How to Build a Paver Patio Without Digging

The traditional way of building a paver patio involves digging and clearing the area you want to work on. This added work of digging may consume much time and resources, especially if you are busy doing other things or have limited tools to help.

The good news is that you can skip the digging process when building your patio and still do a perfect job. In this article, I will use my paving experience to help you understand how to build a paver patio without digging, saving you time and resources.

How to Build a Paver Patio Without Digging

The first step in building a paver patio without digging is selecting a perfect location and marking. The next step is removing any obstacles that can hinder the smooth running of the project. You will then want to kill the grass using known grass killers such as glyphosate or imazapyr.

Pile of gray paver stones on a construction site

Next, add a landscaping fabric to curb grass growth and other weeds in the future. The next step is laying edges around the patio to help hold the pavers. Add about 1/2 -inch of paving sand spread. Now, lay the pavers on the sand in a pattern that matches your preference.

If you face challenges laying your pavers, contact Aviara Pavers to help you do the job. At Aviara Pavers, we have professionals who can lay your paver patio without digging. Our company follows ICPI guidelines for installing pool decks, patios, entry ways, and driveways. So, you will rest assured that you are dealing with the right people.

A Detailed Step-By-Step Guide for Building Paver Patio

Building a patio without digging requires a well-laid-down procedure to ensure you do the work perfectly. The following steps will help guide you accordingly:

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials

You will need the following materials and tools:

Patio paver (can be brick, concrete, or natural stones)
A landscape fabric
A hand tamper
A metal rack
Paver edging
A hammer or a mallet
A grass killer (glyphosate or imazapyr)
Sand, gravel, or crushed stones
A square
Stakes

Step 2: Select and Mark the Area

First, select the area where you will build your patio. This can be near the poolside, backyard, or garden. Next, mark the selected location using wooden stakes, marking paint, or string. The goal is to create a boundary to define the patio’s boundary, ensuring a clear and accurate representation of the space.

Man with gray gloves laying gray paver stones on top of a bed of gravel

Still, you can use brick pavers to help create the boundary. To do this, align the pavers across the length and width of the area. Ensure you use a square at the corners to have an angle of 45 degrees.

Next, mark the corners with stakes and string between them (between stakes) to create the boundary. You should then remove the pavers after running the string in the selected area.

Step 3: Clear the Area

The third step is to ensure the working area is free from any obstacles. You want to remove grass, weeds, debris and any obstacles to create an easy work environment. The best way to remove grass and other weeds is to spray the area with a grass killer, like Roundup.

To do this (killing the grass), spray grass killers such as glyphosate or imazapyr on the surface inside the marked area. Let the spray sit for about one day to ensure all the grass is killed. Use a rack to remove the dead grass.

Step 4: Install Paver Edging at the Edges

The work of edges is to help hold the pavers in place, curbing, wobbling, and shifting. Here is how you will install pavers around your paver patio:

Select an ideal edge restraint that will secure the entire patio. Examples of popular edges include metal, wood, or plastic.
Position the chosen edging material along the perimeter of the patio area
Secure the edges. You can use spikes to fasten the edging firmly
Inspect to ensure the edges are aligned and that they are in a straight line around the patio
Compact the edges to ensure they are tightly secured in the ground

Step 5: Spread Paving Sand Over the Area and Compact

Now pour about 1½-inch of paving sand over the area and use a metal rack to spread it in the entire area. Still, you can use crushed stones or gravel. Therefore, do not be limited to paving sand alone.

After spreading the area, use a hand tamper to compact the sand. Compacting creates a stable base that will ensure pavers do not shift or sink after some time.

Patio installed with paver stones and matching wooden wicker table and chairs

Step 6: Spread the Landscape Fabric

Get out your landscape fabric and spread it over the entire patio area. There are varieties of landscape fabrics, such as woven polypropylene, non-woven geotextiles, or permeable weed barriers. The landscape fabrics help curb weed growth and maintain the integrity of the paver.

Step 7: Lay the Pavers and Seal

It is time to lay your chosen pavers in a pattern that matches your preference. Start from a fixed point to ensure a consistent layout. For instance, you can place one paver at the center as your starting point. Cut the pavers to fit the layout. You can use tools such as a hammer and chisel.

Next, pour polymeric sand over the installed pavers and spread in the entire area. The sand helps fill the gaps and stabilizes the surface. Seal your pavers to protect them from UV lights and stains.

Conclusion

Building a paver patio without digging is a creative and practical solution to enhancing your outdoor living space. With proper tools and a clear procedure, homeowners can build a beautiful paver patio that is durable and visually appealing without disrupting the existing landscape.

How to Build a Paver Patio Without Digging