How do I Lay Interlocking Driveway Pavers?

Interlocking driveway pavers provide a smooth and sturdy surface that requires no mortar. These pavers can be laid by following a few simple steps. First, make a plan of the intended paver layout and prepare the base underlay. Next, install a weed barrier and begin laying the outside rows of interlocking driveway pavers. Then, install the remaining pavers and fill the voids between them with sand.

Before you begin installing interlocking driveway pavers, formulate a plan of the intended design and a list of materials needed for the project. If the pavers will be installed over soil, the driveway area must excavated and backfilled with compacted sand and gravel. It may be necessary to rent power equipment for this portion of the project. If you are paving over an existing concrete driveway, you will need landscaping glue to secure the outer rows of pavers to the surface.

Laying interlocking driveway pavers over bare soil requires the creation of a firm and level base surface. This is best accomplished by excavating the existing soil to a sufficient depth and backfilling the area with a compacted material such as sand or gravel. The ideal depth for this excavation is approximately 6 inches (15 cm). Backfill the area with crushed stone or gravel followed by a layer of sand and tamp the material thoroughly. Remember to keep the surface level with a gradual slope away from buildings or other structures.

After the base material has been installed and compacted, lay a sheet of landscaping material on the surface to prevent future weed growth. You will need to install some type of edging around the area where the interlocking driveway pavers will be laid to hold them in place. Edging materials such as steel, wood, plastic, or blocks may be used for this purpose. Installing edging around the pavers also prevents future grass encroachment. Edging is not needed when installing the interlocking driveway pavers over an existing concrete surface.

Install the outer paver rows first to provide stability for the interior section. Establish a straight line using string and stakes, the interior portion of the edging, or the edge of the existing driveway. The pavers in these outer rows may need to be cut to make them fit properly against the edging. A specially designed wet saw is usually the best tool for cutting interlocking driveway pavers. If you are using landscape glue, work quickly to prevent the material from setting up.

Working inward from the outer rows, install the interior pavers. It is important to properly align the pieces to enable their interlocking feature. If you have a design drawn on paper, check it frequently during the installation process. After the pavers are laid, you will need to fill the joints between them with sand. Brush sand into the voids with a broom until the joints are completely filled, and water the entire paving surface to settle the material.