They are laid diagonally in alternate directions. The length of each joint is no longer than that of one and a half pavers. This design can be done at a 45-degree or 90-degree angle.

There are several paving patterns to choose from, like a Herringbone pattern / Source: Boronia Gardens

Basket weave paving pattern

As the name suggests, this design resembles a woven basket. Two rectangular pavers are positioned horizontally, with the next two in a vertical position. This is repeated until the designated area is completely covered. For added contrast and style, use different shades of pavers. Darker and lighter tones will really emphasise the design and create a lovely contrast. A single basket weave pattern will have alternating courses of single horizontal bricks and double vertical bricks.

Stretcher bond paving pattern

This is the simplest of all designs, also known as a running bond, the stretcher bond pattern is a simple, classic, and enduring paving pattern. Pavers are laid in the same direction next to each other – ensuring that each paver overlaps the one beneath it by half. The same way a standard brick wall is laid. By choosing to lay the pavers lengthways or widthways, you can make a certain area appear larger or smaller.

An example of stretcher bond paving in a garden / Source: Landscape Construct

Stack bond paving pattern

This type of pattern is perfect for square pavers, and it’s incredibly simple and easy to build. Just lay the pavers evenly with an equal distribution all around. Then, you can use differently coloured pavers to create a pattern within the courses. Many stack bond paving patterns also have a border laid around the outer edges of the paving.

Stretcher/Header combination paving pattern

This design is created by using both the long (stretcher) and short (header) sides of the paver. As is the case with many other designs, you can create an even more stunning result by selecting different colours and shades. Alternate between paver sides and colours for the most captivating and intricate result.

Large format design

This elegant design consists of large square or rectangular pavers placed either close together or with larger gaps between them. The gaps can be filled by small plants, pebbles or even woodchips. This design really makes the paved area appear larger. This style is regularly chosen for outdoor entertainment areas, patios and walkways in the garden.

Radial paving pattern

By alternating between the long and short sides of the pavers, stunning rings are formed with a radial design. The herringbone design is also partially implemented with this design to form the core. This design can consist of rings running side by side or overlapping each other slightly.