DIY paving: Part 2 - finishing touches

Welcome to part two of this DIY paving tutorial. If you've made it this far, the steps you've already completed are the ones that will determine how level your pavers will be and how strong the foundation is. This is, of course, the mark of a job well done.

This article will focus on the finishing touches: Cutting the pavers, laying them and filling the joints. While the previously completed steps determined the structural integrity of the pavement, following these steps will make sure it's pretty too.

1) Cutting your bricks or pavers

First, select a pattern for your bricks or pavers. A herringbone is quite popular for areas that take the weight of vehicles. Once you've worked out how many bricks you'll need and the configuration they'll go in, it's time to get cutting.

This is where your brick saw from Kennards Hire comes in handy. Safety is the number one priority here, and we suggest using safety glasses, hearing protection and a dust mask, as well as some decent protective gloves.

2) Edge restraints

When you start laying your pavers, work your way from an edge or corner, stepping on your pavers as you go. If you do it the other way, you'll mess up your sand base. In order to stop pavers from spreading outwards, consider an edge restraint.

Unsupported edges of the paved area can be kept in place with hidden concrete strips. Make sure to hire a concrete mixer if you are doing a large amount of paving.

Your concrete edge restraints should be about 10 mm low to allow for compaction, and should taper down away from the pavement.

If your paving is hard up against some other structure, this step won't be necessary. 

3) Filling the joints

Dried sand should be spread over the entire area once you have laid all of your pavers. Use a broom to sweep it evenly into the joints, making sure all of the joints are sufficiently filled.

4) Compacting

Compacting a very small area of paving can probably be done effectively with a rubber mallet and a small piece of board. However, for more precise results or larger areas, a vibrating plate compactor from Kennards Hire will do the job.

Make sure you have an appropriate cover on the compactor to avoid damage to the pavers. A fine layer of sand will also help. Once you've done a final clean up and returned your hire equipment, it's time to enjoy a barbecue on your new patio or park your car in the brand new driveway. For any further tips on DIY paving projects, feel free to ask one of the friendly staff at your local Kennards Hire centre.