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Building a Paver Walkway: Locates, Base, Sand, Pattern and Joints

A paver walkway is mostly what is under it. Find the buried lines first, build a compacted base, screed the sand, and lock the joints at the end.

Published 4 min read

The first surprise in the paver walkway video was not the stones. It was a ruptured 1 in. sprinkler line, hit while digging. So the first step of any walkway is to find out what is buried where you plan to dig, and the second is the base, because that is what keeps pavers from sinking years later.

Before you start

  • Call for utility locates. The Mr. Build It summary puts it plainly: he hit irrigation lines while digging, so call for utility locates before you start. Ask your utilities or building office how to request one where you live. Look for sprinkler boxes and valves too.
  • Check the rules. Ask your building office whether the work needs approval.
  • Protect yourself. The builder wears personal protective equipment while cutting pavers with an angle grinder and notes breathing the dust. Wear a dust mask or respirator, eye and hearing protection, and gloves.
  • Mind the neighbour’s fence line. He kept soil off it.

At a glance

SkillIntermediate; the video rates it DIY
TimeThe whole side yard (walkway, raised beds, pergola) took two weeks; working out the paver pattern alone took him 8 hours
CostNot stated in the video. Price pavers, road mix and sand where you shop

Step 1: Excavate

The builder excavated to a blank canvas with a mini skid steer, which barely fit through the gate with about 6 in. of clearance. For a hand dig, the same depth applies: you need room for the base, the sand and the paver thickness. Grade everything to drain away from the house.

Step 2: Build the base

Road mix, 5 to 6 in. deep. He describes it as the material used when paving roads: it makes a compact base, distributes weight, keeps water draining and keeps pavers from sinking years later. He compacted it with a plate compactor. Compact in layers if your base is deep, and follow the paver maker’s instructions for your climate.

Step 3: Screed the sand

On top went 3/4 in. PVC pipe and sand, screeded level over the pipes. He says skipping the sand is possible but harder, because a rock slightly off throws off the level. Spread the sand wider than the walkway, since pieces slanted where the sand did not extend.

Step 4: Lay the pavers

The walkway was 48 in. wide, with 305 sq ft of pavers in three sizes: 37% mega, 37% rectangular and 25% square, laid as a flagstone herringbone. He avoided linear patterns because lines tend to move. Plan the pattern on the ground first; he says it took 8 hours to figure out.

Step 5: Cut

Snap chalk lines and cut with an angle grinder and a concrete blade (he compared 5 in. and 7 in. blades). He drew the circle for the pad with a Sharpie tied to string, then extended it by a foot with a small retaining wall made of cutoffs.

Step 6: Polymeric sand

Polymeric sand works like grout: it keeps weeds and insects out. It is pushed into the joints, brushed, blown off and wetted so it hardens. Follow the label for how much water and for the weather it needs.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Digging before the locate.
  • A thin base, or skipping compaction.
  • Sand that does not extend under the edge pieces.
  • Cutting pavers without a mask and eye protection.

Call a pro if

  • You find a gas, water or power line in the dig. Stop and call the utility.
  • The walkway needs a retaining wall of any height or a change to drainage near the foundation.
  • You are cutting through irrigation or water lines you cannot repair with the right fittings. The builder repaired his with poly pipe, couplings and clamps.
  • A permit or inspection is required for the work.

See also

Sources

  1. Shown on this site, source of the base depth, sand, pattern, cutting and polymeric sand steps. How to Build a Paver Walkway, Raised Beds and Pergola Daybed (video, Mr. Build It) Source
  2. Shown on this site, a companion backyard job. Adding a Frost-Proof Backyard Spigot With PEX-A Fittings (video, Ask This Old House) Source
  3. Shown on this site, source of the mini skid steer and drainage-rock advice. Floating Deck Build: Footings, Framing and Composite Decking (video, Mr. Build It) Source

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