How to Install a Paver Walkway
A paver walkway looks like custom work and only needs a strong base and good edge restraints to last for decades. Most of the labor is in the digging and compacting.
What You'll Need
Video tutorial: How to Design and Install a Paver Walkway
Shovel and mattock
Plate compactor (rented)
Hand tamper
Level and straight 2x4
Rubber mallet
Crushed paver base (gravel)
Paver sand
Polymeric joint sand
Edge restraints
Step-by-Step
Mark and excavateLay out the path with stakes and string, then dig down 6–8 inches plus the paver thickness.
Add and compact the basePour in 4 inches of crushed paver base in 2-inch lifts, compacting each layer with a plate compactor.
Install edge restraintsPin plastic edging or solid edging along both sides of the path. Pavers move sideways without it.
Screed a sand bedSpread a uniform 1-inch layer of paver sand and screed it flat with a 2x4 dragged along pipe rails.
Set the paversLay pavers in your chosen pattern, gently tapping each one home with a rubber mallet. Don't kneel on freshly set sand.
Cut the edge piecesMark and cut pavers for the borders with a wet saw or a brick chisel. Wear safety glasses.
Sweep in joint sandPour polymeric jointing sand on the surface and sweep it diagonally into every joint until full.
Compact and activateRun the plate compactor over the entire walkway, then mist with water as instructed to activate the polymeric sand.
Pro tipThe base does the work. Six inches of well-compacted gravel will keep your walkway flat for 20 years; skipping it leads to sinking pavers in one season.
If you don't think you can do it, let our experts help.