How to Lay Block Paving

Laying Block paving is not an easy thing to do. Many people choose to hire contractors to do the work for them but some enterprising and hardy souls find it in themselves to do the work on their own. If you decide to travel down this path it is absolutely imperative that you follow the correct steps in the correct order.

The first thing you are going to need to do is gather up materials and supplies for laying block. There are a few things you will need. The most essential materials are going to be your paving blocks. Now these blocks are almost always exclusively made of stone.

If you are looking to create the best look possible you may want to go with something softer and more malleable that you can eventually replace when it goes out of style. If you are going for function you will want something harder that will last and not take a lot of damage from constant use or weight.

Before you purchase your stone it is a good idea to measure the dimensions you need beforehand and then purchase the stone from your local masonry supply. Always get a few extra plates in case you make a mistake or one breaks in transit. If there are broken paving stones delivered you can always return them.

You will also need a light plate compactor. Most people do not own this piece of equipment but you can easily rent or purchase one online or at your local hardware supply store like Lowe's or Home Depot.

You also have the option of using a simple claw hammer and various sizes of wood to lay paving in a small area but it is not recommended simply for the fact that it will lead to much more unstable blocks.