STEP BY STEP Guide to DIY Paving

Quarry rubble
Bedding sand
Pavers or blocks
Gloves
Wheelbarrow
Shovel
Steel screed rails / straps
Pick
Steel screed bar
String lines
String line level
Steel pines
Spirit level
Hammer
Straight edge
Trowel
Broom
Blower (leaf blower)
Compactor plate
Tape measure
Rubber mallet
Brick saw
Finejoint sand
Concrete mix (for edge restraint)

Before you start, remember to prioritise safety:
Eye protection is essential when cutting pavers.
Wear ear protection when using power tools like a compactor or brick saw.
Bend your knees when lifting heavy pavers to avoid back strain.
Work boots protect your feet, while gloves protect your hands.
If working in the sun, don’t forget to slip, slop, slap and stay hydrated.

Start by measuring the area to be paved. Accurately mark the area with string or paint. Once you’ve got your measurements, draw up a clear plan. If your paving area is a driveway or encroaches on council land, check with your local council to ensure you have the necessary permissions.

Calculating Paver Quantities
To determine how many pavers you’ll need, calculate the area (length x width) in square meters. Then, add 5% to account for cuts and potential breakages.

Proper site preparation is key to ensuring your pavers stay level and look great for years.

Excavation
Excavate the area to the required depth, considering the thickness of your pavers and any additional layers. Here’s a guide to excavation depth:

For walkways: Depth of paver + 30mm bedding sand + 75mm compacted road base
For driveways: Depth of paver + 30mm bedding sand + 150mm compacted road base

Once you’ve determined the depth, mark the finished surface level with stakes and string lines, then excavate and compact the ground as needed.

Ensure the surface has a slight slope (about 15mm per meter) to allow water to drain away from buildings.

The sub-grade is the natural soil that supports your pavers. It should be firm, level, and free from vegetation. Remove any soft spots and compact the soil to prevent settling. Use string lines to check the level as you go.

Roadbase Layer
Add a roadbase layer to provide stability. For walkways, use 75-80mm of roadbase; for driveways, 100-150mm. Compact the roadbase thoroughly using a mechanical compactor.

Bedding Sand
Once the roadbase is set, spread a 30mm layer of bedding sand (washed concrete sand) over the area. Use a rake to level it out. This will serve as the base layer for your pavers.

Use screeding straps to level the bedding sand. Set the straps to the required height, then use a screed bar to level the sand between them. Afterward, remove the straps and smooth the sand with a trowel to ensure an even, consistent layer.

Start laying your pavers from a corner or along a straight edge. Use string lines to keep the joints straight, and ensure each paver is level. You can adjust them with a trowel if needed. Most pavers should have a 2-3mm gap between them.

Leave the edge pavers for last. Mark the pavers to be cut, and use a diamond blade brick saw to make the cuts. Always wear proper safety equipment when cutting.

Install an edge restraint to prevent the pavers from shifting. This could be a concrete edge strip or another form of edge support. The restraint should be placed at least 10mm below the finished surface to allow for compaction.

Once the pavers are laid, spread dry jointing sand over the surface and sweep it into the joints. Compact the pavers to lock them into place, then remove any excess sand.

If you’re paving a driveway or high-traffic area, apply Pave Set to lock the pavers in place and prevent shifting. Follow these steps:
1. Ensure the surface is clean and dry.
2. Spread Pave Set evenly over the pavers, sweeping it into the joints.
3. Compact the sand using a vibrating plate compactor or rubber mallet.
4. Mist the area with water to activate the polymer in Pave Set.
5. Allow the Pave Set to cure for at least 48 hours before allowing foot or vehicle traffic.

Once the pavers are laid and the joints are filled, use a mechanical vibrating plate compactor to bed the pavers into the bedding sand. This will ensure a level, stable surface.