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How do you edge a driveway with pavers?

When you are building a driveway or any kind of outdoor area, it’s super important to edge the surfaces. However, installation can be a little tricky, and that’s why one of the main questions when it comes to this process is “how do you edge a driveway with pavers?”.

To give you an idea of how much edging is essential, when you don’t edge your pavers, they will be more likely to spread and sink over time. Furthermore, damaged edging can cause other issues as well, like weed and moss-growth between them.

Want to install pavers on your driveway, but have no idea how do you edge a driveway with pavers? Check this article to see everything you need to know about the subject!

How do you edge a driveway with pavers?

Edging a driveway can be difficult, but the following steps can make the process a little easier:

  • Step 1: The first step is to measure the length and width of your driveway. You also have to measure the pavers you want to use, how many do you want, and how you want to set them. You can set them in a single row, end to end, or place them side by side or do an entire driveway with them. 
  • Step 2: Dig a trench approximately 8 inches deep along each side of the driveway and make the trenches a little bit wider than the pavers you plan to use.
  • Step 3: Tamp the base of each trench with a hand tamper. 
  • Step 4: Use a utility knife to cut geotextile fabric to fit in the trenches. Lay the fabric in the trenches and hold it in place by scattering a few rocks on it. This step is very important to prevent weeds to grow between the pavers.
  • Step 5: Add 3 inches of crushed gravel to the trenches and then tamp the gravel with a hand tamper. 
  • Step 6: Add 2 inches of sand on the top of the crushed gravel and then tamp it with a hand tamper again. 
  • Step 7: Pass a straight piece of scrap over the top of the sand to check for high and low places, so you can add or remove sand as necessary and tamp the sand again.
  • Step 8: Now it’s the time to set your pavers in the sand layer, spacing the pavers as close as possible.
  • Step 9: Place landscape edging along the outer edges of the driveway pavers. Hold it in place with the stakes that come with the edging. 
  • Step 10: Sprinkle sand on top of the pavers and add more sand, if necessary, to fill the joints.

Why is it important to edge a driveway?

Unless your pavers are installed with the edges touching another solid surface (a curb, driveway edge, or a wall), it’s highly recommended to install an edge along the whole perimeter. 

As mentioned earlier, is very important to edge your paver driveway, because edging will prevent them to spread and sink. This way, the pavers will stay in great condition for much longer, without cracking, shifting, or lifting.

Another good reason for you to edge your driveway is to prevent soil erosion. Edging helps to keep mulch, soil, and plants where they belong. By acting as an effective barrier, it prevents your lawn from washing or blowing away.

Can I do it by myself or do I hire a professional?

You can edge your driveway by yourself, but you have to keep in mind that hiring a professional is a guarantee of the quality, beauty, and longevity of your project.

When you do all the work by yourself, you cut some expenses, but you’re probably gonna take more time to do it and there is always a chance of something going wrong. When you put all of this in balance, you will see that hiring a professional to edge your driveway is a better option.

Get a free estimate!

You can have a professional contractor install driveway pavers in a couple of days and S&S Pavers has over 10 years of experience doing that in the counties of Manatee and Sarasota. From the design of your project to its execution, we can handle everything. 

And if you worry about the price, you can get a free estimate for your project! If you live in Florida, don’t hesitate to contact us!

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