How to Lay a Paver Walkway

Material list for a 3 × 20 ft walkway

Use the paver calculator to change the size or paver type.

Step 1: Lay out the path

Mark both edges with string lines. A width of about 3–4 ft lets one person walk comfortably; wider paths suit two people side by side. Call 811 before you dig.

Step 2: Excavate

Dig to the depth of the base + sand + paver thickness. For 4 in base, 1 in sand and 2⅜ in pavers that is about 7½ inches. Give the path a slight cross-slope so water runs off.

Step 3: Build the base

Compact the soil, then add base gravel in 2-inch layers, compacting each one. The base does the real work – most paver problems come from a thin or poorly compacted base.

Step 4: Screed the sand

Lay two pipes on the base as guides, spread about 1 inch of sand and pull a straight board across the pipes. Do not walk on the screeded sand.

Step 5: Lay the pavers

Start at a straight edge and place pavers straight down – do not slide them. Cut edge pieces with a masonry saw or splitter.

Step 6: Edge, compact and fill joints

Install edge restraints, run a plate compactor (with a protective pad) over the pavers, then sweep joint sand into the gaps. If you use polymeric sand, follow the product instructions exactly for wetting.