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Interlocking pavers are a great way to make your driveway, patio, or walkway look amazing. They are strong, long-lasting, and can handle Ontario’s tough winters. But to keep your pavers flat and strong for years, you need to install them correctly.
This guide will walk you through each step in simple words. You will learn what tools you need, how to prepare the ground, and how to lay the pavers so they don’t crack or shift.
What Are Interlocking Pavers?
Interlocking pavers are small blocks of concrete or stone. They fit together like puzzle pieces. Unlike one big slab of concrete, pavers can move slightly without cracking. This is very helpful in Ontario, where the ground freezes and thaws many times each year.
Why Ontario Homeowners Love Them
- They handle freeze-thaw cycles better than concrete
- They come in many colors, shapes, and patterns
- Broken pavers can be swapped out one at a time
- They boost your home’s curb appeal and value
Tools and Materials You Will Need
Before you start, gather everything so you don’t have to stop halfway through.
Tools
- Shovel and rake
- Wheelbarrow
- Plate compactor (you can rent one)
- Rubber mallet
- String line and stakes
- Level
- Landscape edging
- Paver saw or chisel (for cutting edge pieces)
Materials
- Interlocking pavers (buy 10% extra for cuts and mistakes)
- Crushed stone (also called Granular A)
- Coarse sand for the bedding layer
- Polymeric sand for the joints
- Geotextile fabric (this stops weeds and keeps layers separate)
Step 1: Plan Your Layout
Good planning saves you time and money later.
Measure the Area
Measure the length and width of the space. Multiply them together to get the square footage. This tells you how many pavers to buy.
Pick a Pattern
Common patterns include herringbone, running bond, and basket weave. Herringbone is a strong choice for driveways because it locks together tightly under the weight of cars.
Check for Slope
Your paved area needs a slight slope, about 1 inch for every 8 feet. This lets rainwater flow away instead of pooling on top.
Step 2: Dig Out the Area
Now remove the old surface and dig down to the right depth.
How Deep to Dig
- Walkways and patios: dig down about 7 to 8 inches
- Driveways: dig down about 10 to 12 inches, since cars are heavier
Remove Old Material
Dig out grass, dirt, old concrete, or old pavers. Pile the dirt in a spot where it won’t get in your way.
Check the Base
The ground under your pavers should be firm and free of roots, rocks, or soft mud spots. If the soil is soft, dig a bit deeper and add extra crushed stone.
Step 3: Add the Base Layer
The base is the most important part of the job. A weak base means your pavers will sink, shift, or crack over time.
Lay the Fabric
Roll out geotextile fabric over the bare soil. This stops weeds from growing up through your pavers and keeps the soil from mixing with the stone above it.
Add Crushed Stone
Pour in crushed stone in layers, about 2 inches at a time. Adding it in small layers helps it pack down tightly.
Compact Each Layer
Use the plate compactor on each layer before adding the next one. Skipping this step is the most common mistake homeowners make. A loose base will cause problems later, even if the pavers look great at first.
Check the Slope Again
Use your string line and level to make sure the base still slopes away from your house.
Step 4: Add the Bedding Sand
This thin layer of sand helps the pavers sit level and lets you make small adjustments.
Screed the Sand
Spread about 1 inch of coarse sand over the compacted base. Use a screed board (a straight piece of wood) to level the sand.
Don’t Walk on It
Try not to step on the sand once it’s smooth. Footprints create low spots where water can collect.
Step 5: Lay the Pavers
This is the fun part, where you finally see your design come together.
Start in a Corner
Begin in one corner and work outward. Follow your string lines to keep rows straight.
Place Pavers Close Together
Set each paver tight against the next one. Leave a small, even gap (about 1/8 inch) for the joint sand.
Tap Them Down
Use a rubber mallet to gently tap each paver into place. This helps it sit evenly in the sand.
Cut Edge Pieces
When you reach the border, you will likely need to cut some pavers to fit. Use a paver saw for clean, straight cuts.
Step 6: Add Edge Restraints
Edge restraints keep your pavers from spreading apart over time.
Install Along the Border
Place plastic or metal edging along the outside edge of the paved area.
Secure with Spikes
Use spikes to anchor the edging firmly into the base below. This step is easy to skip but very important, since it holds the whole pattern together.
Step 7: Fill the Joints with Sand
The joint sand locks the pavers together and keeps them from wobbling.
Spread Polymeric Sand
Pour polymeric sand over the whole surface and sweep it into the joints with a broom.
Compact Again
Run the plate compactor over the pavers one more time. This settles the sand deep into every joint.
Remove Extra Sand
Sweep off any sand left sitting on top of the pavers.
Mist with Water
Lightly spray the surface with water. This activates the polymeric sand so it hardens and locks the joints together. Follow the product instructions for exact timing.
Step 8: Let It Set
Give the polymeric sand time to cure, usually 24 to 48 hours, before you walk on it or drive on it. Check the weather forecast, since rain right after installing can wash the sand out before it hardens.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping Base Compaction
This is the number one reason pavers fail early. Always compact each layer of stone.
Using the Wrong Base Depth
A driveway needs a much deeper base than a garden path because it carries more weight.
Ignoring the Slope
Without a slope, water pools on the surface and can seep under the pavers, causing them to shift.
Forgetting Edge Restraints
Without them, pavers slowly spread apart, and gaps start to form.
Should You Hire a Professional?
Installing interlocking pavers yourself can save money, but it takes real physical work and attention to detail. A small patio might be a good weekend project. A full driveway, however, involves heavy equipment, deep excavation, and precise grading. Many Ontario homeowners hire a professional for driveways to ensure the base can handle vehicle weight and years of freeze-thaw cycles.
FAQs
How long do interlocking pavers last?
With a strong base and proper care, interlocking pavers can last 25 years or more. The key is a well-compacted base and edge restraints that keep everything locked in place.
Can I install pavers myself, or do I need a contractor?
You can install a small patio or walkway yourself if you have the right tools and time. Driveways are harder because they require deeper excavation and a stronger base to support car weight. Many people hire a contractor for driveways and do smaller projects themselves.
What is the best base depth for a driveway in Ontario?
Most driveways need a crushed stone base of about 10 to 12 inches. This extra depth helps the pavers handle vehicle weight and survive Ontario’s freeze-thaw winters without shifting.
Why do pavers sink or become uneven over time?
Sinking usually happens when the base isn’t compacted well enough or when water pools under the pavers due to poor drainage. This is why compacting each layer and building in a slope are so important.
How do I stop weeds from growing between my pavers?
Laying geotextile fabric under the base stops weeds from growing up from the soil. Filling the joints with polymeric sand also helps, since it hardens and blocks weed seeds from taking root between the pavers.
