How to build a paved path

Gather your supplies

Pavers (we used 600 x 400 x 40mm Euro Stone in Prague)

Mortar mix

80mm and 150mm black lava rocks

Plants (we used Cordyline ‘Pink Diamond’, Dianella ‘Silver Streak’, Lomandra ‘Lime Tuff’, aechmea and dichondra)

 

You’ll also need

Shovel; mattock; rake; tape measure; marker; safety glasses; ear muffs; diamond blade brick saw (hired); rubber mallet; pegs; stringline; wheelbarrow; brickie’s trowel; improved garden mix; sponge; spirit level 

 

Here’s how...

 

STEP 1

Use shovel and mattock to remove turf and excavate 60mm of topsoil to allow for height of paver and mortar bed. Level site with back of rake.

STEP 2

To cut pavers into shapes, measure and mark a couple of pavers into halves and quarters. Measure and mark pavers both crossways and lengthways for a variety of shapes. Wearing safety glasses and ear muffs, cut pavers with brick saw. Set aside.

STEP 3

In centre of path or in desired position, use mallet to hammer in pegs at both ends and run stringline between. Set stringline to finished height of pavers and ensure taut. Arrange edges of paver along stringline, spacing them at least 150mm apart and alternating between sizes for visual interest.

STEP 4

In wheelbarrow, mix up mortar according to manufacturer’s instructions. At beginning of path, remove paver and shovel a bed of mortar onto ground so it is roughly size of paver. Use brickie’s trowel to create air gaps in mortar. Dampen underside of paver with sponge, lay on top of mortar and push down. Use rubber mallet to tap into place, checking level and adjusting as necessary. Repeat to lay adjacent paver.

STEP 5

Repeat Step 4 to lay remaining pavers, staggering layout of pavers. Ensure distance between pavers is uniform before tapping into place.

STEP 6

Once finished, plant up around pavers and backfill with improved garden mix. Scatter lava rocks along sides of pavers.