Concrete Patio Pavers Basics

Patio pavers are durable sections of concrete that are frequently used in a wide variety of hardscaping projects. Hardscaping is the area of landscaping that focuses on building or installing solid structures, such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, and occasional, water features.

Concrete patio pavers are some of the most common materials used in hardscaping. They are durable, have long lifetimes, can be used to make countless designs and structures.

Patios, Walkways and Driveways

Concrete patio pavers are most commonly used to install patios, walkways, and driveways. The following supplies are usually needed to complete such projects:

• Concrete pavers


• Sand or rock dust


• Coarse gravel


• Excavating tool


• Paver retainers


• Twine

The projects are typically completed by excavating the soil of a predetermined area before adding a gravel base, which makes for a much more sturdy base than soil. The sand or rock dust is then added to create a level surface, on which the pavers are placed and compacted. The paver retainers are optional and are driven between the patios to hold the structure in place.

Fire Pits and Similar Structures

Concrete pavers are also used to build structures such as fire pits, pools, and fountains. The supplies needed for these structures are as follows:

• Concrete pavers


• Surface bonding cement


• Firebricks


• Chalk

These structures are usually complete by building a solid base that consists of a layer of pavers cemented together. The feature is then built onto the base, either by cementing each layer to the last, or by building the structure and covering it with a layer of cement.