A well-paved garden can completely transform your outdoor space — adding style, structure, and long lasting functionality.
At our landscape centres, we’re often asked how to choose the right colour and size of pavers, calculate how many are needed, and determine the best way to lay them.
Here, we answer the most common paving questions along with tips to help you get it right.
What style of pavers should I choose?
The challenge in choosing pavers isn’t from a lack of options. It’s in deciding from the huge variety available!
Of all the possible colours and sizes, there are 3 main types of pavers. These are:
- Natural stone pavers
- Porcelain pavers
- Brick pavers
Colours range from reds and browns to greys and golds, each in a variety of thicknesses, and with sizes ranging from standard brick to 600x600mm pavers.
For DIY projects, we often recommend using larger pavers as it’s much easier to line up a few large pavers than dozens of smaller ones. Just keep in mind that large pavers are heavy, so you may need an extra pair of hands for installation.
When it comes to paving designs, the choice is yours. You can lay them vertically, horizontally, as stepping stones, in a herringbone pattern, or any other formation you like.
How many pavers will I need?
Calculating the number of pavers you need can seem tricky. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
We have all the formulas needed to work out exactly how many pavers you’ll need. Just measure the area you want to cover, noting the length and width. If your space has multiple directions, break it into shapes and measure each section separately and we can work out the total for you.
Once you’ve chosen your pavers, we can deliver them to you.
How do I install pavers?
While it involves some manual work, paving doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here are some simple steps you can follow to achieve a professional finish:
- Clear the area – Remove grass, leaves, stones, and any other debris to create a clean surface.
- Lay the base – Use roadbase for a solid, compactable foundation. Spread it evenly and consider hiring a compactor to ensure it’s well-packed both before and after laying.
- Add sand – Spread a layer of washed sand over the roadbase and level it with a piece of timber. This helps with drainage and creates a smooth surface for the pavers.
- Install your pavers – Lay your pavers according to your chosen design. Leave a small gap between each one to allow for expansion and contraction with temperature changes. If you need to cut pavers, carefully use an angle grinder or brick/block saw.
- Add jointing sand – Fill the gaps between pavers with jointing sand to lock the pavers in place.
- Optional sealant – For natural stone pavers, applying a sealant can protect the surface and make cleaning easier.
Find all your paving needs at Canberra Sand and Gravel
Canberra Sand and Gravel has everything you need to make your DIY paving project a success. Order online or visit one of our landscape centres.
