As professional deck builders who value quality craftsmanship and respect the contracting industry, we generally don’t recommend DIY projects, especially for your outdoor spaces. However, we understand that sometimes the budget for a home improvement project, like a paver patio, is tight, and saving on labor costs is the only option.
In this article, we’ll guide you through how to build a paver patio that looks like it was made by one of the best landscapers in your area. Let’s begin on how to build a paver patio.
1. Measurements And Materials
To learn how to build a paver patio, start by measuring the area you want to pave and purchasing the necessary number of patio stones, such as concrete pavers. Be sure to buy more than the total square footage needed to account for the joints between the pavers.
When considering how to build a paver patio, it’s important to choose the right materials. Pavers can be made from various materials including concrete, natural stone, and brick. Concrete pavers are the most popular choice, but they can be susceptible to water damage if of lower quality. Natural stone and brick pavers are more durable and offer a unique aesthetic, though they tend to be more expensive.
As you build your paver patio, remember to account for the climate in your area to ensure longevity. Proper installation and material choice are crucial for creating a patio that will remain beautiful and functional over time.
2. Preparation
To learn how to build a paver patio, start by preparing the patio area. Remove any existing sod, plants, or debris. If there is a concrete slab or patio already in place, remove it as well, since building over concrete is not advisable; the slab could move, break, or sink over time, ruining your DIY paver patio.
Once the site is clean and ready, gather all necessary materials. You can find everything you need to start building your paver patio at home improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot. Knowing how to build a paver patio properly ensures a beautiful, long-lasting addition to your outdoor space.
- Shovel
- Garden Rake
- Hand Tamper
- Rubber Mallet
- Tape Measure
- Pavers
- Paver Base (usually gravel)
- Paver Stones or Leveling Sand
- Furring Strips
- Exterior Wood Screws
- Level
- Landscape Fabric (weed barrier)
- Garden Hose
- Wheelbarrow
3. Begin Laying Out The Paver Patio Materials
To lay patio pavers or concrete pavers for a typical patio installation, you need to build up several layers:
- 6-inch layer of gravel paver base
- 1-inch layer of paver sand
- Pavers
- Polymeric sand or jointing sand in the joints between the pavers
To learn how to build a paver patio, start by adding a 1-inch layer of sand and leveling the ground. Begin placing the pavers in one corner and work your way out. Use a spacer to leave a half-inch gap between each paver for joints. Once a paver is in place, tap it with a rubber mallet a few times to ensure it stays secure. By following these steps, you’ll have a sturdy and attractive paver patio.
4. Install Paver Patio Edging
This step can be done prior to filling in the gaps with sand, or after.
After you get some of the pavers in place, install plastic edging or paver restraints along the perimeter with spikes spaced about every foot.
More likely than not, you’ll need to cut some pavers to fit them between the perimeter. Measure, make a mark on the paver, and cut them using a circular saw with a concrete blade.
You may also clamp the pavers one at a time to a stable surface so you can cut right through them without any obstacle. Make sure you’re using a mask and safety glasses, and also keep an eye out for the dust collected in the saw, as this can cause your tool to wear.
Check out this paver edging made of solid rock. It simply looks great and keeps the patio vibe consistent.
5. After Laying Out Pavers
Once the entire patio is laid, fill in any gaps between the pavers with sand. Use a push broom to push all the sand in-between the gaps. This process will take a lot of time and patience, so be sure to have both.
You’ll want to spread the sand, push it in the gaps, spray it down with water, let it dry, and do it again. The water helps the sand settle and sink, and you’ll do it again to make sure there are no gaps in the joists, or you’ll risk the pavers moving.
The Price Of Pavers Patio
The cost of having a patio with pavers can vary depending on the size of the patio, the type and quality of the pavers, and the installation process. Generally, though, you can expect to spend anywhere from $5 to $15 per square foot for a paver patio, not including labor costs.
If you’re considering doing the project yourself, be sure to factor in the cost of renting or buying all the necessary tools, as well as the cost of the pavers and other materials. It’s also important to factor in your own time and labor when calculating the overall cost of the project.
Hiring a professional to install a paver patio for you will cost more, but it will also save you a lot of time and effort. The average cost to have a professional install a paver patio is $8 to $25 per square foot, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Keep in mind that the price of having a patio with pavers installed by a professional can also vary depending on the type of pavers you choose, as well as the company you hire. Be sure to get multiple quotes from different companies before making a final decision.
Interested in a concrete patio? Check out the concrete patio cost in Omaha and get ready to start you project with the best pros in town!
The Price Of A Patio With Pavers
There are a few additional costs that you may want to factor into your budget when planning for a paver patio. These include:
- The cost of having the area excavated or graded (if necessary)
- The cost of adding a base layer (such as gravel)
- The cost of renting or buying tools
- The cost of purchasing patio pavers, edging, and other materials
- The cost of labor (if you're hiring someone to do the work for you)
- The cost of sealing the patio pavers (optional)
Conclusion
If you’re still determined to get a DIY patio with pavers, this is the best guide you can get on how to build a paver patio. It’s a simple process, but it does take a lot of time and effort to build a paver patio right.
Our advice on how to build a paver patio is simple. Choose a straightforward design pattern, ensure you know how to use the necessary tools (a circular saw is a dangerous tool), and allocate enough time for the project.
If you’d rather have professional craftsmanship, contact Deck Bros today. We offer professional deck building and deck repair, and we can also tackle any patio or landscaping project.
Call us at [(402) 369-5724](tel:4023695724) or request a [free quote](https://deckbros.com/contact-us/) and let’s get your project started!
If, however, you’d rather have the opinion and craftsmanship of a professional, contact Deck Bros today. We offer professional deck building and deck repair, and we can also tackle any patio or landscaping project.
Call us today at (402) 369-5724 or request a free quote and let’s get your project started!