Laying The Pavers:
- Start from the straightest convenient edge, and lay your pavers with a space of 2mm to 4mm between them. Some pavers have spacer nibs which achieve that automatically. The space allows joint sand to penetrate around the pavers. Always lay uphill if possible.
- Lay all full pavers first: then cut and lay any pieces. Cut pavers with a diamond concrete saw, paver splitter (both available from hire centres) or, for small areas, a bolster.
- Don't run vehicles over the paving until it's completely finished. To get a loaded wheelbarrow across, lay heavy planks down as running boards
Compacting The Pavers:
Your pavers now need to be consistently compacted over the whole area.
- For a small area, use a rubber hammer on a short length of heavy timber: saya piece of 150 x 50mm. For most other jobs, hire a vibrating plate compactor.
- When the pavers are all compacted, sweep jointing sand over the whole area and compact again. The compactor will drive the sand into the joints. Keep sweeping and compacting until all joints are filled.
- Joint sand should be fine dry plaster sand with angular particles that lock well together. It is also sold as paving sand and some types incorporate a weed preventative
In most cases further maintenance will be unnecessary. Where your paving is subject to heavy runoff, washing or vacuuming; you may need to top up the joint sand periodically. Special sealers and jointing sands are available. Ask your placemakers Firth Centre. Should you need to lift your pavers to get at underground services, relay them following the same procedures.
