How to Install Pavers: A Step-by-Step Guide for DIY Enthusiasts
Are you thinking about upgrading your backyard with a DIY patio or walkway? Pavers (also called brick pavers or concrete pavers) are a timeless, durable option that can dramatically improve your outdoor space. If you’re up for the challenge, you can install them yourself with a bit of patience and the right tools.
This comprehensive, Ontario-specific guide walks you through how to install brick pavers step by step, from planning and excavation to the final sweep of polymeric sand. Whether in Hamilton, Brantford, or anywhere in Southern Ontario, you’ll find local tips, expert techniques, and insider tricks to help you get professional-looking results.
For more inspiration and detailed guidance, don't miss our comprehensive Guide to Planning a Landscaping Project: Design, Materials, & Maintenance.
Materials & Tools Checklist: What You’ll Need
Gather your materials before you start. Having everything on hand will save you time and trips to the store.
Materials:
- Pavers (clay, concrete, or interlocking stone)
- Gravel base material (¾” crushed stone or HPB – High Performance Bedding)
- Bedding sand (concrete sand or screening)
- Polymeric sand
- Edge restraints (plastic, aluminum, or concrete)
- Landscaping fabric (optional for weed control)
Tools:
- Measuring tape
- Stakes and string
- Shovel
- Plate compactor (rentable)
- Level
- Rake
- Push broom
- Rubber mallet
- Concrete saw or wet saw.
- Garden hose (for final sand setting)
Step 1: Planning and Layout
Start with a sketch. Define the size, shape, and pattern of your patio or walkway. Mark the layout using stakes and string lines to guide excavation.
Local tip for Ontario:
In cold-climate areas like Brantford or Hamilton, plan for proper slope—at least 1 inch of drop per 4 feet—to allow water to drain away from your home. And always call for utility locates before you dig.
Step 2: Excavation and Base Preparation
Dig deep enough to accommodate your base, bedding sand, and paver thickness. In Southern Ontario, the total depth should be:
- 4–6" of gravel base
- 1" of sand
- 2–3" pavers
So, plan on excavating at least 7–10 inches, more if the soil is clay-heavy (common in Brantford) or prone to frost heave.
Pro tip: Compact the subsoil before adding base material. Lay down landscaping fabric if weeds are a concern.
Step 3: Install the Gravel Base
Pour in your crushed stone or HPB base in 2-inch layers, compacting with a plate tamper between each lift. Ensure your base is level and sloped away from buildings.
Why it matters: Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycles will shift pavers if your base isn’t rock-solid. Using the right amount of compacted gravel is non-negotiable.
Step 4: Add Bedding Sand
Spread 1 inch of concrete sand or screenings on top of your base. Use screed rails (e.g., 1-inch pipes) and a straight board to smooth and level the sand evenly.
Don’t compact this layer—your pavers will do that when set and tapped in.
Step 5: Laying the Brick Pavers
Now for the fun part. Starting from a corner or straight edge:
- Lay your brick pavers in the chosen pattern (herringbone, running bond, basketweave, etc.).
- Tap each paver into place using a rubber mallet.
- Maintain tight joints and check alignment every few rows.
- Cut pavers as needed with a wet saw or masonry saw—always wear safety gear.
Step 6: Edge Restraints
Install edge restraints along the perimeter to keep the pattern from shifting over time. These can be:
- Plastic with spikes
- Aluminum
- Concrete edging
Edge restraints are critical in Ontario’s shifting soils—don’t skip this step.
Step 7: Fill Joints with Polymeric Sand
Once the pavers are laid and edges secured:
- Sweep polymeric sand into the joints.
- Tap the surface with the plate compactor to help settle the sand.
- Repeat sweeping until joints are completely filled.
- Lightly mist the area with water to activate the polymeric binding agent.
Don’t flood it—a gentle mist is all you need to harden the joints and lock out weeds.
Step 8: Clean Up & Cure
Let the area cure for 24–48 hours before heavy use. If it rains during curing, brush off any remaining sand quickly to avoid staining.
Pro tip: For a crisp finish, seal the pavers with a breathable, penetrating sealer—especially helpful in salt-prone regions.
Common DIY Paver Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
❌ Uneven Pavers
Fix: Ensure your base is level and compacted. Don’t skip steps!
❌ Water Pooling
Fix: Always maintain a 2% slope (1" per 4') away from your house or garage.
❌ Weed Growth
Fix: Use polymeric sand and consider a geotextile layer beneath your base.
❌ Tree Root Issues
Fix: Avoid building too close to large roots. If needed, elevate the patio with more base material rather than cutting roots.
DIY Paver FAQs
Q: Can I install brick pavers over concrete?
Yes, but only if the concrete is in excellent condition with good drainage. You’ll need a bonding agent or screed sand bed on top.
Q: What’s the best time of year to install pavers in Ontario?
Late spring through early fall. Avoid working in freeze-thaw seasons when base compaction becomes unreliable.
Q: How deep should the base be for Ontario winters?
Minimum 6" of compacted gravel—more in clay-heavy or poorly draining soils.
Q: Can I use sand only as a base?
Not in Ontario! Sand alone doesn’t provide frost resistance. Always use gravel or HPB for base layers.
Wrap-Up: You’ve Got This (But We’ve Got Your Back)
DIY brick paver installation is totally doable with the right prep and patience. And if you hit a snag—or just want to save time—Dibbits Landscape Supply is your local partner for everything from pavers and HPB to edge restraints and polymeric sand.
Related Read: Budgeting for Your Landscape Project »
