Preparing the ground to receive paving stones
Before installing your interlocking pavers, it’s essential to properly prepare the ground. Careful preparation ensures the durability and stability of your paved area. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide for a flawless result.
- 1. Check for Underground Utilities
Before any excavation, make sure there are no pipes or cables in the work area. If any are present, contact the responsible company to prevent accidents or damage.
- 2. Excavation and Slope
For effective drainage, excavate the ground with a minimum slope of 2% (approximately 20 mm per meter or 1/4 inch per foot). In some cases, a 1% slope may be sufficient if the overall layout is well-controlled. When in doubt, consult a paving expert to analyze the terrain, soil type, and overall drainage. The excavation perimeter should extend at least 300 mm (12 in) beyond the area to be paved. Ideally, this distance should be 1 to 1.5 times the thickness of the base. Combined with concrete edging, this ensures stability and provides proper support for all pavers, including those along the borders.
- 3. Leveling and Compacting the Soil
Level the excavation base using a rake. For sandy or granular soils, compact with a vibratory plate or roller. For clay soils, avoid excessive early compaction. Installing a geotextile between the natural soil and the base is recommended—it prevents material mixing and enhances stability.
- 4. Installing the Granular Base
Spread 0–20 mm (0–3/4 in) stone in 100 mm (4 in) layers, lightly watering to aid compaction. Compact each layer multiple times using a vibratory plate, roller, or jumping jack compactor. The surface should be uniform, without bumps or depressions greater than 13 mm (1/2 in) over 3 m (10 ft). If needed, correct with additional 0–20 mm stone and re-compact.
- 5. Installing Edging
If you are installing borders, do so now or before completing the base. Place the first side, then temporarily lay a row of pavers to determine the ideal position for the opposite border and minimize cutting of the pavers.
- 6. Preparing the Bedding Layer
Spread a first layer of concrete sand or stone dust between two parallel 25 mm (1 in) diameter pipes placed on the granular base. Level the material using a straight board slid over the pipes, then compact without moving the pipes. Apply a second layer to fill the space created by compaction (about 6 mm or 1/4 in) and level again. This method ensures a perfectly flat bedding layer, making paver installation easier.
- 7. Laying the Pavers
Repeat these steps across the entire surface. Avoid significant variations in the thickness of the bedding layer, as this may cause unevenness. Lay the pavers according to your chosen pattern, ideally starting at a 90° angle, and walk on the pavers as you progress to prevent displacement.
