DIY Patio Pavers? (XP on D&R)

QueenofAnything

Has anyone done a paver patio or walkway by themslves? H and I are likely going to do it and I was wondering:

a) how big was your area?

b) how long did it take you?

c) did you dig by hand or get an excavator?

Thanks!

HRP22

We helped a neighbor recently do it.  My SO used to work for a hardscaping company and had done it many times.

It took him, myself, and neighbor two days to do it.  Mainly because you get tired and sore, and  you eventually just have to stop.

If you do it, make sure you do it right and get the right materials.  Professionals don't shop at home depot and neither should you.  Find a material supply company in your area that sells to the public.  This is where you get mulch by yard for example.  Also, rent good tools.  A tamper, and a paver saw at minimum.

You want to get crushed limestone and the sand.  You'll need a heavy duty truck to bring it home.

This is actually a really good clear explanation on how to do it:

http://www.wikihow.com/Install-Pavers

Make sure you sit the pavers down and don't scoot them in because your sand will move with them. 

 

danzr13

We just pulled out our sidewalk and replaced it with patio pavers.  it was 88 square feet (44 long by 2 wide).  We took 3 different days to sledge out the concrete because it was a lot of work and it was just my husband and I doing it.  But we were able to do the limestone, sand, pavers all in one day with help from 3 others.  We also did the joint sand the following day (tedious because it only goes between the pavers and the instructions said not to get any on the pavers because it would stain them).  It was a weekend project for us but we are really happy with the result....and it cost us half of what a concrete company quoted us to repour the sidewalk. 

danzr13

Sorry forgot one part....we did it by hand but were lucky in that we already had the 4 inches dug out for the original sidewalk...so we just had to dig out 2 more inches and make sure it was level.