Backyard interlocking pavers come in many sizes and shapes. They can add a unique style and look to the landscaping of your home. Can you install backyard interlocking pavers by yourself?
When working with backyard interlocking using stone pavers, it’s important to remember that they may not always require any special installation and can be installed by a homeowner depending on their skill level and the amount of interlock the project is looking to install. Interlocking pavers can be installed without special tools over a few hours or a weekend.
Below we will look at how a homeowner can install backyard interlocking pavers themselves.
Planning
Before beginning to install backyard pavers you will need to formulate a plan. By completing a plan, you will be able to understand the scope of the work involved and the budget needed to finish the necessary work.
You will need to choose a style and colors of paver that you will wish to use in your project. You will also need to determine the area of the job and what you will need to set your interlocking pavers. You will most likely need to excavate the area and add stone and sand to provide the pavers with the necessary foundation they will need to be placed on.
If you feel you will be able to complete the necessary steps you will need to follow the plans the ensure the job runs smoothly. If you are unable or unsure if you can complete some of the tasks you can always find help from your family, neighbors, or hire a professional to complete the steps you are unable to accomplish.
Laying a Good Base
If you decide to complete the project alone the most important step when you begin construction is to properly excavate the area in preparation for the base. You will need to lay down a base of gravel or sand to get a level area on to lay the interlocking pavers on. You will need to compact the area to ensure the interlocking pavers do not move when they are set.
The better the foundation is prepared the faster, easier, and longer-lasting your project will be.
Installing the Pavers
Once your base is constructed you can lay out the pattern you have chosen for your pavers. Depending on the size of the project and the pavers used you may need to cut or trim pavers to make them fit. They can be cut with a saw or by hand with a chisel or hammer. Be sure to use the proper safety precautions when cutting pavers.
You will also want to tap the pavers into the base material with a rubber mallet. This will help lock the pavers and keep them from moving after they have been set. You can also use the mallet to ensure all the pavers are level and at the correct height.
Pavers on the Edges
The edge pavers will need to be restrained to keep them and the rest of the pavers from moving. They can be set with an edging material or by installing the last row into a bed of concrete to keep them from moving. If the edge row is not secured properly they can move and cause the rest of the pavers to become loose.
Filling the Gaps
After all the pavers are set, you will also need to fill the gaps between the pavers with sand. This will help lock the pavers together and prevent weeds or grass from growing between them.
Conclusion
Backyard interlocking pavers can be installed by homeowners depending on their skill level. If you are willing to plan it out, follow your plan and get your hands dirty completing the installation on your own can be done in a few hours or as a weekend project.