Home
Fact-checked

At HomeQuestionsAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are Interlocking Pavers?

S. Mithra
S. Mithra

Interlocking pavers are tiles made of concrete that simulate cobblestone paths. The individual interlocking pavers fit together to cover a deck, patio, walkway, driveway, or anywhere you might consider placing concrete or bricks. Since they use no mortar or grout, interlocking pavers are simple to install yourself and even easier to maintain.

Their beauty may initially attract a designer or homeowner to interlocking pavers, but this versatile building material has a lot more to offer. The pavers are constructed from poured concrete, so they are durable and resilient. The manufacturers add color to give the pavers the look of natural stone, like granite or slate. Yet concrete is far less expensive than shaped stone.

Interlocking pavers are tiles made of concrete that simulate cobblestone paths.
Interlocking pavers are tiles made of concrete that simulate cobblestone paths.

Interlocking pavers are available in a wide range of shapes, so you aren't bound to using different sized squares that mimic European cobblestone. For instance, a diagonal arrangement of rectangular tiles might create a herringbone pattern. Hexagons fit tightly together, as well. Some companies even customize pavers to whatever design you envision.

Laying interlocking pavers is so accessible to the homeowner that you can save on installation costs. First you dig the section you wish to pave to a depth of 2-4" (5-10 cm), depending on the tile's thickness. Then you place a thin layer of gravel and a thicker layer of sand to make the surface level. Set the pavers on top in the planned layout.

A thin layer of gravel is often used to lay interlocking pavers.
A thin layer of gravel is often used to lay interlocking pavers.

Instead of connecting the pavers, as you would tiles, by pouring grout between the joints, you merely tamp down fine sand particles. The sand stabilizes the interlocking pavers yet allows for some flexibility. In other words, this type of pavement will absorb stress such as small earthquakes, freezes and thaws, and slight ground erosion by shifting each tile a tad. Therefore, they will not crack or buckle like concrete.

The only special tool needed for installing interlocking pavers is a tamping machine called a vibrator. This actually vibrates the tiny spheres of sand until they are at their most compact. The sand doesn't easily wash out with rain or garden hose water. You can opt for an additional sealer, but many interlocking pavers come pre-sealed. A driveway would especially benefit from a sealer, as you won't want oil and tire marks to stain.

Discussion Comments

anon336342

For installation of an interlocking paver, what is the acceptable differential level, like 2mm 3mm or 10 mm when they are installed side by side?

anon67534

Yes you tamp the sand or stone dust before you lay the pavers. and you will probably have to regrade the sand of stone dust after taking up the old patio or driveway. you pretty much lay them like a regular paver

anon24096

do you tamp the sand before you install the brick or after?

dadaamy

How are interlocking pavers installed over an existing concrete patio or driveway?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Interlocking pavers are tiles made of concrete that simulate cobblestone paths.
      By: Pix by Marti
      Interlocking pavers are tiles made of concrete that simulate cobblestone paths.
    • A thin layer of gravel is often used to lay interlocking pavers.
      By: nito
      A thin layer of gravel is often used to lay interlocking pavers.