Adding pavers on your patio, walkway or driveway is always a good idea since they can improve the looks and increase your property value. Pavers come in a variety of types, materials, styles, and shapes. Still, one thing they have in common is the installation, they must be laid on a base of compacted gravel, usually topped with a sand layer or some other filler in the space between pavers to secure them.

Even though installation is the same for all pavers, the process can be very tricky since you need to pay attention to a lot of details, and one of them is how far apart to space pavers. You can’t lay pavers super close or not leave any space at all because that can actually cause some issues in the future.  

How far apart to space pavers?

The recommended space between the pavers is ⅛ inch, but that is not a rule for every pattern, the space between the pavers works according to the type of the pavers and the area you’re covering.

If you’re using concrete pavers, the rule is to set them closer than other materials and if you’re using other types of pavers, like bricks or flagstones, the gaps need more space. 

If you’re covering a walkway, you can leave wider gaps between the pavers, but for a driveway or a patio, you should leave smaller spaces between them.

One tip to help you place pavers with the right space between them is: when placing the pavers stop every 4 feet and pull a string line along the laying face and with a screwdriver, adjust the pavers to the string line.

Pavers gaps as accents

Of course, the rules above don’t apply to every case. In some projects, the gaps are a design accent. In walkways, for example, you can create a stylish look with brick pavers by filling the gaps with dry mortar or stone dust, the color will contrast and that will add character to the pattern.

You can also try to create a similar effect with concrete blocks in other colors, using contrasting colors of mortar or gravel fillers on the space between the pavers. You can also use pea gravel in the gaps to create a walkway with a rustic style.

How to fill the gaps between pavers?

It’s important to say that with any sized gap, it’s normal for pavers to get loosened over time and that’s why it’s important to properly fill the gaps with sand to ensure that they are secure.

To fill the pavers gaps when installing, you can follow the next steps:

• Step 1: After excavating and pouring gravel for the base and leveling them, lay one-inch of sand over it and then level it again with the hand tamper until it’s all even.

• Step 2: Lay the pavers in the desired pattern, keeping the distance between them according to the area and the type of pavers you chose.

• Step 3: Pour the filling sand or gravel over the pavers and with a rake or hoe to spread it, pushing it into the space between the pavers.

• Step 4: Water the pavers with a garden hose, but be careful with the water pressure, so gently wet the filling on the gaps, that will help the sand to settle. 

• Step 5: Let it dry completely so that way you give the filling time to really compact.

• Step 6: After it is all dry, brush away any dirt, sand, or gravel from the surface with a broom, then again, with a garden hose, water the pavers one more time, and let it dry.

Get a free estimate for your project! 

As mentioned earlier, installing and laying pavers can be a tricky process since you need to pay attention to a lot of details, that’s why we recommend you leave all the work in the hands of professionals. 

From planning projects and cleaning and sealing, we can handle everything! And if you have no idea about the cost you can get a free estimate!

S&S Pavers has over 10 years of experience serving the counties of Manatee and Sarasota. If you live in Sarasota, Manatee, or any of our surrounding counties contact us, we will be glad to assist you!