Paver Walkway Installation Tips

Ready to give your home a fresh new look? Paver sidewalk installation is a great way to boost your curb appeal and make your St. Augustine home stand out. 

Whether you're updating an old walkway or creating a new path, this guide will walk you through the essential tips to get the job done right. 

Follow these steps to create a stunning and durable sidewalk that you’ll love for years to come. Or, at the end of this article, if you decide you want to save yourself a lot of time and energy, just give Outdoor Transformations a call.

4 Essential Steps for Perfect Paver Sidewalk Installation

Step 1: Plan and Prepare the Walkway

The foundation of a beautiful paver walkway starts with careful planning. Begin by marking out your path. For a straight walkway, stakes and string will do the trick. But if you’re envisioning gentle curves, using a couple of long ropes will help you map out the perfect shape. 

Be sure to keep the width consistent—ideally between 36 and 48 inches—so two people can walk side by side comfortably. Once your layout is ready, grab a shovel and dig along the perimeter. 

With this solid start, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning paver walkway that enhances your home’s curb appeal.

Step 2: Build the Paver Base

First, you’ll want to dig a trench deep enough to fit both your pavers and a sturdy base, aiming for around 8.5 inches. Use your shovel to clear out all the dirt and rocks and remember to dig the trench a bit wider than the walkway itself for some extra room. After that, it’s time to compact the ground. 

If you’ve got access to a plate compactor, great! If not, a hand tamper will do the trick with a little extra effort. Once the ground is level, you’ll pour in about 7 inches of crushed gravel to create a rock-solid base for your pavers. Spread the gravel evenly with a metal rake, wet it down, and compact it again. This step is crucial, so take your time here. 

Finally, it’s time to add the sand bedding. Lay down two PVC pipes on the outer edges of the gravel base and pour sand between them. Use a board to smooth it out—this process is called screeding. After removing the pipes, fill in the gaps with sand, smooth it out, and give it a light spray of water to help everything bond. And there you have it—a strong foundation ready for your pavers!

Step 3: Lay the Pavers

With your base prepped, it’s time to lay those pavers and transform your sidewalk! Start by picking a pattern that fits your style—whether it’s the classic running bond, stylish herringbone, or a creative design from Pinterest. The running bond is a great choice for strength and simplicity, with staggered rows that resist shifting and buckling.

As you place each paver, tap it firmly into place with a rubber mallet. For curves or tight spots, measure and mark the pavers carefully before cutting with a concrete saw or wet saw. Safety first—always wear goggles and gloves.

Don’t forget the edging! Secure your pavers with plastic paver edging, driving a spike every 12 inches to keep everything locked in place. Continue this process until your entire sidewalk is done, and you’ll have a beautiful, durable walkway that stands out.

Step 4: Sand the Joints

Now that your pavers are laid, it’s time to finish the job by locking them in place with polymeric sand. Pour the sand generously over the entire walkway, making sure it fills every joint between the pavers. Use a broom to sweep the sand into the gaps, ensuring an even distribution. 

After that, gently blow away any excess sand with a leaf blower. The final touch is to mist the entire walkway with water, which activates the polymeric sand and binds the pavers securely together. 

You’ve got everything you need to create a stunning sidewalk that will make your home the talk of the neighborhood. If you’re looking for expert help with paver sidewalk installation, Outdoor Transformations is your go-to contractor in St. Augustine, FL, and all of St. Johns County. 

We specialize in a variety of services, including design and installation of pavers, artificial grass, concrete, driveways, patios, pool decks and full landscaping transformations. 

Let’s turn your outdoor space into something truly special. Contact us today at 904-896-6928 to get started on your dream project!