---
title: "Building a Paver or Natural Stone Patio: Full Guide"
url: https://stacklist.com/card/dfdd3829-1194-494a-b38d-1d2a7bcd8b0d
source_url: "https://www.quikrete.com/athome/video-paver-or-natural-stone-patio.asp"
stack: https://stacklist.com/c/diy/stack/6bbed7d4-9b23-4b29-98e0-122f9482c7c4
summary: "Building a paver or natural stone patio is presented as a 14-step DIY project covering excavation, base preparation, paver laying, and joint filling using QUIKRETE products. The guide includes detailed instructions, tips for drainage and leveling, a shopping list of materials and tools, and recommendations for different jointing sand types based on joint width."
tags: "paver-patio, natural-stone, landscaping, diy, how-to, quikrete, hardscaping"
key_entities: "QUIKRETE (organization), QUIKRETE PowerLoc Jointing Sand (technology), QUIKRETE HardScapes Polymeric Jointing Sand (technology), QUIKRETE All Purpose Gravel (technology), QUIKRETE Patio Paver Base Sand (technology), paver patio installation (concept), hardscaping (concept)"
classification: "tutorial"
content_hash: "sha256:042188a7fef056196d26780c9b93ceb29f234d2365770c7c6a283e156c1993fc"
acp_version: "0.2"
token_counts_approximate: 763
visibility: public
agent_accessible: true
status: "final"
---

# Building a Paver or Natural Stone Patio: Full Guide

HOME QUIKRETE® At Home How-To Videos Building a Paver or Natural Stone Patio HOW-TO VIDEOS A great way to view and understand your building or repair project before you get started. Find out just about everything you need to know by watching the video below. Building a Paver or Natural Stone Patio Building a paver or natural stone patio or walkway can be a functional and beautiful addition to your backyard landscape and with proper planning, attention to detail and a little hard work you can achieve a long-lasting result, regardless of your skill level and experience. Project Instructions Quantity Calculator Shopping List Project Instructions Step 1 Mark the outside dimensions of the project area TIP: for square or rectangular projects stake each corner and run a line between each stake; for irregular shapes mark the area with spray paint. Step 2 Excavate the area to a depth of 4 to 7 inches with a shovel (allow 2 to 4 inches for a compactable underlayment base and 1 to 2 inches of paver sand for leveling and the width of the paver). Step 3 Evenly spread 2 to 4 inches of QUIKRETE All Purpose Gravel into the excavated area and level. Step 4 Compact the gravel base using a tamper. Step 5 Install edge restraints to stabilize the pavers and prevent settling and shifting over time. NOTE: edges should be set to allow for proper drainage and should slope evenly (1/4 inch for every 12 feet) away from structures. Step 6 Spread 1 to 2 inches of QUIKRETE Patio Paver Sand over the compacted base. Step 7 Screed the sand smooth using a 2x4 and 1x1. Remove the excess sand in front of the screed and add additional sand behind the screed. Step 8 Align the paver rows using stakes and a string. Step 9 Lay the pavers outward starting in a corner - maintain a consistent joint width between each paver. Step 10 Tap and level the pavers in place with a rubber mallet. Step 11 Fill the joints with either QUIKRETE PowerLoc Jointing Sand or QUIKRETE HardScapes Polymeric Jointing Sand to hold the pavers in place. TIP: QUIKRETE PowerLoc Jointing Sand is recommended for paver joints of up to ½ inch wide. HardScapes Polymeric Sand is recommended for larger joints up to 2 inches wide and for use with natural stone. Step 12 Sweep away any excess sand from the paver surface. Step 13 Apply a fine water mist to the filled joints flooding the surfaces of the pavers and allowing the water to saturate the sand filled joints. Step 14 Dampen at regular hourly intervals for 3 hours after placement - avoid flooding the sand on the paver surface. Shopping List QUIKRETE® All Purpose Gravel QUIKRETE® Patio Paver Base Sand QUIKRETE® PowerLoc™ Jointing Sand (for joint widths up to ½ inch) OR QUIKRETE® HardScapes Polymeric Jointing Sand (for joint widths up to 2 inches) Pavers OR natural stones Shovel Level Carpenter's square Edge restraints Tamper Nails Hammer Chisel Garden hose with spray attachment Rubber mallet 2x4 boards 1x1 boards Stakes String Spray paint (optional, for marking irregular shapes) Water Gloves Safety glasses Driveway Broom