Can I use a compactor on pavers?

Compactors are used to settle and compact the base for laying pavers on a patio or sidewalk, and to level the pavers and settle sand between the joints after they are laid. A vibrating plate compactor is best for installing pavers.

Should you compact pavers?

Not compacting the base Before laying bedding sand or pavers, your gravel base needs to be flat and firm, without any bellies or rises of more than 1/8″. If you fail to compact, you’ll experience sunken or raised pavers. In other words, a bumpy, uneven base will produce bumpy, uneven pavers.

Should I wet pavers before compacting?

It will vary by situation. Try and wait for the ground to dry if it is a little wet before compacting, but if its unavoidable, add a small amount of large gravel to help bind the wet surface and continue compacting.

How do I stop my pavers from sinking?

A layer of gravel, compressed down over the soil and add a thin layer of sand on the gravel and smooth it to make it level. This offers a stable base for the pavers.

Do you tamp pavers after installation?

Once you have swept the sand into the paver joints, a hand tamp should be used over the entire paver area in order to “vibrate” the sand further into the joints. This tamping procedure will insure that the maximum amount of sand is holding the pavers in place. (DO NOT USE A PLATE COMPACTER TO VIBRATE THE PAVERS!)

Can you lay pavers directly on dirt?

Typically, it is not recommended to directly lay down pavers over dirt. For pavers to look and perform well in a permanent installation setting, the ground/dirt floor must be excavated, leveled, and hard compacted.

How many inches of sand do I need for pavers?

1 inch
The amount of sand you use can make or break your paver installation, so it’s best that you use no more than the recommended 1 inch. Here’s why: A sand layer that is too thick can create waves in your patio during the installation. Pressing pavers into a thick sand bed may result in misalignment and a messy look.