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
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
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
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
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
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
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.