How to Lay a Stone Paver Patio

Patios built on a foundation of compacted stone will last for decades without shifting, cracking, or settling into the dirt. A well-constructed patio begins long before you touch a single stone; it is all about managing water drainage and ensuring the sub-base is rock-solid. Done well, your patio will remain perfectly level and weed-free year-round. Done poorly, the pavers will sink, heave during frost, and trap pools of water against your foundation. Take the time to dig deep and compact every layer thoroughly, as this is the difference between a professional result and a seasonal headache.

1. Map Out and Dig Deep. Outline your patio with stakes and string, ensuring a slight slope of one inch for every four feet away from your home. Dig out the soil to a depth of at least eight inches to account for the gravel, sand, and paver thickness.
2. Compact the Base Layer. Fill the excavated area with four inches of crushed angular gravel. Spread it evenly with a rake and run a plate compactor over the surface until it is hard and does not shift underfoot.
3. Secure the Boundary. Install heavy-duty plastic or metal edging around the perimeter of the gravel base. Secure them with 10-inch steel spikes driven through the edging and deep into the undisturbed soil.
4. Level the Sand Bed. Spread one inch of coarse bedding sand over the gravel. Use two lengths of one-inch PVC pipe as screed rails to ensure the sand is perfectly level, then pull a long straight board across them to smooth the surface.
5. Set Pavers in Pattern. Lay the pavers starting from a straight edge or corner, pressing them firmly into the sand without sliding them. Work in your desired pattern, keeping the joints tight and consistent throughout the entire surface.
6. Seal the Joints. Sweep polymeric sand over the finished patio, ensuring it fills every joint completely. Use a leaf blower to remove excess sand from the surface, then mist the patio lightly with water to activate the binding agent in the sand.