Interlocking Paver Entryway

Pavers come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors (Figure C), so they offer a lot of versatility. They can be used in many types of settings, from formal to informal, to add an artistic flourish to any yard.

Berger estimates that a professional would charge $3,600 to design and build a entryway of interlocking pavers (not including the cost of plants), but do-it-yourselfers can complete the project for only $1,500 in two weekends. He gives this simple project a 2 on a scale of 1 (easy) to 5 (hard).

Step One: Preparing the Site

The easiest way to break up a lot of concrete is with a jackhammer, available to rent for $50/day. So, if you have an existing walkway or patio, just break the concrete slabs into pieces and remove them.

Dig out the walkway site about 8 to 10 inches below grade for the foundation and pavers. The crew used a skip loader to dig, but you can save $185/day by digging out the site with a shovel.

Step Two: Filling in the Base Rock

For the foundation, contractor Craig Matthews starts with base rock, available at building supply stores for 50 cents per square foot. It gives the walkway more strength and prevents it from slipping or sliding.

Step Three: Leveling the Surface

Step Four: Placing the Pavers

Paver expert Mark Wagner says that some interlocking pavers offer a natural stone look at less cost than actual stones. Pavers run from $2 per square foot to $4 for larger tumbled pavers. For this project, he chooses two sizes of tumbled pavers in shades of gray and brown.

As you near the end, if you have any odd-sized gaps, cut those pavers for a perfect fit (figure H). Figure I shows a close-up of the completed pathway.

Spread a two-inch-thick layer of concrete (figure J) against the outside edge of the paver walkway to provide extra stability. Allow the concrete to set for 24 hours (figure K) and then add sod or plants to disguise the concrete.

Pour some silica sand ($5/bag) onto the path and patio and sweep it into the joints between the pavers to lock them in place. Run the vibratory plate compactor over the pavers to pack in the sand and lock the pavers tightly together.

Planting: An Inviting Entryway

Because this is an entryway, Berger wants to make a great first impression with lots of color and texture. He chooses a variety of colorful, drought-resistant, low-maintenance plants to line both sides of the walkway. He also continues the landscaping up a nearby slope to screen the retaining wall and enclose the area. He edges the walkway with plants in purples, pinks and yellows and a few spiky plants for contrast. His planting plan includes:

• Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead', a fragrant plant with a long blooming season (Zones 5-8)
  
• Lavandula dentata, slightly fragrant, lavender-blue flowers that bloom in late summer (Zones 8-9)
  
• Coreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise', deep yellow flowers (Zones 4-9)
  
• Phormium 'Yellow Wave,' long, sword-like blades striped yellow and green (Zones 9-10)

Keep in mind that lavender attracts bees, so don't plant it near kids' play areas or walkways if anyone in your family is allergic.