How to Lay Pavers for a Walkway

As the star DIYer in your home, learning how to build a paver walkway is just another skill to add to your toolbox. This process involves some hard work and heavy lifting, so you'll want to grab a friend or two to help you out. We'll walk you through the process below.

Prepping to Install Your Paver Walkway

Before you get started, map out your paver design on paper to help you plan. Here are some project details to think about:

• Your budget

• How many pavers you'll need to buy

• Which type of pavers (brick, concrete, etc.)

• Which paver laying pattern (herringbone, basketweave, etc.)

• Which shape of pavers (hexagon, brick, dumble, etc.)

Paver projects are usually calculated by square footage, so the size of your walkway will largely determine your budget. The average cost to install brick pavers is $8 to $25 per square foot.

Know Your Paver Walkway Components

The type of pavers you choose will help determine whether you set them in mortar or sand. Most people choose the latter, which means their paver walkways will have three layers:

1. A base of gravel

2. A middle layer of polymeric sand

3. A top layer of pavers, with joints filled with polymeric sand

The layers help drain stormwater and provide a strong yet flexible base for your paver walkway. The process is similar to why you layer sand or gravel under a concrete slab. The polymeric sand between the pavers helps lock the pavers together. 

Now that you have a game plan, it’s time to get started. We recommend spending just as much time on your planning and layout as you do the installation. Precision is key, and it's best to have all your ducks in a row before pouring any materials.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Lay Pavers for Your Walkway

There's a big reward to be had for homeowners who DIY install their own paver walkway, not to mention lots of cost savings. (You might save thousands by doing it yourself.)

If heavy manual labor, especially trench digging, is beyond your capabilities as a homeowner, hiring a local hardscaper might make a lot of sense. There are several important questions to ask a paver contractor before hiring them, particularly when you have a specific vision in mind. Keep in mind that you don't have to relinquish all DIY participation by going this route. 

The number one mistake homeowners make when installing pavers is taking shortcuts when laying a solid, compacted base for your pavers. If this isn't done properly, your pavers can shift over time and look crooked or separate from one another. A professional will ensure the job is done correctly.

Maintaining the Beauty of Your Pavers

When properly maintained, pavers will last between 20 and 25 years without replacement. However, if you only need to repair or replace individual pavers, your walkway can last far longer. Here are some tips for keeping your DIY paver walkway in top shape.

• Clean your pavers regularly with a gentle solution and a power washer (or a hose with a strong spray setting). 

• Remove grit and debris with a broom between deeper cleans.

• Depending on the material your pavers are made of, consider sealing them every one to two years, especially if they see a lot of foot (and paw) traffic.

• Avoid over-using rock salt on your pavers in the winter and opt for permeable installations whenever possible.

• Weed the area around your pavers on a regular basis.

• Keep an eye on nearby tree roots and address potential ground-shifting complications before they affect your walkway.

Ben Kissam contributed to this piece.