Installing Pavers in Sand        
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According to the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers, a good first impression of a home by potential buyers can increase its value up to 10 percent. Installing pavers is an easy and inexpensive way to instantly update your outdoor décor and boost that value. While pavers are durable and made to last a lifetime, learning how to set them properly can make all the difference. With the right tools and proper planning it’s easy to upgrade your yard on a budget. For more tips on selecting pavers check out our buying guide.
Step 1: Preparing the surface
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Mark your project area with wooden stakes and chalk or string lines to outline where you would like the top of your pavers. Remove sod and dig out area at least 7 3/8 inches below string line if you are installing a residential driveway or parking area, you need to dig out at least 9 3/8 inches.
Step 2: Making the bed
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Fill in a layer of crushed rock up to 3 1/2 inches below your string line — the rock should be at least 4 inches deep in all places. It’s easy to transport large quantities of stone — visit the Special Services Desk in-store for assistance. Rake surface until it’s level.

Compact the crushed rock using a manual compactor. This procedure provides the foundation on which the pavers are laid. If you don’t own a compactor, it’s easy and inexpensive to rent one from The Home Depot’s Tool Rental Center.
Step 3: Preparing the sand bed
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Place two pieces of 1-inch PVC pipe parallel to one another on the base rock, used for spacing. Spread the bedding sand in between the two pipes. Use a piece of wood to smooth sand, making it level with the top of pipes. Then remove pipe conduit and fill in voids — do not compact or walk on sand. Spread only as much sand as you can cover with pavers in one day. Sand left overnight or longer can become unleveled or wet which leads to an uneven surface.
Step 4: Lay pavers
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Start laying pavers outward in a staggered pattern. If it’s necessary to cut pavers, use a masonry saw or hammer and chisel. Measure over to your string line every few feet to stay on track.

Selecting the style of paver is an important decision as it will have an effect on your outdoor décor. The Home Depot carries a variety of options ranging from concrete to premium natural stone pavers by MS International.
Step 5: Compacting
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Sweep sand diagonally across pavers into the joints. Use a rubber mallet to set the pavers. Work from the perimeter inward, going over the surface at least twice until it is level.
Step 6: Sand joints
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Spread more sand over the surface of the pavers and sweep again into the joints to finish filling them. Save any extra sand — you may want to sweep it into your pavers again later to refill joints that are worn away by wind or rain.
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Tools and Materials

  • Wooden stakes
  • String line
  • Crushed rock and paver base (amount depends on the size of area, ask an associate at The Home Depot for assistance)
  • Sand (amount depends on the size of area, ask an associate at The Home Depot for assistance)
  • Shovel
  • Two 1 inch PVC pipes
  • Level
  • Rubber mallet
  • Manual compactor
  • Masonry saw or hammer and chisel
  • Broom
 
Jun. 28, 2010 03:14PM
Daniel, If polymeric sand was used and was not cleared off the surface of the pavers and swept into the cracks, you will need to use a paver cleaner to remove the polymer on the surface. In any event, a good paver cleaner should help fix the problem. Depending on the extent of "hazing" on the pavers, you may wish to call a professional paver installer to assist/evaluate before proceeding.
Jun. 27, 2010 11:50AM
I just put in a new paver patio. Used sand over the paver and plate compacted and washed down the patio, but now the pavers have a dirty look to them. Almost like the sand won't completely wash off. I tried scrubbing, but still looks dirty. It rained while I was sanding and plate compacting. Not sure if that had someting to do with it. How do I get the pavers to look new again?
Apr. 16, 2010 12:54PM
Mary, Here are a couple of great lists. http://web1.msue.msu.edu/msue/iac/greentip/blackwal.htm and http://wihort.uwex.edu/landscape/Juglone.htm
Apr. 16, 2010 12:49PM
We have many mature Black Walnut trees in our yard. Could you send me a list of shade species shrubs, evergreens and vines that would tolerate the hormone "juglone" the trees secrete that is toxic to so many plants? Candace from KC,MO
Apr. 08, 2010 10:34AM
Angelika, You can sign up for Home Depot's free e-newsletter and coupon offers by going to "edit profile" on the top left of the page.
Apr. 05, 2010 02:55PM
We would like to build an outdoor patio. We need about 360 bricks, Pavers, Sand, lay drainage...... and would like to receive a 10% off coupon. Is this possible?
Oct. 02, 2009 11:36AM
@ Tom Thanks for your comment. We're glad you're enjoying the coupons. For suggestions on paver patterns, head to your local The Home Depot.
Oct. 01, 2009 11:24AM
Please reprint, if you already have, different patterns to use for pavers. I want to create a patio effort in from of my potting shed. I love this site, I am learning more each time I read it. Thanks for the helpful coupons. Janey, Kingston Springs,TN
Sep. 07, 2009 11:22AM
I am interested in renewing a cracked cement slab with pavers or other material. The slab is located as part of a walkout from lower level and is sceened in underneath a deck. This area gets wet and water pools in corners.
Sep. 03, 2009 10:58AM
@ Rob Thanks for your comment. If the pressure washing washes the sand out from between the pavers so there are cracks (where weeds will want to sprout), plan to add more. If the sand is still there, it should be sufficient.
Aug. 26, 2009 05:02PM
I am planning on pressure washing the pavers around my pool. Do you recommend reapplying sand once I have finished?
Aug. 04, 2009 03:39PM
@ Cris Thanks for your comment. It would be a good idea to put some crushed rock underneath the pavers just to help with any heavy rains and to provide a good surface for installing them. A few inches of crushed rock should be adequate. Visit your local The Home Depot for all the supplies you need to get started.
Jul. 26, 2009 10:45PM
I live in West Texas . I was wondering if I needed to put down cruched rock we get 13 inches of rain a year . It get cold some time down to 10 but not no more than a couple of hours.
Jul. 24, 2009 01:53PM
Thanks for your comment. I'd consult with The Home Depot Landscaping Services. I expect that the drainage underneath paving must be excellent or you risk cracks and lumps. They'll have more expertise in this. You can reach them at: 1888-480-9500.
Jul. 22, 2009 04:19PM
Can I pave over existing pavers or cement slabs without removing if the base is solid?
Jul. 14, 2009 03:30PM
@ Shelly Thanks for your comment. We are always trying to improve our site and appreciate the time you took to provide us with feedback. For more information about pavers, read http://www.homedepotgardenclub.com/Dimensions/Article.aspx?contentid=405
Jul. 14, 2009 03:01PM
I would love to see more pics of pavers in driveways, walk areas, landscape areas ...with lots of different patterns to give me more ideas for useage of pavers.
Jun. 22, 2009 05:01PM
@ Vlad Thanks for your comment. We are always trying to improve our site and appreciate the time you took to provide us with feedback. We will consider your suggestions for future Garden Club site updates.
Jun. 19, 2009 10:46PM
Great Article, although I agree with John, more pictures should be included since most people are visual learners.
Jun. 12, 2009 05:16PM
@ Blaine Thanks for your comment. We are always trying to improve our site and appreciate the time you took to provide us with feedback. We will consider your suggestions for future Garden Club site updates.
Jun. 12, 2009 05:16PM
@ Karen Thanks for your comment. We are always trying to improve our site and appreciate the time you took to provide us with feedback.
Jun. 12, 2009 11:25AM
This looks like a great project. It would be great a see a article on creating a curved walkway with information on how the pavers are cut to fit.
Jun. 12, 2009 08:41AM
Very good article. I,m going to buy brink and sand and get busy today thanks
Jun. 09, 2009 04:46PM
@ Gloria Thanks for your comment. If the bricks are really uneven and keep shifting, I would suggest taking up the patio and starting over. The key to not having the bricks shift around is a good base. For step-by-step instructions, read: http://www.homedepotgardenclub.com/Dimensions/Article.aspx?contentid=927
Jun. 09, 2009 04:38PM
@ Carolyn Thanks for your comment. If you are laying pavers for a walkway there will naturally be spaces between the pavers for the water to drain. Be sure to create a level base of sand before paving the pavers. Once they are in place add more sand to the spaces between the pavers so they set in place. A wide selection of pavers are available at your local The Home Depot.
Jun. 07, 2009 03:42AM
We bought our house with these bricks as a patio. They are sunk in here and there, some deeper than others. Weeds keep coming up and we keep spraying. What can I do about all the shifting? Do I have to take up the whole patio?
Jun. 06, 2009 02:26PM
do I have to consider pitching or slanting pavers for rain or water run off, And if yes how and what is the best way?
Jun. 03, 2009 01:06PM
@ Michael Thanks for your comment. Visit your local The Home Depot for sealer to keep your pavers protected from the outdoor elements.
Jun. 02, 2009 01:43PM
@ Robyn Thanks for your comment. We are always trying to improve our site and appreciate the time you took to provide us with feedback.
Jun. 01, 2009 08:51PM
Isn't there a product you could use to seal the sand after step 6? Mike
May. 30, 2009 09:56AM
My husband and I just did a project just like this last weekend and we laid the sand as we went. It seemed to work well for us. We did have a very uneven ground to work with.
May. 26, 2009 11:37AM
@ Dustin Thanks for your comment. We are always trying to improve our site and appreciate the time you took to provide us with feedback.
May. 23, 2009 11:38PM
Also, I would highly recomend replacing the gravel in this feature (directions) with concrete. The 80 or even 60lb bags arn't to heavy to manage, easy to mix up in a wheel barrel or even some at a time in a bucket. Make just a 2" thick "slab" before the sand - will make ALL THE DIFFERENCE in the long run!
May. 23, 2009 11:35PM
I have installed these on 6 or 7 different jobs, seems that step three (screeding) is not necessary. Just pour out sand to work with and start going. Even if you did screed you would find more will be needed for some stones, others less. So you will be constantly moving the sand around anyway...colorado creations. theccllc.com / info@theccllc.com
May. 22, 2009 04:25PM
@ AM Thanks for your comment. We are always trying to improve our site and appreciate the time you took to provide us with feedback. We will consider your suggestions for future Garden Club site updates.
May. 22, 2009 11:54AM
It would also be nice to point-out how much to allow (i.e. ? in. per ft.) for proper water drainage
May. 22, 2009 10:27AM
@ Mark Thanks for your comment. After laying pavers, and sand has been spread into the joints, you'll use a mallet to set them (step 5).
May. 21, 2009 05:38AM
At what point do you compact the sand?
May. 20, 2009 05:10PM
Yvonne, yes, you still need to have a bed of sand and crushed rock under the pavers. Your sandy soil would still shift and move with changing temperatures and water flowing below ground level.
May. 20, 2009 01:47PM
I live on an island and already have sandy soil. Is it still necessary to add more sand and what about the gravel? Thanks, Yvonne
May. 19, 2009 04:17PM
@ Andy Thanks for your comment. We are always trying to improve our site and appreciate the time you took to provide us with feedback.
May. 19, 2009 04:17PM
@ Sandy Thanks for your comment. You have a variety of options. To find the paver option that will resist winter damage and that suits you aesthetically, read: http://www.homedepotgardenclub.com/Dimensions/Article.aspx?contentid=405
May. 18, 2009 10:15AM
For Avery: I am in St. Louis. The climate here is similar to Chicago, but not quite as cold. I put in a walkway and a patio area 2 years ago using pavers and it has held up nicely. Make sure you prepare the ground properly or you will get shifting with freeze/thaw cycles.
May. 16, 2009 11:06AM
Does anyone know how the pavers withstand de-icer in the winter? We have a sidewalk that keeps being eroded and repaired from keeping ice off it in winter. We thought about replacing it with pavers. Thank you. Sandee
May. 12, 2009 09:14AM
@ Avery Thanks for your comment. To compare differeent pavers and find the right one for you, read: http://www.homedepotgardenclub.com/Dimensions/Article.aspx?contentid=405
May. 10, 2009 02:10PM
Dustin, I'm in the same boat. Please, let me know how yours turns out, since I will not be able to do my pathway for a couple of months yet. I also wanted to use the open pavers for a parking area, with grass growing in them. Is the prep process the same? How much soil does the grass need?
May. 10, 2009 12:32PM
Hi, does anyone know if brick/concrete pavers are the way to go in cold climate like Chicago or should I be going with flagstone. I want something that is sturdy and makes the best sense from an economic standpoint, meaning, it's worth it for flagstone because it's much more durable in the long run or vice versa. thanks
May. 09, 2009 11:47PM
thanks a lot didn't know that i had to dig so deep
May. 08, 2009 01:23AM
Dustin: I have some of the same back yard soil composition; How has your's turned out, and have any pavers/stones settled unevenly? I plan on waiting 2 or more weeks after killing the lawn, before beginning the next step....has anyone else done this?........Barbara
Apr. 24, 2009 04:53PM
@ Michael Thanks for your comment. For additional patio and paver options, read The Home Depot's Patios and Walkways 1-2-3 book for step-by-step instructions on additional projects.
Apr. 23, 2009 11:46PM
Someone told me to just use the 3/4" or less gravel and to skip sand between the gravel and pavers. Any opinions on this?
Apr. 23, 2009 04:19PM
@ Dustin, Loren, Bonnie and Lelia For additional patio and paver options, read The Home Depot's Patios and Walkways 1-2-3 book for step-by-step instructions on additional projects.
Apr. 21, 2009 06:14PM
I want to know after you have did your walkway with the brick and all, will you be able to take it apart if you decide in the future to do another style in your walkway,,
Apr. 04, 2009 04:45PM
Dustin's comment is wonderful! and much easier than all that digging..some friends of ours did just that--the only downside is then you step up to your patio, but so what? I think it is better..and much more level than the other way--I wish I had known we had done ours the other way years before and it's uneven!!
Apr. 01, 2009 10:20AM
I have the gray stone in front of my home. Can I use stone instead of brick?
Mar. 27, 2009 06:32PM
I'm just wondering if i can build it up from the ground. i live in an area that is clay and rock and digging is very hard. can i place my crushed rock on top of the ground and then the sand because the digging is to hard and don't have the money to rent any equipment. if so, do i have to block it in with 2x8's and afterwards back fill.
Mar. 27, 2009 04:50PM
Thanks for your comment. We are always trying to improve our site and appreciate the time you took to provide us with feedback. We will consider your suggestions for future Garden Club site updates.
Mar. 27, 2009 11:55AM
Our backyard is so settled, where to set the new horizontal level? how many inches from the edge of concrete slab? Also, please tell how to put the edger.
Mar. 25, 2009 05:45PM
Project details were very helpful. Two key things left out were; how to cut pavers, and how to install the support rails on the outside.
Mar. 24, 2009 10:08PM
It all looks good except, what are the black, "track looking" things pictured starting in step 3? I don't see them mentioned anywhere. Also, I don't see the pvc pictured and am not sure exactly how to lay them out. Help?
Mar. 23, 2009 03:28AM
you all make it look so easy.I tried it and i messed it up so bad that I wished I never started it. Can you make a DVD to help make it look easy.Not a DVD that is going to cost over $10.00.... thank you
Mar. 22, 2009 12:07PM
I'd like to see some examples of yards and patios with pavers that have space for grass to grow between (perhaps 3 - 4 inches). This would be a modern look and save water also.
Mar. 21, 2009 08:52PM
March 21, 2009 8:15 PM by MiMi Can large square pavers be laid out the same way as the brick pavers??
Mar. 21, 2009 03:50PM
Definately more photos. Show the cutting of pavers with a chisel. Also, is it a particular kind of sand? Sherry
Mar. 21, 2009 06:49AM
Very helpful- the step by step instructions are easy to understand & now I have a weekend project. Thank you- Vandy
Mar. 20, 2009 07:21PM
This information could not have come at a better time. We are replacing our front steps with cement steps and some kind of decorative rails. This information will be so helpful when it comes to doing the actual prep work for the new sidewalk. Thank you SO MUCH for perfect timing of this information!!!!
Mar. 19, 2009 07:48PM
Please use photos with each step. Most people are visual learners.
 
 
 
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