-- PAVER PATIO'S --
How to Install Pavers After the Base is Complete!

Welcome to a definitive Three Timbers guide! Whether you’re one of our hard-working team members on a job site or a curious client wanting a behind-the-scenes look (or even considering a little DIY action), this guide is custom-built for you. As the premier landscaping maestros in town with sky-high ambitions of industry dominance, we believe in transparent processes and the beauty of shared knowledge.
The Foundation: Edge Restraints
For Employees: Ensure you’re setting a clean, squared perimeter. This is foundational for the rest of the project.
For DIY Enthusiasts: Starting with a strong edge helps everything fall into place. If you’re feeling curvy (circles or elegant arcs), pavers come first, then the edge restraints.
- Fasten the restraints every 12 inches. They should be nestled right on the base, not on the sand.
- Little pro-tip: Always sweep away any lingering sand before laying down the edge. It’s about the details.
Bedding Sand: Leveling the Playing Field
For Employees: The quality of our projects starts from the ground up. Perfect this step, and the rest will follow smoothly.
For DIY Enthusiasts: It’s about creating a smooth canvas. Think of this as prepping a canvas for a painting.
- Position your 1-inch guide pipes approximately 6 to 8 feet apart. They’ll guide your sand spreading.
- Aim for a perfectly even distribution. Once done, your guiding pipes have served their purpose; remove them and fill in their marks with a sprinkle of sand.
Concrete Pavers: Building Dreams Brick by Brick
For Employees: Each paver you lay is a testament to Three Timbers’ quality. Precision is the name of the game.
For DIY Enthusiasts: Here’s where your space begins to truly transform.
- Initiate from a sharp corner, ensuring a 90-degree angle.
- Laying each paver is like adding a piece to a puzzle. If custom cuts are required on the edges, a diamond blade will serve you well.
Three Timbers Insight: Whether professional or amateur, always keep consistency in mind. Even spacing between pavers isn’t just aesthetically pleasing, it’s structurally sound.
Finishing the Framework: Edge Restraints Revisited
For Employees: Post-paver placement, refine the edges to seal the deal.
For DIY Enthusiasts: Think of this as framing your masterpiece.
- Bring in the edge restraints for that tailored finish. And always remember to brush off displaced sand to ensure stability.

Securing the Scene: Plate Compactor Mastery
For Employees: This step ensures our work’s longevity. Double-check each section.
For DIY Enthusiasts: Here, you’re setting everything firmly in place.
- Run the plate compactor over every paver, at least twice. Any paver showing signs of rebellion (like cracking)? Swap it out.
The Final Flourish: Joint Sand
For Employees: This solidifies the work, ensuring client satisfaction for years to come.
For DIY Enthusiasts: This is the glue holding everything together. Don’t skip!
- Fill the joints amply with sand, compact it, and stand back to admire.
NOTE: We at Three Timbers always vouch for polymeric jointing sand for longevity and a polished finish. Should you opt for this (and we recommend you do), ensure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Protect and Serve: Paver Protection
For Employees: Protecting our projects ensures our reputation remains untarnished.
For DIY Enthusiasts: Like a phone case for your pavers, this step is about safeguarding your hard work.
- While compacting, consider a buffer like sturdy cardboard, thin carpeting, luan plywood, or a urethane rubber mat.
There you have it! Three Timbers isn’t just about delivering excellence; we’re about cultivating knowledge. Whether you’re laying the groundwork for a client or crafting a backyard oasis, this guide is your ticket to landscaping success. Happy paving!
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