- 1). Excavate your patio area to a depth of at least 7 inches, until you reach stable subsoil. Check with your local building authority and utilities companies before you start digging to find out any limitations or requirements for building in your area, as well as to ensure that you will not damage any underground wires or pipes while you dig.
- 2). Compact the subsoil with a plate compactor or hand tamper to create a stable starting surface for your building project. You can purchase or rent these tools at hardware or home improvement retailers.
- 3). Cover the subsoil with a layer of landscape fabric, followed by a 3- to 4-inch layer of patio paver base or gravel. Spread the base material evenly across the area with a garden rake or hoe and then compact this level as well. The landscape fabric, as well as the porous base material, help rainwater to drain from the patio.
- 4). Lay two 1-inch-wide PVC pipes about 2 feet apart near one end of your patio.
- 5). Pour leveling sand in between and around the two pipes until you have filled all of the area around the pipes with sand. You should still be able to see the top of the pipes slightly through the sand.
- 6). Level the sand by scraping a flat 2-inch-by-4-inch or 2-inch-by-6-inch piece of wood over the pipes. This will scrape away excess sand, creating a level layer of sand.
- 7). Pull the PVC pipes out of the sand and fill in their spaces with sand until the area is completely level. If working on a large patio area, move the pipes to another spot in the installation area and repeat the steps, until you have created a completely level sand base.
- 8). Moisten the sand with a garden hose to help it settle. Compact or tamp the surface once more. Once the level sand is also completely flat, you can lay your pavers.
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