10-Step Guide to Installing Pavers
Whether you plan to install brick, concrete or stone pavers the following paver installation steps should be of help. Even if you are going to have your pavers professionally installed it is a good idea to be familiar with the process.

The following 10-steps will each be discussed in detail:

Planning and Layout
Calculating Amount of Pavers Needed
Excavation
Base Material
Edge Restraints
Sand Bedding
Laying Pavers
Sand Joints
Sealing
Maintenance
1. Planning and Layout
Planning your paved area is your first step. The patio or driveway must be allocated the correct amount of floor space. Decide where your pavers will go and if there is enough space for them. Your plan can be drawn out and measured onto graph paper.

Now you are ready to layout your plan. Using a hose or some wood, form the outline of your paved area. Then mark or spray paint your outline, approximately eight inches outside that outline.

Also remember to consider that the area needs to have gradient or slope, so as water can runoff the pavers to prevent pooling
 
or ponding which could damage the pavement over the long term.
2. Calculating Amount of Pavers Needed
First measure the width and the length of the area to be paved. Then you multiply the width and the length together, which will give you the area to be paved, either in square meters or square feet.

Now you should always add 5% to this figure, this is to cover the pavers that will be cut to fit curves and odd spaces. If you feel that you will be cutting a lot of pavers, you should add 10%.

You now know how many square meters of pavers you need to complete your area.

3. Excavation
Establish the height that the pavers should reach and not exceed.
Remember: the slab should slope downwards away from the house, to allow water drainage. Every 4 feet, you should go down one inch.
Place stakes around the parameter and mark stakes with slope decline.
Place string tightly on stakes, to indicate the height level to follow.
 
Calculate the total depth of excavation needed. Do this by adding together the inches required for the base, the sand bedding and the paver’s thickness. This will give you the total depth at which you should excavate.
Now you can dig out to this depth, and afterwards compact the ground with a compacting machine.
 

4. Base Material
Once the excavation is complete, the next step is the laying of the base material.

 The base material usually consists of crushed stones, such as limestone or gravel. The crushed stone should have varying sized stones and sharp edges. This is important when compacting the base material, the sharp edges and size variance makes for easy compaction. It is also recommended to use crushed stone that has a little moisture in it, for it will compact together much easier.

The base material should be laid in a thickness, depending upon your sub-base material. If your sub-base is soft clay, then a thicker layer will be required. Just so your base is strong and will make a good foundation

Now spread the crushed stone over the area in an even layer. It is suggested that you divide it into three smaller layers, and compact in between each layer, for best results. Once it’s spread evenly, use a compacting machine, to go over the area several times, in a circular motion.

5. Edge Restraints
Edging is essential in the maintenance of your paved area. If edge restraints are not implemented, your pavers may move and separate. Harsh weather and high traffic usage, along with no edge restraints, will ruin your paved surface. Edge restraints can be made of plastic, pre-cast concrete, steel and aluminum.