Finishing the Paver Return to index
Pave Edge Installation note: this is if you haven't already installed you Pave Edge
After Pavers Have Been Laid
Once you have completed the laying of pavers on the sand you may finish placing the Pave Edge restraints. First, using a trowel, cut straight down the side of the pavers into the sand down to the base and pull back the sand. Be careful not to scrape up the base material.
Then placing the edging flat onto the base push Pave Edge frost heave lip under the sand, using a hammer to tap against the back of the Pave Edge until the edging is tight to the pavers. Now, spike the edging approximately every 2 ft. Pound the spikes in until the head of the spike is touching the edging.
The Final Step
Assuming that you have now laid all your pavers. Placed and spiked all your Pave Edge, you are ready for the last step.
NOTE: During this step the pavers will settle in about 1/4" lower during compaction (only if 1" loose screeded sand has been used). This should be their final height.
Sweep off any debris or loose sand that may be on the pavers.
Using a vibratory plate compactor, 3 HP to 5 HP, you should make at least two passes over the pavers. Starting around the perimeter and working inward, overlap each pass 2 to 4 inches. Make the 2nd pass at a 45 degree angle to your first. The first pass of the compactor will accomplish the following:
will level all the pavers
compact the sand bedding course
force sand up into the joint
Repeat this process if pavers are not yet level and flat.
Using a DRY medium or coarse washed sand (or beauty sand) for the joints, spread a thin layer of the jointing sand over the surface. Use a stiff bristle street broom and sweep back and forth over the entire pavement until sand has stopped felling into joints.
Now, alternating between tamping and sweeping, continue to work the material into the joint If when you make a pass with the plate compactor and no more joints open up, you are then finished.
Sweep Off all excess sand and backfill edges with top soil and sod or seed. (Be sure to water freshly screeded or sodded areas regularly).
Congratulations! - You have now installed a maintenance free pavement for your patio or walkway. Yours to enjoy for a long time to come.