Are you ready to lay some pavers?
Whether you are decorating your backyard or adding to your patio, installing pavers over grass will add a touch of elegance and distinction to your home.
However, the task may seem rather difficult, especially if you have never done it before.
There are many variables you must consider in order to successfully install pavers on grass and make the surface durable and attractive for years to come.
This guide will walk you through each step of how to put pavers on grass, ensuring that all of your hard work will pay off in the end with a long-lasting paver patio.
Table of Contents
Step By Step Process of How To Install Pavers On Grass
Step 1: Prepare the area.
- To begin, start by laying down plastic sheeting to protect nearby plants and your yard from possible runoff.
- Once you’ve finished that, loosen up existing dirt with a shovel so that it’s about 4 inches deep.
- Make sure there are no rocks or other large objects in your chosen area. If there are, dig them out first and then refill them with dirt.
(It’s always better to move a few rocks than lose an entire slab of concrete!)
- Remove any leftover debris, and then wet down your patch of land with a hose or sprinkler. It should be damp but not soaking wet.
- Lay an extra tarp under each paver you plan on the setting, so you don’t risk getting mud or concrete dust onto your pavers later!
Step 2: Remove the turf.
Once you’ve identified your potential installation site, it’s time to remove any existing grass.
- Begin by using a lawn aerator in an area approximately 10 x 15 feet (3 x 4.5 m). This will relieve compaction from existing grass and reduce thatch levels that could hinder drainage.
- Next, use a sod cutter or shovel to lift out sections of turf and remove them carefully from your home landscape and dispose of them as you would any other type of yard waste.
NOTE: If no preparation was done prior to installing turf, and more than one application was required to fill in bare spots, it may be necessary first to prune overgrown roots with a sharp spade before removing turf completely.
Step 3: Layout the Paving Stones
Layout your paving stones or tiles on a flat surface and start planning how you want them arranged. You might want some gravel in between every 2 or 3 paving stones, so that’s something else you need to consider when laying them out. And if so, allow yourself plenty of room around each stone.
As well, layout your edging first because it will help guide you with where your walkway will go. Start installing by placing 2 – 3 inch paver stones along your edging, then fill in any gaps with smaller paving stones. Then place your larger paving slabs starting from one end and working towards another as you interlock them together.
Step 4: Finishing touches
Once your pavers are in place, cover any exposed sand with gravel. This will give it a neat look and keep it from clumping together. Using a mortar, attach your final course of stones to finish off your design.
Let everything sit for at least a day before walking or driving over it. You don’t want an errant foot crushing your beautiful creation! Once all that’s done, you’re ready to take things back inside and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.
What Type Of Pavers Should You Install?
Whether you’re laying down pavers for a driveway, patio, or walkway, how you lay them can have an impact on their appearance.
Depending on how much work you want to put into your project and what kind of surface is underneath, there are a few different ways you can lay your paving stones. For example,
- Using bricks will give your path an old-school appeal that matches nicely with older homes and neighborhoods.
- Concrete pavers come in many different colors, so it’s easy to match them with existing landscaping in your yard or garden. I
If maintaining a certain level of appearance is important to you, or if you’re looking for a specific visual effect, we recommend taking time to consider all of your options.
Tips On Properly Leveling A Yard Before Laying Pavers
No matter what material you decide to use for your patio before you can enjoy it, you need to lay a flat and level surface over which you’ll place your pavers. This will give your patio structure and stability. You can achieve that through leveling techniques like removing dirt from some areas and adding dirt in others.
If your yard is really uneven with lots of high or low spots, more drastic measures might be necessary. Consider getting an expert opinion if you have any doubts about how much work needs to be done. Once your yard is properly leveled, follow these steps to install pavers on grass:
How To Install Large Pavers On Dirt?
Depending on your paver and installation requirements, you may be able to lay pavers directly over dirt. However, it’s a good idea to prepare your lawn for new pavers by adding a layer of landscaping fabric underneath them.
This protects both your lawn and your driveway from damage that can occur as a result of shifting under heavyweight. Layout landscape fabric in a single layer over your lawn and secure it with stakes or bricks at each corner.
Once you have staked down all four corners, use a rake to smooth out any wrinkles or folds in the fabric, so they are not visible once pavers are installed. When laying large pavers (2×4-footers or larger), add an additional 6 inches of soil between layers of landscape fabric for added support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you lay pavers directly on the grass?
Yes, you can lay pavers directly on the grass. However, if your yard is not level or is rocky, installing a concrete base will help ensure that you get a strong foundation for your paver patio or walkway.
What do you put under pavers?
Pavers are stones or bricks that form a flat, level surface. Sometimes you will want to walk or roll over them, so you’ll need a base for your pavers (much like a concrete floor), such as gravel, sand, woodchips, or crushed rock.
Conclusion
Pavers do not require any digging or excavation. However, if your lawn is very thick and tall, you will have to mow it down before installing a paver walkway.
The process of laying down pavers is simple and easy. If you are looking for an easy way to beautify your yard, then look no further than adding a paver walkway to your property.
The best part about using pavers as opposed to other materials like concrete or stone is that they can be easily removed without damaging anything underneath them.
If you are looking for a material that looks great but also won’t cost too much money, then look no further than putting pavers in grass in front of your home!
