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Materials and Tools:
pavers rated for motor vehicles
vibratory plate compactor
plastic pave edge
silica or polymeric sand
nozzle with fine spray setting
Buy pavers rated for motor vehicles. Standard paver thickness is about 2 3/4 inches.
Start by marking the parking area with string and stakes. Sizing the space to conform to whole numbers of pavers will save a lot of sawing.
Park your vehicle in the space to make sure it fits.
Dig the foundation. You’ll need 3 inches for gravel, 2 inches for sand, plus the height of the paver, plus 1/4 inch. The working level of pavers should be 1/4 inch above the existing driveway.
Line the foundation with landscaping fabric. Spread a 3-inch layer of gravel on top of the fabric. Use a vibratory plate compactor to pack down the gravel.
Use a carpenter’s level and a 2x4 to level the gravel.
Put down 2 inches of washed sand. Use the level and 2x4 to level the sand.
The surface of the sand should be below the driveway level a distance equal to the width of the pavers minus 1/4 inch.
Lay a row of 'soldier' pavers around the outer edge. The edge row can be perpendicular to the running pattern.
Starting at the driveway edge, lay the pavers. Use a staggered, running bond, basket weave or herringbone pattern. Fit together the pavers as tightly as possible.
Use a concrete saw to cut partial pavers.
Do not step into or disturb the sand while you lay pavers.
Install a pave edge around the pavers, securing it with spikes pounded into the ground.
Sweep silica or polymeric sand into the joints between the pavers. A light spray of water will make the sand set up in the joints.