As you might expect, the secret of a long-lasting patio lies in a good base for the pavers to rest on. How thick a base depends upon the soil; low-lying, wet soils need a thicker base than well-drained soil. Three inches of well-compacted, crushed stone should be enough. However, the type of base material available varies from region to region. Local paver dealers can reccommend a suitable base and help you figure out how much you'll need. They'll also help gather and perhaps deliver your other supplies -- washed concrete sand, edge restraints and pavers. Seriously consider home delivery... this stuff is heavy.

A mechanical vibrator plate ($60/day rental) saves a lot of hand labor when compacting down an aggregate base. Later, you'll want to pack down the pavers too, so it will be well worth the rental fee. It's a heavy machine, for adults only, but is quite easy to use. For very small patios, a hand tamper will be enough (You can make one by nailing two 12-in. squares of 3/4-in. plywood to the end of a 4x4).

It's worth being a little fussy about flattening the base and making sure it slopes just right. Your patio surface will conform to the surface of the base, showing every dip and rise.

Introduction | Getting Started | Building the Base | Laying the Pavers
Information used with Permission from THE FAMILY HANDYMAN

Do-it-yourself | Airports | Walkways | Driveways | Streets

Building Applications | Interlocking Concrete Paving | Segmental Retaining Walls | Articulated Concrete Block Paving | Concrete Masonry Units