How to Install Patios and Walkways

Steps
How to Install Patios and Walkways
Call 811, Common Ground Alliance, a minimum of 2 to 3 days before starting your project to have utilities marked.
STEP 1. Stake Out/Remove Sod − Lay out project. Excavate the area to approximately 6 in larger on each side than
the finished project size.
Patios and Walkways: Excavate 7 in deep (except when using Renaissance paving stones).
Patios and Walkways using Renaissance patio stones: Excavate 7.75 in deep.
Driveways: Excavate 11.375 in deep.
STEP 2. Add and Compact Paver Base − Install paver base to a compacted finished thickness of 4 in for patios and
walkways and 8 in for driveways. Paver base should be installed in 4 in increments and thoroughly compacted.
Step 1.
Step 2.
STEP 3. Level Sand − Lay two, 1 in diameter pipes parallel on base, several feet apart. Spread 1 in of sand over
compacted base between pipes. Level sand by pulling a straight 2-in x 4-in board across the pipes several times
until sand is smooth. Remove pipes and fill voids with sand, leveling with a trowel. Repeat until base is covered
with sand.
STEP 4. Lay Pavers − Lay pavers or patio stones in the desired pattern. If the desired pattern requires cutting, the
pavers or patio stones can be cut with a tub saw.
Step 3.
STEP 5. Install Paver Edge − Install paver edge restraint and spikes around the entire project — 6 in from edge of
compacted aggregate according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
STEP 6. Compact Pavers − Compact* the pavers with a plate compactor in both directions with at least two passes.
Once compacted, spread paver sand over the surface and sweep into joints. Compact* again to ensure all joints
are completely full. Sweep any loose sand from surface.
Step 4.
*Do not use plate compactor on patio stones. Simply sweep sand into joints until all joints are full.
Tools
Step 5.
Drainage Aggregate
Step 6.
Shovel
Level
Tamper
Gloves
Paver and Patio Edging
Rake
String
Plate Compactor
Paver Base
1-in. Pipes
Stakes
Safety Glasses
Circular Saw
Rubber Mallet
Tub Saw
Anchor Block Company
5959 Baker Road, Suite 390 • Minnetonka, MN 55435 • 800-440-8657 • anchorblock.com
14.3577.1 09/12