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What’s slip and skid resistant, harder than concrete, low maintenance, and can last more than 50 years? Pavers!
If you’re thinking about tackling a DIY project with pavers, know that it’s a lot of work, but can be very rewarding and you can definitely save some money doing it yourself.
Chris Prado, a New Home Consultant with M/I Homes in Orlando, tells us about some do’s and don’ts of brick paver walkways and driveways.
DIY Tips for Installing a Brick Paver Driveway or Walkway
DO start with a plan.
- Get brick paver walkway ideas and designs to inspire your project.
- Draw it out, make sure it slopes properly for drainage, and confirm with utility companies that where you want your pavers is ok.
DON’T skimp on prepping your area.
- Remove any existing grass, loose soil, or existing concrete or pavers. You’ve got to dig deep enough to allow for the underlayment (or base material).
- DO make sure to level the area. Check out how to level pavers.
DO add that base material.
- If what you’re creating will be mainly just walked on, then 4-6” of this stuff is sufficient. (If for a driveway, you better allow for more like 12.”)
- The base material is usually a gravel-like material, or small stones. It must stay strong, even when compacted, and be a material that will drain well.
- If you’re using a weed barrier, this is also the time to lay it under the base material.
DON’T forget to compact your work.
Have a compacting machine handy and use it every few inches depth before adding more until you get to your correct depth.
DON’T skip the edging material along the sides.
This will help contain the pavers and help keep them from shifting.
DO add about 1 inch of sand.
How to Add Brick Pavers
DO start laying the pavers on the longest and straightest side of project, and then come out at a 90° angle.
DON’T forget to pull from various pallets as you lay—as the color can vary a bit in each.
DO lay the pavers straight down. DON’T slide them through your sand base. DO keep them close together. DO keep them flat.
DO use a masonry saw to cut pavers to fit your space along the sides.
DON’T forget to compact them again! Go over them about 3 times in different directions and patterns.
DO sweep sand into all the cracks and crevasses until they are completely filled. Sweep in many different directions.
Brick Pavers Maintenance
Maintenance of your pavers should be minimal:
- DO blow or sweep debris off as needed.
- DO consider sealing the pavers to make cleaning and maintenance easier.
- DON’T forget to pull any weeds that appear before they get out of hand.
- DO pressure wash the area once or twice a year.
- DON’T forget to pack the joints with fresh sand after the surface dries.
As you can see, if you’re looking to spruce up your outdoor living space and are willing to put some hard work, you’ll find that a properly installed brick paver project creates a low maintenance, durable, and long lasting addition that is sure increase the curb appeal and resale value of your home, and that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Hungry for more? Contact us if you still have questions!
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