How to Lay Pavers: An Expert Guide

Laying pavers correctly ensures a long-lasting, stable, and attractive surface for walkways, driveways, and outdoor entertaining areas. Poorly laid pavers can shift, sink, or crack, so getting the process right the first time is crucial.

Choosing a Paving Pattern

There are several laying patterns to choose from, each offering its own look and strength benefits:

Stretcher Bond

Pavers are laid in offset rows, with each row starting halfway along the paver below. This common method adds strength and suits most applications.

Herringbone

Pavers are laid at 45 or 90 degrees in an interlocking L-shape, making it one of the strongest patterns—ideal for driveways and areas that experience vehicle traffic.

How to Calculate the Number of Pavers You Need

Use the Paving Calculator on our product pages to measure your space and estimate the number of pavers needed. Always allow an extra 5% for cuts, wastage, or breakage.

Safe Handling & Storage

Pavers are packed in segments called leaves, usually four per pack. Use a pack barrow and secure the load with straps to ensure safe transport.

What You’ll Need

Tools & Equipment:

• Shovel, rake, broom
• Spirit level
• Screeding board
• Guide boards or screeding straps
• Brick saw, plate compactor
• Edge restraints, stakes, string

Materials:

• Road base or crushed limestone
• Bedding sand
• Midland Brick pavers
• Jointing sand (e.g. Pave-Lok)
• PPE: gloves, eye and ear protection, steel capped boots

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Preparing the Site

• Ensure the finished paving level is below the damp proof course.
• Slope the paving away from buildings for water runoff.
• Allow depth for base (min. 100mm), bedding (approx. 30mm), and paver height.
• Excavate and level the ground.

2. Laying the Base Layer

• Spread road base evenly (min. 100mm depth).
• Rake smooth and compact using a plate compactor.

3. Screeding the Bedding Layer

• Set screeding guides to desired level.
• Spread bedding sand and screed flat to 30mm depth.
• Fill in guide tracks with more sand and level off.

4. Laying the Pavers

• Mark a grid with stakes and string.
• Gently place pavers with 2-3mm gaps (spacer nibs help).
• Use a brick saw to cut pavers if needed. Wet pavers before cutting to prevent slurry stains.

5. Edge Restraints

• Install to prevent horizontal movement and contain bedding materials.

6. Blending Pavers

• Work from multiple packs simultaneously to achieve an even colour mix.

7. Control Joints

• Include 10–15mm gaps in large or restrained areas.
• Spacing depends on layout and stress points—no more than 6m apart.

Finishing Touches

Joint Filling

• Sweep dry jointing sand into all gaps.

Compacting

• Compact pavers with a plate compactor fitted with a carpet pad.
• Add more sand and compact again.
• Sweep off excess sand.

Sealing Your Pavers

While not always essential, sealing helps resist stains and maintain the paver’s appearance. Ensure pavers are dry before applying sealer and always follow manufacturer instructions.

Browse our range of sealers

Ongoing Maintenance

Cleaning

• Regular sweeping and occasional low-pressure washing will extend lifespan.
• Avoid washing until jointing sand has set.

Stain Removal

• Start with warm soapy water.
• Identify the stain and use appropriate cleaner.
• Always test chemicals on a small patch first.

FAQ: Laying Pavers

Can I lay pavers directly on dirt?

No. Proper preparation with base and bedding layers is critical for a long-lasting result.

Where do I start laying pavers?

Begin from a straight edge, using grid lines for alignment.

How do I choose the right pavers?

Browse our full range online or visit a display centre for expert advice.