How to Build a DIY Paver Walkway

Learn how you can easily build a beautiful "Paver" walkway that will withstand the test of time.  I even made two of the most common mistakes when creating a paver walkway, so you don't have to!  My goal was to build a walkway that would be stable, even, and withstand the harsh North East Ohio winters, and would connect from my back porch all the way around to my driveway.  I started by pulling out the old walkway.  I then measured and cut the path for the new walkway and removed the dirt.  Once the new path was level I built a base using crushed lime stone that was compacted and dampened to harden.  Then I laid crushed limestone (you can also use silica sand) to create a smooth surface to lay the stones.  I picked a running bond pattern and started laying the bricks.  Once the bricks were laid I filled the brinks with Sakrete Paver Set polymeric sand and wet with a hose to lock the bricks in place.  

Common Mistakes:
1 . Do not apply Polymeric sand to wet or damp stones, make sure they are perfectly dry.  This prevents the bonding compound from activating and causing a very nasty eye sore on the top of your stones.
2.  Use a leaf blower to blow off any excess sand on the walkway before wetting.  This prevents discoloring of the stones due to small amounts of sand being left behind by the broom.

Pavers from Lowe’s:
Countryside 9-in L x 6-in W x 2-in H Concrete Patio Stone

Countryside 6-in L x 6-in W x 2-in H Concrete Patio Stone

Retaining Wall Bricks Along Flowerbed:

Flagstone 11-in L x 4-in H x 6-in D Concrete Retaining Wall Block