Step-By-Step Guide: Expert Driveway Installations
Paver driveways combine aesthetics and functionality for an elegant, long-lasting driveway solution. Pavers' intricate patterns and textures create visual interest while standing up to heavy vehicle traffic. Installing a paver driveway can save thousands in labor costs if you follow crucial steps.
However, you will need some experience handling any hardcaping job, and we at Cabo Brick and Stone recommend hiring professionals for this installation.
Steps To Follow in Paver Driveway Installations
Here is a step-by-step guide to properly installing a paver driveway:- Planning and Grading - Any paver project begins with careful planning and site grading. Mark the exact footprint of your new paver driveway using landscaping paint or stakes. Determine the appropriate slope angle for adequate drainage - generally about 1 inch drop over 8 feet of distance. Use a gravel base laid over landscape fabric to create this slope if needed and avoid overly steep or flat slopes.
- Base Installation - The base beneath your pavers provides structural support and drainage. Dig out sod and soil 6-8 inches below the driveway footprint. Backfill and compact gravel in 2-inch layers until you create a 4-inch-deep base.
A quality compactable gravel-like road base or #57 granite works best. Compact each layer thoroughly before adding more gravel. Flexible plastic edging secured with landscaping spikes around the perimeter keeps the base in place. Make sure the compacted base is smooth, uniformly graded, and sloped adequately before paver installation.
- Setting the Pavers - Lay pavers tightly together on top of the prepared base, keeping a uniform pattern and spacing throughout. Use screed pipes and string lines as guides for perfect horizontal and vertical alignment. Tap pavers firmly into the gravel base with a rubber mallet as you work - this “compacts” each paver individually to stabilize the driveway.
Leave small gaps between pavers to allow for expansion. You can fill these joints with sand once all pavers are laid. Keep your pattern consistent, avoiding scraps and cutting pavers to fit at edges and curves.
- Cutting Pavers - Use a paver splitter for straight cuts and a paver saw with a diamond blade for curves and detailed cuts. Mark cuts carefully with chalk lines before splitting or sawing pavers to fit edges and gaps. Remember to factor the joint size into your cuts - pavers should be manageable, or you'll get buckling, and don't forget to use eye and ear protection when cutting.
- Filling Gaps and Finishing - Once pavers are laid, sweep granite sand into the joints between them. Compact the pavers again to settle the sand into gaps, then add more sand to fill and sweep away excess sand once dry. Avoid cement-based mortar for the joints in case you need to remove and replace a paver later.
Hire Skilled Hardscapers for Driveway Installations
As mentioned earlier, you will need some experience in masonry tasks and follow these steps to avoid rookie mistakes. However, hiring professionals like us is the best way to quickly get a perfectly installed driveway.Cabo Brick and Stone at 954-675-6734 for high-quality paver driveway and other hardscaping installations. Use this online form for a free estimate, and our team will help you with all the information you need.