To achieve the right look for your landscaping, you need to know how to install patio stones in a way that creates the feeling of uniformity, and architectural elegance. This not only improves the look of your home but adds value to your overall property. But when deciding how to build a walkway that will enhance your curb appeal, it is important to do design research and so you can arrange pavers to achieve the look you want. Let’s review some of the most common questions and tips for how to install pavers.

Planning and Designing Your Paver Pathway

The first step in how to lay paving stones is to do some research and planning to ensure you get the right materials and design in place. You should choose paver stones that will complement the look of your home and existing landscape. It is also important to choose stones that fit in with the size of your space. Choose a pattern that best reflects the look you want to achieve by blending brick styles and colours to design unique and stunning walkway patterns.

Take the time to research the correct measurements for your landscape. Most walkways will run between 36 and 48 inches. You should also take into consideration and design features you want to add such as curves and slopes, noting that there should be at least 1 inch of slope for every 8 feet of stone.

Gathering the Necessary Tools and Materials

The next step in how to install patio pavers is to ensure you have all the materials you need. Some of the most common paver installation tools you will need to include:

  • Sand
  • Gravel
  • Edging
  • Shovels
  • Level
  • Variety of paving stones

One of the keys in how to install interlocking pavers is to use high quality materials that can stand up to daily use and changing weather conditions, so make sure to consult with a paver professional to make sure you are getting the best materials.

Preparing the Area for Paver Installation

You have probably heard the old saying measure twice, cut once. The same goes for paver installation. It is particularly important in how to lay large pavers for a walkway. It is important to measure the area correctly, so you cut the pavers to the right size, as well as ensure that you don’t order too many or too few.

You also want to make sure you are preparing the area to make sure that water can drain away safely to avoid flooding or pooling. This means creating an area that is flat and accounts for any slopes in the landscape, making sure to level off where necessary.

In process

Creating a Stable Base for Your Paver Pathway

The next step in how to install pavers for a walkway is to create a base that is level and secure. This will avoid the risk of pavers coming loose or creating a tripping hazard.

Using gravel or crushed stone, create a flat and stable past to place your pavers in whatever pattern you have chosen.

Use a level to make sure the ground is flat and fill in any gaps or holes in your walkway area to make sure you have a solid foundation. This will allow you to lay your stones flush with the ground.

Once the pavers have been laid, you can use pea gravel, clover or grass to achieve a natural look, allowing it to grow between your stones.

Installing Edging and Borders

To prevent your new pavers from being overrun by unwanted greenery, use edging or borders. These will clearly define your space and help create a barrier between your natural landscape and your pavers. Use materials such as plastic, metal, or concrete to build your edging and borders.

Edging material will also help you in the preparation stages of your paver installation by creating a guide for laying stones.

Laying and Positioning the Pavers

Moving on to the next step in how to install interlocking pavers is the positing and laying of the stone. As we mentioned, edging can help you create a guide to follow for your design. Now you can begin laying stones in the right position to create patterns and designs.

You may need to trim or adjust stones to best fit your new walkway, so have cutting tools on hand to make adjustments as needed. Remember to lay your stones on a flat surface so that there is no chance of tripping. A hammer will help push stones down flush with each other.

Cutting and Trimming Pavers

Once you have your stones roughly laid out, you may need to do some trimming and cutting. A chisel or saw can help ensure that everything fits the way that it should.

A professional stone layer can also make sure that you get the look that you want, providing precision cuts that give you a professional look.

Filling the Joints

Once you have installed the pavers, you will want to use a joint sand or polymeric sand to help make sure the pavers don’t shift.

Wetting and compacting the sand will give it a concrete like finish and ensure that the stones are stable and compacted together.

Finishing Touches and Pathway Enhancement

Now that you have all your stones in place, add accents to give your walkway a professional and timeless finish.

This can include decorative elements that enhance your space, such as:

  • Lighting
  • Plants
  • Fencing
  • Garden features
  • Natural and artificial borders
  • Accent pavers

These features will give your space a more complete look, making it seem like your walkway has been there forever.

After

Pathway Maintenance and Care

Ensuring you get a long life out of your new walkway, means spending time on general maintenance and care.

This can include brushing and cleaning your walkway regularly to avoid a build up of debris.

You should also keep your walkway free from weeds or roots, which could quickly encroach on your new path and even uproot your stones.

Make immediate repairs to stones that have shifted or sunken to avoid trips or your stones shifting even further.

Expanding or Altering Your Paver Pathway

If you already have a walkway and want to make an expansion, there are lots of great ways to achieve this with unique design features that enhance your landscape.

Branches off your existing walkway or modifying your design can help you build additional functionality and allow you to connect with additional outdoors spaces such as pools or garages. You can easily find matching stones to keep a look of consistency.

Safety Considerations

Adding pavers is about more than just improving the look of your landscaping. It’s also about creating a safe pathway for your family and guests. This can include the use of slip-resistant surfaces that make moving through your walkway easier and more comfortable.

Your paving contractor will help make sure you are adhering to all building codes and regulations.

Still Need Help with Laying Patio Stones?

Are you ready to transform the look of your garden with a professionally installed walkway? We offer a full range of paver design and installation services at competitive prices. Contact the experts at ISR Gardening for a free consultation.