How to Install Concrete Pavers | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough helps an expecting couple install a concrete paver patio

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Time: 12-14 hours

Cost: $2500 and up, depending on size and materials

Skill Level: Difficult

Tools:
Pickaxe [https://amzn.to/34XU69V]
Shovel [https://amzn.to/2yAfANM]
Compactor [https://amzn.to/3bvD4SW]
Wheelbarrow [https://amzn.to/34XUntt]
Rake [https://amzn.to/2xTvdzZ]
Screed [https://amzn.to/3arNdyr]
Level [https://amzn.to/2VRh12i]
Stakes [https://amzn.to/2VNNR4d]
String [https://amzn.to/3anYcsU]
Framing square [https://amzn.to/2VsVRZf]
Broom [https://amzn.to/2XWqXKI]

Shopping List:
Concrete pavers [https://www.idealconcreteblock.com/product-details/items/andover-collection.html]
Stone pack [https://www.homedepot.com/p/6-Yards-Bulk-Paver-Base-STPB6/206668250]
Concrete sand [https://amzn.to/3eHAGdJ]
Polymeric sand [https://amzn.to/2KskS0o]
Plastic edging [https://amzn.to/3eEJt09]

Steps for installing concrete pavers:
1. Start by marking and digging out the area for the patio. A pickax can help loosen up the soil, which will make it easier to dig out. Dig until the patio is consistently 8-9” deep, though some spots of the patio may require digging deeper in order to keep the patio even.
2. Run the compactor over the patio area to compact the soil and allow for a firm base.
3. Pour a layer of stone pack material over the base of the patio. Rake it out until it’s roughly even.
4. Run the compactor over the patio area to compact the pack material onto the base.
5. Pour a layer of concrete sand over the patio area. The sand will help hold the pavers in place. Rake out the sand over the base until it’s roughly even.
6. Run the compactor over the patio area to compact the sand onto the base.
7. Screed over the entire base of the patio and fill in any low spots and shave down high spots until the base is even. During this step, place a level on the screed to check the pitch of the patio base. Mark suggests having a slight pitch down and away from the house, so that any rainwater that falls on the patio will not pool towards the house.
8. Use some string and stakes to square off the patio base. In the example above, Mark used the foundation of the house as a reference point and measured two equal distances towards the patio for the location of his stakes. You can check that the stringed off area is square by holding a framing square up to it.
9. Start laying the concrete pavers within the stringed area. Start in a corner and work your way down and out. Use a mallet to secure each paver in place, and check each paver for level before moving on to the next paver.
a. NOTE: In this case, Mark laid the pavers in an ashlar pattern. This pattern can be tricky to place, but the pavers come with a template book that you can follow along with to make things easier.
10. Place plastic edging along the edges of the patio. The edging comes with stakes that can be hammered down to secure it into place.
11. Pour the polymeric sand over all the joints between the pavers and sweep them in tight with a push broom.
12. Lightly hose down the patio to activate the polymeric sand.
13. Give the patio about an hour to cure before walking on it or otherwise using it.

Resources:
Mark installed Andover Collection Stone Cleft pavers in the Richfield Blend color, which are manufactured by Ideal Concrete Block (https://www.idealconcreteblock.com).

Compactors can be rented at most home centers and landscape supply stores.

The other materials Mark used, including pack, concrete sand, and polymeric sand can be purchased at landscape supply stores.

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Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we’re ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O’Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Jenn Nawada.

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Keywords:
Renovation Ideas, How To Fix, How To Install, How To Build

Watch the full episode:
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/season-18-ask-toh-episodes

How to Install Concrete Pavers | Ask This Old House
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