Walnut CreekPavers

Guide · construction

How Pavers Are Installed

A lasting paver surface is mostly invisible: compacted soil, a geotextile where needed, at least 4 in (patios) or 6 in (driveways) of compacted aggregate base, about 1 in of bedding sand, the pavers, an edge restraint and full joints (ICPI Tech Spec 2).

Cross-section of a driveway paver installation: compacted subgrade, geotextile, 6 in compacted aggregate base, 1 inch bedding sand, 2 3/8 inch pavers with joint sand, and an edge restraint Finished surface slopes ≥1.5% so water runs off, away from the house 2⅜"1"6 in+ Pavers + joint sand60 mm (2⅜ in) units, 2–5 mm joints Edge restraintstops the field from creeping Bedding sand~1 in, screeded, compacted with pavers Compacted aggregate base6 in minimum after compaction Geotextile (as specified)keeps clay out of the base Compacted subgradenative soil, graded to drain
Driveway section to ICPI Tech Spec 2 minimums. A patio uses the same layers with a 4 in base. Source: ICPI Tech Spec 2.

The steps, in order

  1. Layout and excavation. The area is marked out and dug to the depth of base + bedding + paver, with the finished surface planned to slope at least 1.5% so water runs off.
  2. Compact the subgrade. ICPI calls for soil subgrades compacted to at least 98% of standard Proctor density. Soft spots are dug out and replaced.
  3. Geotextile (where needed). ICPI notes geotextile may be used over clay and moist silty soils or where soil stays saturated, to keep fines from migrating into the base.
  4. Base in lifts. Crushed aggregate is placed and plate-compacted in layers: at least 4 in after compaction for patios and 6 in for residential driveways on well-drained soils.
  5. Edge restraint. A restraint with at least 1 in of vertical face against the pavers goes along every open edge so the field can't creep.
  6. Bedding sand. About 1 in of washed concrete sand is screeded smooth and left uncompacted until the pavers go on.
  7. Lay and cut. Pavers are laid in the chosen pattern with 2–5 mm joints; edge pieces are cut to fit.
  8. Compact, sand, compact. The field is plate-compacted to seat the pavers, joint sand is swept in, and it is compacted again until joints are full.

Step details summarize ICPI Tech Spec 2.

How to spot a bad install

  • Pavers rock underfoot or ring hollow
  • Dips that hold water after rain
  • Joints that are wide, empty or uneven
  • Edges spreading or pavers pulling apart at borders
  • Pavers higher than door thresholds, or water running toward the house
  • Ruts in a driveway where tires track

Most of these trace back to base thickness, compaction or a missing edge restraint. How repairs work.

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Sources for this page

Costs are published third-party ranges (national unless labeled Bay Area). Real quotes can land below or above them.

FAQ

Installation questions

Can you lay pavers on dirt?

Not if you want them to stay put. Native soil moves with moisture and doesn't drain evenly, so pavers laid on dirt rock, sink and sprout weeds. The minimum ICPI calls for under foot traffic is 4 in of compacted aggregate base over well-drained soil, plus about 1 in of bedding sand. Stepping stones set in gravel or mulch are the exception.

How deep should the base be for pavers?

At least 4 in after compaction for patios and walkways and at least 6 in for residential driveways on well-drained soils, per ICPI Tech Spec 2. Wet or weak soils need thicker bases; ICPI suggests an engineer familiar with local soils in those cases.

What is polymeric sand?

Joint sand blended with a binder that firms up after it is wetted. It resists washout and weeds better than plain sand but has to be installed carefully: residue left on the surface can haze. Permeable pavers use small stone chips in the joints instead.

Next step

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