How to Install Interlocking Pavers in 8 Steps

Hard work will pay off in the form of a beautiful, durable outdoor living space

A small terrace of a house with interlocking pavers
Photo: KatarzynaBialasiewicz / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
A small terrace of a house with interlocking pavers
Photo: KatarzynaBialasiewicz / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
SKILL LEVEL
Challenging
COMPLETION TIME
3 days
COST
$350+
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Shovel
  • Long level
  • Rake
  • Masonry saw
  • Hand tamper
SUPPLIES
  • Sand
  • Paver stones
  • Edging stones (optional) or flexible plastic edge restraint

Picture your beautiful new outdoor patio or walkway lined with natural stone (or even concrete)—that gorgeous pattern and gritty texture that'll make your neighbor's concrete patio pale in comparison. (Sorry, neighbor!)

Sure, there are many reasons homeowners opt for pavers over concrete. Pavers are incredibly durable for one, but they also offer greater value in terms of life expectancy and aesthetics. But another reason is that you can tackle the job yourself, if you're willing to put in the work.

Learn how to install interlocking pavers DIY in this eight-step guide.

  1. Determine Where You'll Insert Pavers

    Mapping out a location for your interlocking pavers is the key to successful installation.

    Here are some questions you need to answer before you can get started.

    • Where will you install your pavers?

    • Can you dig at least six inches, if not nine or 12, in all these areas? (ex: Think about where your gas line is located.)

    • What obstacles do you need to clear first?

    • Does your area require a permit or approval to install pavers?

    • Will the pavers section be even, or will you need to cut individual stones to fit certain areas? 

    The last question, in particular, can help you decide if outsourcing isn't a better option. You'll need to buy or rent a masonry saw and cut individual stones if there will be large gaps or cross-sections that need specifically sized stones, which isn't a job for everyone.

  2. Clear the Area

    Trees, roots, or other objects need clearing out before starting your project. If it will get in the way of digging your base, it probably needs to go.

    Unless you're picking up your pavers yourself, it might also be a good idea to clear an area near the workspace to leave your pavers for ease of installation. This will save lots of manual hauling with a wheelbarrow later.

  3. Dig Your Paver Base

    Dig a clear, clean, and level base using a shovel or powered excavation tool. The bare minimum is six inches, but nine inches works best for most projects. If you’re digging for a driveway, you’ll want a deeper base, closer to 12 inches. And if you have clay soil, dig even deeper to allow proper drainage.

    Interlocking pavers are usually three inches in thickness, but you'll need to account for the sand or gravel base, somewhere between three and five inches, below it.

  4. Level Out Your Base

    A worker levelling the ground before installation of pavers
    Photo: Natallia / Adobe Stock

    The main benefit of interlocking pavers is their high level of durability. But, they’re only as sturdy and even as the base you create for them. This step, while less labor-intensive, is probably the most important of the entire process. If your base isn't level, your pavers will shift over time, or may not sit flat once complete. Pavers also naturally expand and contract with the weather, so an angled base will expose any flaws in your work quickly.

    Use a hand tamper in the space to flatten the dirt. It can be helpful to put a level in the work area to find any gaps. You want your base to be as flat and compacted as possible.

  5. Add Your Base Layers

    Before you can lay your pavers, you need to add a base layer to hold everything in place. Your base should be made up of two separate layers: a rock layer and a sand layer. Start by laying your rock. Typically, homeowners choose a crushed stone or decomposed granite, but you can also use Class II Road Base or recycled concrete. Compact it with your tamper until it’s level.

    Once your rock is added, fill the gaps with about 1 inch of sand. Use a 2x4 to ensure the layer is flat and ready for pavers. While you can skip the rock layer if you’re putting pavers over concrete, you’ll still need sand.

  6. Laying Edging

    It is highly recommended that you install some type of edge around your project area before adding stones to help contain your pavers and keep them even.

    There are two ways you can do this:

    • Install flexible plastic pavers edging around the perimeter of the work area.

    • Layer additional concrete or paver stones around the perimeter.

    Choose your strategy and install accordingly.

    For better reinforcement, some homeowners may opt to lay two pavers stacked on top of each other vertically along the edges. If you do this, though, you may need to dig a deeper hole (12 inches) and then layer in more sand or gravel before starting.

  7. Lay Your Interlocking Paver Stones

    A worker installing interlocking pavers on a yard
    Photo: Patryk Kosmider / Adobe Stock

    With your edge secured and the base layer leveled, you can now layer your interlocking pavers one by one. Start from one edge of the work area and work your way outward and down.

    Lay each paver stone carefully into position. Avoid dragging, sliding, or bumping the paver stones, as this could disrupt the firm, level base you built earlier. Fix any area that gets messed up during installation. Work slowly and make sure each stone touches the last one you've laid closely. Leave no gaps.

    For awkward angular meetings, such as when a walkway connects to a patio, use a masonry saw to cut your stones to fit. Make sure to wear hand and eye protection when cutting stones. Hire a local handyperson service if you feel like this part of the task isn't for you.

  8. Sand the Pavers

    Pour a layer of polymeric sand to fill gaps to lock everything in place. Use your compactor to ensure the stones are firmly pressed into the sand and everything is as compact as possible. When you're done, sweep away excess sand.

Installing Interlocking Pavers: DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

For square or rectangular installations, DIY paver installation is challenging but rewarding work. It'll take you at least a dozen hours for even a small build to do the work right. But you'll also save hundreds, if not thousands, on labor costs.

Interlocking pavers cost about $3,400 on average for materials and professional installation. While this cost may seem high, it’s vital to understand how challenging this project actually is. Cutting stone is difficult (and sometimes even dangerous), and carrying hundreds of stone pavers across your lawn is harder than you think.

Outsourcing your pavers project if cutting stone for a specific build probably makes sense if cutting stone doesn't feel like a good job for you, or if you have any ailments that make heavy lifting or digging difficult, such as chronic back pain. In those instances, hiring a local concrete paver professional means money well spent.

Frequently Asked Questions

If installed correctly, interlocking pavers can last up to 50 years. The lifetime of your paver patio greatly depends on one thing: its foundation. If you rush through this step or cheap out on materials, your patio’s lifetime will be significantly cut short. Hire a pro if you’re not 100% sure you can pull this off.

Yes, interlocking pavers need sand both as a base and as a finishing touch to fill any gaps. Sand helps keep your pavers in place to avoid shifting, especially for areas with high foot or vehicle traffic. It also helps prevent water buildup by providing a channel for water drainage.

The maximum lippage or height difference between interlocking pavers is 1/8 inch or 3 millimeters. Any higher than that could become a hazard or impact the area’s ability to drain water properly. Some building codes or types of interlocking pavers could require even less of a height difference, so check with your local regulations and the manufacturer to clarify.

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