How to Install a Bay Area Paver Driveway
Few driveway paving choices beat concrete paver stones to complement your landscape design in the Bay Area. Concrete paver stones make an eye-catching statement for your driveway, paths and patios that will last for many years to come, if your driveway is installed correctly. If you are considering installing a driveway replacement by yourself or you want to be make sure that the contractor you choose takes the proper steps read on for the information about how to properly install a driveway with concrete pavers.
- Clear the Area
Before breaking ground contact the local utilities to identify where electrical, gas and water lines are so you don’t make a costly mistake. Once you know where lines are you’ll need to remove your existing driveway, which will likely involve heavy equipment to remove old concrete or asphalt. Then, you’ll need haul out the dirt and debris where you’re laying your pavers and properly dispose of the construction debris. You will probably need to dig to a depth of 15 inches or more to provide for the proper foundation of your new paver driveway. The demolition phase generally requires the most equipment which you may not have but a landscape design bay area contractor would have everything required. - Lay the Base
Once the excavation is complete, cover the area with a 6-inch layer of ¾ to 2-inch crushed stone. You want to use stone that has sharp edges which will knit together. Use a plate compactor to press it down to prevent settling later after the pavers have been installed. Go across and lengthwise. Top that layer with ¼ to 1 1/2 – inch washed crush stone. Compact it both across and lengthwise. Compactors are generally available to rent from an equipment rental company or your landscape design company will surely have one they can use for this step. - Screed Sand
You’ll need to install edging to keep the pavers from shifting. To screed the sand, lay out conduit poles about 2 feet apart. Work in small sections, because once the sand is laid down, you can’t walk on it. Using a board or other flat edge, you’ll pull sand across the section, creating a flat surface on which to lay the pavers. - Lay the Pavers
On the sand that screed, lay the pavers down. The rough surface should face upwards for a natural stone look. Use a rubber mallet to keep the pavers nice and flat. Continue setting the pavers out to the edging. Check to make sure that the pavers are kept square. Once all the full size pieces are laid, cut pieces to fill in the gaps around the edges. - Fill in the Joints
Once the pavers are in place, sprinkle ¼-inch stone across the surface and use a broom to sweep thesmall stones into the gaps. If you push diagonally across the grid, you won’t dislodge the stones that are in place. - Tamp
Sweep the surface of the pavers clean. Run a plate compactor over the entire driveway, using diagonal movements. This machine packs the pavers into the layer of sand and locks them into place. Get out the champagne because your driveway is ready to be used.
Landscape Design and Driveway Pavers in the Bay Area Make it Easy
Although a homeowner can certainly install a paver driveway, we strongly recommend you should consider a professional with the proper equipment and knowledge to install your pavers. Our craftsmen are trained and certified in design, installation and repair to ensure your driveway will last. And the cost may be close to what you would pay for your DIY driveway paver project! Contact Viking Pavers at (800) 941-1014 or send us a message for a free consultation.
