How to Install Concrete Driveway Pavers
Concrete driveway pavers are a decorative way to expand the width of an existing driveway or replace a damaged driveway that has been removed. Concrete driveway pavers are less expensive and easier to install than solid concrete, and, with the right materials and equipment, can be put in by a layperson.
What You’ll Need
- Measuring tape
- Wooden stakes
- String
- Shovel
- 8-foot 2 X 4 board
- Paver base such as crushed stone
- Plate compactor
- Plastic or metal edging
- 12-inch metal stakes
- Concrete sand
- Concrete pavers
- Masonry saw
- Protective eyewear
- Mason sand
- Concrete sealant
- Foam paint roller
- Measure the area where the concrete pavers will be laid. Add three inches on all sides to the actual width you want your driveway to be. Mark the outside corners of the area by pushing stakes into the ground and tying string from one stake to another.
- Figure the total area of your new driveway by multiplying the length times the width. This number will be the square foot of concrete pavers to purchase for your new driveway.
- Dig the area inside the corner stakes to a depth of about 11-inches. Make sure the area is level by running a straight 2 X 4 board across the surface of your dirt.
- Pour the paver base about 4-inches deep, and then use a plate compactor to compress the base stone to 3-inches. When the paver base is compacted and flat, pour another 4-inches of paver base on top of the compressed base and repeat the process. When you finish, your base should be compressed to a total of 6-inches.
- Install plastic or metal edging around the perimeter of your driveway area using metal stakes to hold it in place.
- Pour 1-inch to 1 1/2 –inches of concrete sand on top of the compressed paver base. Smooth the sand flat with the 2 X 4 board.
- Lay the concrete pavers in the desired pattern. Wear protective eyewear and cut the pavers, using a mason saw, when needed. To make the job easier, lay the full pavers first so all of the cuts can be done at once.
- Use the plate compactor the firmly tamp the concrete pavers in place.
- Put mason sand in the joints of your concrete driveway pavers and tamp again with the compactor. Fill and compact the joints with mason sand until the sand is level with the top of the pavers.
- Seal the entire surface of the new concrete paver driveway with concrete sealant.