Using interlocking pavers on your patio, driveway, or walkway is an excellent idea because these pavers are strong and very durable. However, you do want to make certain that you lay the pavers correctly. If you don’t, you may find that your project doesn’t turn out exactly as you’d like it to. Here are a few tips for using interlocking pavers.
Make Sure the Area is Level
You want to be certain that you’re laying your pavers on a level surface. Otherwise, the pavers may shift, or you may have raised edges here and there that people could easily trip over. Once you’ve leveled the space, you should put down an inch of clean concrete sand. This sand provides a foundation for your pavers and helps keep them in place.
Laying the Pavers
Interlocking pavers are designed to be laid in a specific pattern so that they lock together. Make sure you understand the pattern and plan accordingly when you start laying them. You will want to start in a 90 degree corner and start working your way outward. You can run a string across the space to help make certain that you’re laying the pavers in straight lines.
You’ll Need a Vibrating Plate Compactor
This is one tool you likely don’t have, but don’t worry—you can rent them from a number of different places. A vibrating plate compactor simply helps press another layer of sand down into the space between the pavers. This helps cement them in place.
Once you’ve done this, there’s one more thing you’ll need to do: spread masonry sand. This sand is different from normal sand in that it acts almost like a cement. It’s the necessary last step in order to set your patio so that it doesn’t shift that much once you’re using it.
Overall, interlocking pavers are very secure because of how they’re designed and because of the masonry sand added to them. These pavers are able to move enough that they can handle earthquakes and other shifts, but they’re strong enough that heavy loads won’t damage them. They’re a great paver to use in just about any project.
Want to know more about interlocking pavers? Contact the experts at Island Block & Masonry Supply today.
