From Start to Finish: DIY Guide to Perfectly Laid Granite Pavers

Planning to redo your driveway or backyard? If it is so you’re in the right place!

We bring you Granite paving, one of the most dense and durable natural stones for all your hardscaping projects. Being used for a long time now, it is one of the most preferred building materials for house builders and commercial real estate developers.

From driveways to patios, it has been trending all over Australia and for all the right reasons. Let’s get more deeper into it.

Overview On the Use of Granite Pavers

Granite worktops are found in the kitchens and baths of 64% of newly constructed houses, according to the National Association of Home Builders. You can also find them in many lobby designs by commercial real estate developers.

Living space is no longer confined by four walls. Rather, the trend extending them to beautiful outdoor spaces is on the rise. Courtyard areas as well as pools, fountains, and others are in demand. Their architecture and design give just as much thought as the house itself.

Why Are Granite Pavers in Landscaping So Popular?

It is a popular material due it the durability, ease of upkeep, and variety of colour options. Additionally, the material instantly adds elegance and raises the property's worth. They practically last a lifetime and can handle different weather conditions as well as wear and tear.

Granite pavers also raise the value of a home when used outside. They also reduce the expense of replacement. These materials are essential to public and communal areas because they are long-lasting and require little maintenance. The fact that Granite is a "green" material is also significant; unlike concrete pavers, which must be disposed of, placing a significant strain on landfills, Granite pavers may be recycled or reused.

How To Lay Granite Pavers: Step-by-Step Process

• There is a lot of preparation work that must be done before the landscapers start the job of installing this natural stone paving. You’ll need to start with proper planning and site assessment.
• Once you are done with the preparation of the area, the next is to decide the final height for the Granite paver surface. Start with measuring the thickness of the pavers to account for it in the excavation depth.
• Use landscape spray paint to mark the area where the pavers will go; it helps to outline the area with a flexible garden hose before painting the entire area.
• Determine the depth of excavation needed for the project by factoring in the thickness of the pavers, one inch for the sand base, four to six inches for the gravel base for patios and walkways, or six to twelve inches for driveways. Clay soils need a broader base than sandy soils because they offer a more robust foundation and better drainage for the pavers. This step is important in case you plan to lay Granite pavers on concrete.
• Dig the area down to the depth required by your calculations. For instance, excessive clay soil with poor drainage necessitates excavation to a depth of 17 inches for a driveway with Granite pavers that are 30 mm thick. This will allow for 4 inches of paver thickness, 1 inch for the sand foundation, and 12 inches for the gravel base to enhance drainage. With two inches set aside for paver thickness, one inch for the sand foundation, and a minimum of four inches for the gravel base, a pathway or patio with 20–30 mm thick pavers on clay soil only has to be seven inches deep.
• To encourage water to flow off the paved surface, grade the soil at a 1/2 to 1% slope.
• Using a plate compactor, flatten the subsurface earth until the region is smooth.
• Add one-third of the gravel or crushed rock at a time to the excavated area until the desired amount is filled. For optimal compaction, use a foundation material with 3/4 inch or smaller pieces, sharp edges, and ground rock material. Check for levelness after uniformly spreading the foundation material, which can be either sand or concrete.
• Pack the plate compactor-leveled foundation material. Add the remaining foundation material and compact it between the layers, one-third at a time. While it is possible to apply all of the crushed rock or gravel at once, adding the foundation material in stages causes it to pack down tighter. This is a must when laying Granite pavers on concrete.
• Add edging restraints to the area's margins using edging materials like timber or polyvinyl paver restraints to prevent the Granite pavers from slipping after installation. Ten-inch steel pegs set two feet apart for pathways or one foot apart for Granite driveways are used to anchor the edge. Drive the spikes outside of timber restraints or through the openings of polyvinyl paver restraints.
• Over the compacted foundation layer, add a 1-inch layer of coarse masonry sand, and then smooth the sand with a two-by-four screed until it is level. To keep the sand inside the lines, refer to the edge restraints as a guide.
• In order to avoid future movement, place the Granite pavers precisely spaced apart on the sand bedding or concrete in the appropriate design. Install the whole paver set inside before cutting any to match the outside edges.
• Sand that has been finely divided, such as paver or play sand, should be applied to the Granite paver surface and swept into the spaces between the stones. Use water to help the sand settle, apply more sand to cover up any gaps. The same applies when laying Granite pavers on concrete.
• To ensure that the Granite pavers are securely placed and do not move, run a plate compactor over them. First, compact the pavers from north to south, and then reapply the pavers from east to west.
• After sweeping away any last bits of sand or debris from the paver surface, if you want to further stop sand erosion and avoid stains, apply a sand-binding sealant to the spaces between the pavers. Fill the cracks using polymeric sand instead of sealants; it will set like cement when it becomes wet.

The Final Takeaway

To sum up, laying Granite pavers on concrete or other surfaces improves outdoor areas by adding sturdiness and elegance. You can use them both indoors and outdoors, just be sure which finish would fit in right. So, what are you waiting for? Get some quality pavers from us and start with your project!

FAQ's

• Can You Lay Granite Pavers on Sand?

Yes, you can lay them directly on the sand bedding. It is recommended that they be arranged near each other to avoid movement. Pour fine sand over the granite paver surface and sweep the sand into the spaces between pavers.

• How Long Does Granite Paving Last?

Granite pavers can last for generations if sealed and properly cared for. We recommend re-sealing the stone every 2-3 years for longevity and avoiding discolouration.

• Is Granite Paving a Good Choice for Patios?

Granite is a very good choice for patios; it is an extremely hard-wearing material; for this reason, you will see it being used in shopping centres, city promenades, hotel verandas and, increasingly, many domestic gardens.