How to Build a Paver Patio
Take advantage of all your yard has to offer by building an inviting paver patio. Not only will the addition give you a solid, level surface for an outdoor seating area, it will also turn your backyard into an inviting area for guests to congregate on pretty days.
The first step to building a paver patio is determining the amount of materials you'll need to complete the project. Use spray paint to mark off the area where you'll place the patio. Measure the outside perimeter of the patio and calculate the overall square footage. Take these measurements with you to your local home store when you're picking out your pavers and edgers. A store associate should be able to advise you on the number of pavers you'll need, as well as pea gravel and sand.
Use stakes and string to mark out the area for the patio and then remove dirt until the whole area is approximately three inches deep. Make sure the edges and bottom of the hole are smooth and that the entire area is level. Pack down the soil to ensure that it won't settle and leave depressions after the pavers are installed. Pour one inch of sand into the area and use a screed rail to ensure that it's level.
Lay the first pavers so their outer points form a 90-degree angle, taking great care to ensure that the pavers fit together well. Follow the individual instructions that came with your pavers when piecing the pavers together. If your pavers are irregularly shaped, you will probably have to use a circular saw to cut custom edge pieces if you want your patio to be a traditional, rectangular shape.
Once all the pavers are installed, dig a trench 1.5 inches deep along the outside edge of the patio area. Use sand to level the bottom of the trench and then add edgers to create a supportive border for your patio. Fill any irregular spaces between the edges and pavers with pea gravel. The small stones will not only help to hold the pavers in place but it will also aid in drainage.
