At Richmond Sand Gravel & Landscaping, we’ve created a DIY guide to help you lay your own Pavers!

Let’s get started… Richmond Sand & Gravel would firstly like to say good luck!! Please use this as a guide only, each person’s site is different therefor we can only offer a broad guide on how to DIY, however we cannot accept any liability in respect to the content of this guide or work conducted using these guides. If you do not feel confident let us recommend a qualified tradie for you!

STEP 1 – SETTING OUT AND PREPARING YOUR AREA

Mark and measure out your area. You will need to get a m² measurement to allow you to calculate materials needed. ie. If your area is 10m long by 3m wide your area is then 30m²

Once your area is marked and you are happy, remove any excess grass, soil, debris etc – you may need to hire a bobcat or excavator for large spaces.

Excavate your area so that is not only level but allows for your sub base to be constructed & the thickness of your paving (note pavers are typically between 40mm-50mm depending on your paver choice). Richmond Sand & Gravel recommend allowing for 100mm of road base or metal dust, both are heavily compactable materials designed to set firm under your paving to ensure little to no movement of your pavers. You will also need to cater for a skim layer 30mm max of bedding sand – Richmond Sand & Gravel recommend washed river sand which will allow you to get perfect levels for your paving.

STEP 2 – PREPARING BASE

Distribute road base or metal dust evenly over the excavated area to a recommended depth of 100mm, ensure your levels allow for general fall to drainage points.

Compact the road base with a plate compactor (Wacker acker). Richmond Sand & Gravel recommend wetting the metal dust or road base as it will allow you to compact better, and it is advised to compact your site twice to ensure that you have less movement once pavers are laid.

Begin to spread the sand over the compacted road base to a thickness of 25-30mm.

Screed the river sand with a timber float or straight edge. Ensure level both ways using your spirit level.

STEP 3 – LAYING THE PAVERS

Set up a string line running along the edge(s) of your paved area. The string line will help ensure your edges are straight and pavers are flush.

Begin laying pavers starting at one end of the project and working your way across. Leave a 3mm gap between the pavers for the jointing sand to be swept in later. Ensure each paver is square with the string line and level using the spirit level. Wriggle pavers into place and tap with rubber mallet where required to ensure level.

STEP 4 – EDGING AND LOCKING IN THE PAVING

Make sure to utilise sand and cement mix to haunch or lock in the header courses that are not up against a wall. This will assist in supporting the outer course of the paved area.

This is as simple of mixing sand and cement or you can choose to buy a premixed sand and cement mix and screeding the cement mix along the edge of your paving to lock your pavers into place, another helpful tip is to use the sand and cement underneath the outer header course, this will help set the pavers and give them even more strength.

STEP 5 – LOCKING SAND AND SEALING

Once  you have laid the pavers into place your need to lock them into place by sweeping a dry fine white sand or paverbond/gapsand product into the joining cracks between the pavers.

Richmond Sand & Gravel recommend you seal all your pavers both concrete pavers  and natural stone, not only will it protect your pavers from staining and wear and tear, it will also protect your pavers from fading and ensure your pavers stay in perfect condition and remain easy to clean. Have a chat with our staff today with regard to what sealer will work best for you!

Shopping List

Pavers
Metal Dust
River Sand
Sand Cement premix
Builders Cement / GP Cement
Gap Sand / Paver bond / White sand bags
Sealer

Tool Guide

Safety Gear – gloves, glasses, ear muffs
Wheelbarrow
Spade
Rubber Mallet
Spirit Level
Wacker Packer
Straight Edge
Broom
Trowel
Screeding Rail / Straight Edge