1. Remove old pavement and/ or existing soil, then excavate to the proper depth depending on the type of traffic.

2. Spread gravel (also referred to as 3/4" minus crushed rock or equivalent), uniformly throughout the excavated area. Using the mechanical tamper, compact the entire area evenly. A sprinkling of water, prior to compaction, will increase the density of the base material and control dust. Do not compact the base material in layers of more than 2 inches.

NOTE: Prior to base preparation, water run-off and grade detail should be considered.

3. The compacted base must be uniform and conform to the contour of the finished job. The elevation of the compacted base should be uniform 3-1/4" to 3-3/4" below the finished paving stone surface.

NOTE: The base should extend 12" beyond the finished edge of the pavers in order to provide a proper base to support and anchor your edge restraint.

4. Following the completed base preparation, edge restraints are installed to prevent lateral movement of interlocking paving stones and to enhance the aesthetic appearance of your installation.

Edge restraints may be set in a manner to sit flush with, or slightly below your completed paving stone surface. Granular material is used as backfill on the outer edge of the restraint which meets sod or softer material.

NOTE: Care should be taken in determining the width of the area being paved in order to minimize the cutting of pavers, and optimize the use of edge pieces.

5. Spread 1" of coarse sand evenly over the compacted base to establish a bedding for placement of concrete pavers.

6. Screeding must be done to ensure that an even bedding surface is established. A screed board (i.e. 2" x 4") is used to smooth the bedding layer to the shape of the completed surface. For distances greater than 12 feet, use a screed guide to level the bedding layer. Avoid walking on the screeded surface.

7. Commence placing pavers on the screeded bed in the pattern you wish to use. It is important that the pavers being installed are taken from several pallets to ensure a proper color dispersion. Start installation of pavers at the edge and in a corner if possible. This will maximize the use of edge stones and minimize the amount of cutting.

8. Hand place the stones close together. Spaces between individual units should be consistent with an allowable maximum of 1/8". With the installer standing on the laid paving stones, the next row is placed. The occasional use of masonry string will ensure that your installation pattern will continue to run true throughout the project. To verify accuracy, the string should run along the front row of pavers. A screwdriver is used to move the pavers into proper alignment.

9. Any paving stone cutting should be done upon completion of laying your paving stone pattern. Using a stone cutter or masonry saw, stone should be cut to fill the spaces. If cut pavers leave small gaps, these can be filled with jointing sand. When cutting pavers with a wet saw, please take care not to cut on top of other pavers as you will generate a slurry mix. This slurry mix, if allowed to dry, will leave a permanent cement residue on your pavers.