How Do You Build a Patio with Pavers?

Patios are great hardscaping features that not only look great and boost the aesthetic appeal of your yard but also provide more usable space. They make great spots for entertaining friends and family or simply enjoying yourself in the morning with a cup of coffee. 

The very best way to have one installed and start enjoying all of these benefits is by letting the Pup Pavers team build a patio for you. But you can also do it yourself, if you have the time, tools, and a willingness to get your hands dirty. 

We’ll walk you through the entire process below. We’ll start by outlining all of the tools and materials you’ll need, then break down the patio-building process in step-by-step fashion. We’ll even share some common mistakes you’ll want to avoid and share some of the questions homeowners have when trying to construct a DIY patio. 

Building a Patio with Pavers: Tools & Materials You Need

Patios are pretty simple hardscape features, but they require a surprising number of tools and materials to construct. In fact, once many homeowners see a typical tool and material list, they change course and call in the pros. 

But if you’d like to tackle the project yourself, you’ll need to gather everything listed below. 

Tools Needed to Build a Patio with Pavers

The tools you’ll need to build a paver patio include:

• At least one shovel for digging out the area.
• A rake to smooth and level the base material.
• A tape measure (either a traditional tape measure or a digital tape measure will work)
• Several stakes and a length of string to outline and level the patio area
• A 4-foot bubble level (or longer) to check the slope of the patio
• A wheelbarrow to transport the gravel, sand, and pavers
• A plate compactor or hand tamper for compacting the gravel base and pavers 
• A rubber mallet to tap the pavers into place
• A screed board or a straight 2×4 for leveling the sand layer
• A mason’s line level to ensure the patio slopes away from your home (optional)
• A broom to sweep the sand into the paver joints
• A garden hose to activate the polymeric sand (if used)
• A pair of gloves to protect your hands
• Knee pads to take some wear and tear off your knees

Materials Needed to Build a Patio with Pavers

You’ll also need the following materials to complete your project:

• Pavers in the size, style, and color you want (Travertine, marble, or brick)
• Enough #57 crushed gravel or stone base to make a 4- to 6-inch-deep base layer  
• Enough concrete sand or paver leveling sand to make a 1-inch-deep layer
• Plastic or metal paver edging restraints to hold the patio edges in place
• Enough spikes or stakes to secure the edging restraints
• 50 to 150 pounds of polymeric sand per 100 square feet to sweep between paver joints and lock them in place

Patio Installation Pro Tip #1: Preparation is key! Go ahead and assemble all of the tools and materials you’ll need in a covered location near the patio site. This will help prevent you from having to walk back and forth to your garage while still protecting the tools and materials, should you get one of the infamous South Florida showers during the construction process. You’ll also want to have a tarp handy, so you can cover the construction site if it starts to rain.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Building a Patio with Pavers

Now that you have collected all the necessary tools and materials, you can start building your patio! Just understand that no two patios are exactly alike. So, you may have to adjust this procedure slightly, depending on the details of your project. 

Note that we’ll be describing the process of making a simple paver patio, featuring a square or rectangular layout and full pavers (instead of pavers that have been cut to change their size or shape). This keeps the project simple enough for many homeowners; if you want a more advanced patio design, you’re better off calling in the pros. 

Patio Installation Pro Tip #2: Safety first! Always be sure that you have the utility lines on your property marked before you start the project. You don’t want to hit a gas line or sever an electric or data line while building your patio! Just call 811 a few weeks before you start the project to ensure you don’t cause HUGE problems. 

1. Mark the area: Start by marking the outline of the patio with stakes and string (you can also use spray paint, if you prefer). Be sure that the patio layout is square by measuring across the area diagonally – once both diagonal measurements are the same, your patio layout is square (this step isn’t necessary for curved patios). 
2. Check the slope: Use the bubble level to check the slope of the area. You want the patio to slope away from your house at least ¼ inch per linear foot to ensure proper drainage.
3. Start excavating: Using the shovel, dig down about 6 to 8 inches (assuming this is actually a patio for people; if you’re making a driveway, you’ll need to dig even deeper). Remove all of the grass, roots, and debris as you go.
4. Make the base: Pour the crushed gravel in the hole, ensuring that you end up with a layer about 4 to 6 inches thick. 
5. Level the Gravel: Using your rake, smooth the gravel and ensure that it is level. Then, compact the gravel thoroughly using a plate compactor or hand tamper.  
6. Add the sand layer: Pour enough concrete sand or paver leveling sand to create a 1-inch-thick layer on top of the compacted gravel. Use your screed board or a straight 2×4 to smooth it out evenly across the entire surface.
7. Place the pavers: Starting at a straight edge (either your house, another building, or a fixed string line), start laying down the pavers. Place the pavers together tightly and in your desired pattern. 
8. Set the pavers: Using the rubber mallet, tap each paver gently to help lock it in place.
9. Install the edging restraints: Once the pavers are in place, secure the paver edging restraints around the edge of the patio to prevent them from shifting over time.
10. Press the pavers: Using the plate compactor, press the pavers into the sand bedding layer. You may want to place a protective mat under the compactor to avoid damaging pavers.
11. Add polymeric sand: Use the broom to sweep polymeric sand into the joints between the pavers.
12. Activate the polymer: Using your garden hose, lightly water the area to activate the polymer in the sand. This will cause the sand to harden and lock the pavers in place.
13. Clean the surface: Using your broom, sweep away any sand or debris present to provide a clean patio surface. 
14. Check your work: Using the bubble level, check the patio for any low spots. If you find any, make the necessary adjustments now, before the sand hardens.
15. ENJOY! Once the sand has fully hardened, you’re ready to enjoy your new patio. 

Patio Installation Pro Tip #3: Keep your patio looking great! Be sure to factor in the ongoing maintenance your pavers will need, and consider having your pavers professionally sealed, so that they keep looking great for years to come. 

Common Patio Construction Mistakes to Avoid

As you can see, there are a lot of steps involved in making a new patio from pavers. This not only means the project can take quite a while to complete, but it also means there is a ton of room for error — especially if this is the first patio project you’ve attempted. 

To try to help, we’ll share a few of the most common patio construction mistakes we see people make. Hopefully, this will help you avoid them during your own project.

Common Patio Construction Mistake #1: Not Having Your Utility Lines Marked

We mentioned this at the outset, but it bears a second mention, given the importance of the step. But unfortunately, too many homeowners fail to check for utility lines before starting the work, and sometimes the results are catastrophic. 

Common Patio Construction Mistake #2: Not Digging Deep Enough

We get it — digging out the hole for the patio is hard work. But unfortunately, this leads many homeowners to stop digging before the hole is deep enough. Make sure that the whole is deep enough to accommodate not only the pavers but also a 4- to 6-inch-deep layer of gravel and 1 inch of sand. This means your entire hole should be about 7 to 10 inches deep (most pavers are about 2 or 3 inches thick).  

Common Patio Construction Mistake #3: Not Filling the Joints Properly

Many amateur patio installers make this mistake, and it often leads to a patio that eventually starts shifting. The result is an uneven, ugly looking patio, which may even be difficult to walk on. It can also allow weeds and grass to grow between the individual pavers. So, be sure to add plenty of polymeric sand between all of the pavers and activate it properly with water. 

Common Patio Construction Mistake #4: Skipping the Edge Restraints

Another mistake that’s often attributable to the fact that patio installation is a long process with many steps, failing to install edge restraints almost always results in shifting pavers over time. Just take the time to install the edge restraints properly, and you can avoid this problem. 

Common Patio Construction Mistake #5: Using Only Sand as a Base Layer

Unfortunately, many homeowners think that sand or dirt is all that is needed below their pavers. But the soil beneath your pavers will undoubtedly shift over time, leading to an unlevel, unattractive patio. But if you use gravel, it’ll help create a stable base for the pavers and prevent them from moving very much at all. 

Common Patio Construction Mistake #6: Using Only Gravel as a Base Layer

The opposite problem also occurs: Some people place a gravel layer down but then skip the sand. This tends to make the pavers sit unevenly, which can be a nearly impossible problem to fix without the sand layer present. Just understand that for a level patio, you’ll need to use gravel and sand. 

Common Patio Construction Mistake #7: Forgetting to Obtain Permits 

In some municipalities, you’ll need a building permit to construct a simple paver patio. This can lead to costly fines and may even necessitate the removal of the patio you’ve worked so hard to build! So, be sure to check with your local city or county government and determine whether you need a permit or not. 

One Final Mistake to Avoid: Check Your HOA Rules BEFORE You Start

Some homeowners’ associations have rules or bylaws that require paver patios to meet various requirements. 

For example, these requirements may restrict your paver color choices or dictate that the pavers are made from a given material. There may also be maximum size limits for patios. For that matter, some HOAs may prohibit the installation of patios entirely or require that they be installed by professionals.

So, avoid HOA headaches by simply checking the rules, regulations, and bylaws before you start your project.   

Building a Paver Patio: FAQ

Have more questions about building your own patio from pavers? We will answer a few of the most common questions we hear from our customers below!

How do you prepare the ground for patio pavers?

You’ll need to start by digging out a hole in the proper shape to a depth of about 7 to 10 inches. You’ll then need to add a gravel base layer and top it with a layer of paving sand. 

What do you put down before patio pavers?

Typically, you’ll want to lay down a layer of gravel and then top it with paving sand before installing your patio pavers. 

Is it cheaper to pour concrete or install pavers?

It’s usually cheaper to have a concrete patio professionally poured than it is to have a paver patio professionally installed — especially if the patio will be quite large. However, few homeowners have the expertise to pour a concrete patio, while homeowners can make a paver patio with sufficient preparation. With all of that said, paver patios will tend to increase your home value more, as they’re much more attractive than concrete patios. 

How much does a 20-foot-by-20-foot patio cost to build?

The materials for a paver patio typically cost about $3.00 to $7.00 per square foot, so you’d spend about $1,200 to $2,800 to build a 20-by-20 patio yourself. On the other hand, if you wanted one installed professionally, you’d need to spend between another $6.00 to $11.00 per square foot, for a total project cost of $3,600 to $7,200. 

Can I just lay pavers on dirt?

You can, but you won’t be happy with the result. When you skip a gravel base layer, you’re virtually guaranteed to see the pavers shift and sink over time. For the best results, you should always install a proper base layer beneath your pavers. 

Is 2 inches of paver base enough?

Generally speaking, no. For a proper patio, you’ll want to provide a 7- to 10-inch-thick layer consisting of gravel and stone. 

Are pavers worth it?

Yes. Paver patios often look amazing, and they tend to last for decades (when installed properly). This provides a great return on your investment, as you’ll not only be able to enjoy the patio for a long time but also raise the asking price of your home when it becomes time to sell. 

Stuck? Pup Pavers Can Solve Your Patio Problems!

Don’t feel bad if you run into problems while trying to build a paver patio yourself — it may seem like a simple project, but it’s actually surprisingly complicated. In fact, we hear from homeowners all the time who’ve started installing a patio, but eventually run into problems and need professional help. 

That’s exactly what we’re here for! With nearly 20 years of hardscape experience, we can quickly and efficiently get your patio project back on track or even build you one from scratch. Contact us today and see why Pup Pavers has become South Florida’s choice for patios, pavers, and artificial turf solutions!