- 1). Outline the area you want to pave with powdered chalk. Multiply the width and length of the area to determine the square footage to give you an idea of how many bricks you need. Purchase about 10 percent more bricks more than your calculations indicate to make up for any damage or breakage during installation.
- 2). Dig the ground within the chalk outlines to a depth that matches the desired height of the paving bricks from the surrounding ground, brick thickness and depth of sand bedding. Generally an excavation of 7 to 9 inches is suitable for paved yards not used by cars. Dig about 1 inch deeper for every 4 linear feet you excavate away from the house or garage, to encourage water drainage away from the structure.
- 3). Compact the base of the excavation with a compactor. Run the compactor over the soil several times to firm it.
- 4). Spread 2 inches of limestone over the excavation. Level the stones and run the compactor over the stone layer until firm. Repeat the process of spreading 2 inches of stone over the excavation and compacting twice. To reduce friction, moisten the stones in each layer lightly prior to compacting.
- 5). Spread a 1 1/2-inch-thick layer of sand over the compacted stones to form a sand bed. Tamp the surface with lumber so it is even.
- 6). Lay paver bricks over the sand bedding, starting at one corner and working your way to the other. Lay the bricks in your desired design, or simply place identical bricks next to each other. Provide 1/8-inch spacing between adjacent bricks for sand. Break a brick to size using a chisel and sledgehammer so it fits tiny gaps or small spaces.
- 7). Insert plastic edging against the edges of the bricks over the outline to keep them in place and prevent them from shifting. Secure the edging by hammering 10-inch spikes that come with it into the spaces provided along the material. The top of the spike should lay flush with the ground.
- 8). Sprinkle sand over the bricks so it seeps into the 1/8-inch-wide gaps. Use fine grained sand that fills the entire gap. Brush the surface of the bricks to remove excess sand and dirt.
- 9). Seal the bricks to keep the sand joints in place and prevent any grease, oil, algae or moss stains. Sealing increases the lifespan of the bricks.
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