Paver Installation

The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) was founded by the manufacturers of concrete pavingstones to promote use and proper installation of pavers. The ICPI has established industry standards through a certification program and other continuing education courses, in an effort to preserve these fundamental installation practices.

TYPICAL INSTALLATION
The installation diagram shown is commonly accepted for most residential patios, walkways and driveways. There are other acceptable installation methods that are listed on the ICPI web site, based on specific circumstances that may be present at the jobsite.

These can be viewed online at www.icpi.org.

Typical Installation

INSTALLATION SUMMARY
The unabridged version is available at www.icpi.org/homeowners/yourself.cfm

STEP 1:
Determine Amount of Materials: Determine the area (length x width) and select the type of paver you are going to use. Measure length of “open” edges, i.e., areas not against a house, curb or another rigid pavement, as this will be the linear feet of edging needed. See a Clayton representative with your measurements to calculate bedding sand and base.

STEP 2:
Excavate the Area: Before digging, call the local utility company and have them mark out underground utilities. The minimum excavation depth on patios and walks is 7 inches: 4 inch base, 1 inch sand and 23/8 inch paver. Driveways or heavily trafficked areas should be significantly deeper, and in either case, base should slope away from the house at ¼ inch per foot.

STEP 3:
Install the Geotextile and Base: Cover the compacted, sloped sub-base with geotextile and turn it up along the sides of the excavation. Place the first two inches of aggregate base on top and rake out evenly. Material should be moist, but not soaked, for proper compaction. Continue adding and compacting the base in layers, making sure to leave enough room for the bedding sand and pavers. It is important to maintain the slope away from the house on the subsequent layers of base material.

STEP 4:
Install the Edge Restraints: Lay edging out around the perimeter and stake in according to manufacturer.

STEP 5:
Install the Bedding Sand: Place 1 inch pipes several feet apart and parallel to each other. “Screed” or smooth sand between pipes by pulling straight piece of lumber along the pipes. Add any additional sand needed for low spots, and screed as needed until sand is smooth. Repeat on entire area, filling indentations from the pipes with sand.

STEP 6:
Place the Concrete Pavers: Start border course at a corner, and make cuts as needed. When finished, run plate compactor over area, replacing any that crack or chip. Put dry joint sand on top of pavers, and run compactor over area again.

RECOMMENDED TOOLS
• Wheelbarrow
• Flat and Pointed Shovels
• Rake
• Hand Tamper
• Broom
• Chisel
• 3 lb. Hammer
• String Line
• Metal Stakes
• Screed Board (straight piece of lumber)
• 1 inch Diameter Pipes
• Hose with Spray Nozzle
• Line Level
• 4 ft. Carpenter’s Level
• Paver Splitter or Table Saw (rented)
• Plate Compactor With Rubber Matting (rented)
• Gloves
• Ear Plugs
• Safety Goggles
• Suitable Dust Mask

Note: Clayton recommends the use of a protective layer between the paving stones and the plate compactor used when doing the final compaction. This will avoid scratching the surface of the pavers. The application recommended is the use of a mat, cardboard, thin plywood, carpeting or soil separation fabric. Clayton suggests using one of these separators with ALL of our paving lines.