How to Make a Curved Walkway With Pavers

Use spray paint or stakes and rope to mark out the general shape and outline of your walkway. To make your curve as smooth and even as possible, use a hose or other flexible material to simulate the curve before beginning to lay your pavers. When designing your outline, be sure to allow enough space (at least 3 feet) for your walkway and any additional edging you may plan on installing. Also consider how you will be accessing your walkway, and be sure to add space near the entrance and exit for transitioning on and off of your walkway.

Step 2: Dig your base.

Using your design outline, begin to dig the base for your walkway. As you dig, remember to account for the depth of your pavers as well as the bedding layer beneath them. Generally, the base should be dug down 4 to 6 inches. To ensure proper drainage and prevent future sinking of your pavers, slope your walkway at 1/8 inch per foot from the center of the walkway out. Use a rake or shovel to level out the base, paying special attention to the slope of the walkway.

Step 3: Install the edging (optional).

If you are installing edging along the border of your walkway, now is the time to do so. There are many different types of edging materials available, so choose the one that best suits your taste and budget. When installing the edging, make sure to set it at least 2 inches into the ground and ensure that the top edge is level.

Step 4: Lay the bedding layer.

The bedding layer between the base of your walkway and your pavers will provide a stable and solid foundation for your walkway, as well as allow for some flexibility in the event of shifts or settling. Generally, a 1 to 2-inch thick layer of bedding material is used. There are several bedding options available, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, and special polymeric sand designed specifically for this purpose.

When installing the bedding layer, spread the material evenly across the base and use either a rake or shovel to level it out. Be sure to take into account the required slope for your walkway.

Step 5: Lay your pavers.

Now comes the fun part! Begin laying your pavers in the design and pattern of your choice from one end of your walkway to the other. Remember to leave a small space (generally about 1/4 inch) between each of the pavers - these gaps will eventually be filled in with joint sand, providing stability for your walkway and preventing weed growth.

When installing your pavers, it's important to make sure they are level with each other. You can use a rubber mallet or a tamper to gently tap the pavers into place. Be sure to work in small sections, as this will make it easier to maintain the proper slope of the walkway.

Step 6: Cut your pavers to fit (if needed).

Depending on the shape and size of your walkway and your design pattern, you may need to cut some of your pavers to fit correctly. To make this easier, you can use a wet saw or an angle grinder with a diamond blade. When making cuts, be sure to wear safety glasses and ear protection.

Step 7: Sweep in joint sand.

To complete your walkway and lock all of the pavers in place, fill the gaps between the pavers with joint sand. Ensure that you fill these gaps completely, as this will help prevent weed growth and maintain stability. There are several types of joint sand available, including polymeric sand and regular mason sand. Sweep in the joint sand and once the cracks and gaps are filled, use a broom to brush off any excess sand.

Step 8: Tamp the walkway (optional).

Finally, you can increase the stability of the pavers by tamping the walkway with a tamper or a vibrating plate compactor. This additional step is not necessarily required, but can be helpful in heavily trafficked areas.

Note:

Always remember to water down your base before installing the pavers and bedding material. This helps to ensure that the pavers and bedding material are compacted and settled properly, preventing any future sinking or movement.