Installation Guide
Basic Paver Installation
Learn the simple steps for installing Keystone pavers the right way. This guide walks you through the tools you need, how to prepare the base, and how to set and finish your pavers for a strong and long-lasting surface.
Equipment Needed
Broom, concrete saw, guide string, gloves, hammer (2–3 lb.), knee pads, pencil, plate compactor, rake, level, wood leveling board, stakes, tape measure, two leveling guides, shovel, spray paint, safety glasses, trowel, wheelbarrow.
- Excavate unsuitable, unstable or unconsolidated sub-grade material and compact the area, which has been cleared. Backfill and level with 3/4″ road base, suitable for walkways and road/driveways (typically 3″–6″ for pedestrian walkways and 8″–10″ for driveway applications).
- Place bedding course of concrete sand to a uniform depth of approximately 1″ leveled to grade.
- Layout the desired location of your pavers. Install pavers hand tight, following your pattern and extending the pavers over your lines.
- When cutting pavers, mark the line that you wish to cut and, using your desired cutting device, make a clean, vertical cut.
Ensure the fit is accurate and tight. There are four methods to use when cutting your pavers, choose the method according to your skill and comfort level. Use a skill or rotary saw with a diamond blade, a masonry or table saw, a hammer and chisel, or a paver guillotine splitter. - Install edge restraints using paver rail edging and metal spikes, concrete, or curbing. The edge restraint should fit tightly to prevent any movement.
- Tamp pavers with a mechanical vibrator, uniformly level and free of movement. Textured pavers require a rubber pad for the vibrator, to reduce scuffing.
- Fill voids in paver joints by sweeping dry, fine, sharp sand over pavers.
- Tamp the pavers with a mechanical vibrator to set the sand down into the pavers. Textured pavers require a rubber pad to reduce scuffing.
- Sweep the sand one last time into the paver joints, filling any voids. After, remove any sand from the tops of the pavers by using a leaf blower or an air hose.
- Lock the paver joint sand into place by using a Joint Stabilizing Sealer. Sealing your pavers is imperative.
