Pavers are a great choice for your driveway, patio or walkway. They’re durable, easy to install and can be customized in an endless number of ways.
But after a few years, paver stones can start to shift and become uneven. If you’ve noticed that your pavers aren’t laying flat anymore, don’t panic!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Uneven pavers can be caused by several factors such as settling of the ground beneath them, improper installation, or natural wear and tear. |
| To flatten uneven pavers, you can use a variety of methods such as sanding, leveling, or lifting and relaying the pavers. |
| Uneven pavers can create tripping hazards and compromise the stability of your outdoor surfaces. |
| Proper installation techniques and regular maintenance can help prevent uneven pavers. |
| If you are unsure about how to fix uneven pavers, it’s best to consult with a professional to avoid further damage. |
There are plenty of ways to fix this problem yourself with minimal effort and expense.
1. Using a Dustpan Scoop
Use a dustpan scoop to remove excess sand. A dustpan scoop should have a sturdy handle and be small enough to fit under the pavers. It’s also helpful if it has a sharp edge, so you can scrape off excess sand.
2. Using a Scraper to Remove Excess Sand
Now that you’ve used the edging to define the shape of your pavers, it’s time to remove excess sand from inside the joint.
Using something like a trowel or putty knife (or even scraping by hand), scrape off any extra sand in between each paver. Be sure not to remove too much, as this can make it harder for your pavers to stay flat once they’re set in place.
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3. Ripping off the Pavers
You will need a hammer and chisel to remove the pavers from the ground. If you have concrete pavers, you can use a crowbar instead of a hammer and chisel.
If you’re dealing with concrete and tile pavers, you can use a sledgehammer or jackhammer to loosen them.
4. Removing the Sand Using a Putty Knife or Trowel
Once you’ve worked the sand around the pavers, it’s time to remove any excess. Use a putty knife or trowel to scrape away any sand that’s above your new level surface and only remove what is necessary.
Do not remove any from under the pavers, as this will cause them to sink into their bases. Make sure you use a wooden or plastic trowel and not metal (which can damage your pavers), and if possible, use one with a rounded edge rather than square corners so as not to gouge them during scraping.
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5. Apply New Sand to the Area
The last step is to apply sand over the paver surface. Use a rake or other tool to evenly distribute the sand, but don’t apply too much.
If you use too much, it will be difficult to flatten out later on. If you have a large area that needs leveling, it’s better to use a bucket and shovel so that you can spread out the sand evenly without having to worry about getting your hands dirty.
6. Smoothing Out the Pavers
After you’ve filled in any holes, it’s time to smooth out the pavers. Use a broom or brush to brush away any excess sand.
Then get out your putty knife or trowel and smooth out the pavers until they are flat and flush with each other.
If there are places where pavers are sticking up higher than others, use a screwdriver to pry them up so that they’re level with their neighboring tiles.
If any of your concrete edges have dried unevenly due to poor pouring techniques or weathering (this can happen if you don’t pour your patio within 24 hours after finishing), use either a hammer or chisel (depending on how thick your concrete edge is) to break apart unwanted chunks of concrete until they match their neighbors!
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7. Hiring a Professional to Redo Everything
If you’re on a tight budget, don’t hire a professional. You can do it yourself! The cost of hiring someone to level your pavers is going to be significantly more than doing the work yourself. If you want to save money and have some free time on your hands, then this is the way to go!
If you want an even surface that looks as good as new, then this is the most economical option for getting your pavers back in shape.
8. Picking Up the Pavers One by One
You can also pick up the pavers one by one. Use a trowel or putty knife to remove excess sand, then break apart any unwanted concrete edges with the same tool. A flat shovel will help you lift pavers and clear out any extra sand. Finally, use a dustpan scoop or scooper for your final cleanup job.
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9. Breaking Apart Any Unwanted Concrete Edges
Breaking apart unwanted concrete edges: Once the pavers are down, you may find that you want to break apart some of the concrete edging.
This can be done with a hammer and chisel, but it’s easier with a saw. If you don’t have access to one of those tools, though, there are other options as well.
A grinder will make quick work of any unwanted edges; however, this also means that it will leave sharp pieces behind that could injure you or your family members.
If all else fails and none of these methods seem feasible for whatever reason (or if you just really love jackhammers), there is always that option as well!
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Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a quick fix or a long-term solution, there are plenty of ways to get your pavers even.
Whether you have time, money or both, these tips will help ensure that your uneven patio is as smooth as it can be!
Further Reading
How to Fix, Level and Repair Pavers: This blog post provides tips and tricks for fixing and leveling pavers, as well as repairing cracks and damage.
How to Level Uneven Brick Pavers: This article provides a step-by-step guide to leveling uneven brick pavers, including how to prepare the surface and what materials to use.
How to Repair Sunken Block Paving: This blog post provides information on how to repair sunken block paving, including steps on how to lift and relay the blocks.
Here’s an FAQ section based on the semantic of the article’s title:
FAQs
How do you flatten uneven pavers?
To flatten uneven pavers, you can use a variety of methods such as sanding, leveling, or lifting and relaying the pavers.
What causes uneven pavers?
Uneven pavers can be caused by several factors such as settling of the ground beneath them, improper installation, or natural wear and tear.
Can you fix uneven pavers?
Yes, uneven pavers can be fixed by using methods such as sanding, leveling, or lifting and relaying the pavers.
How do you know if your pavers are uneven?
You can tell if your pavers are uneven by looking for signs such as wobbling or rocking pavers, tripping hazards, or uneven lines.
How do you prevent uneven pavers?
To prevent uneven pavers, make sure to properly prepare the surface before installation, use proper installation techniques, and perform regular maintenance on your pavers.
I am Hellen James, a landscape architect. For many years I have written about landscaping for various publications; however, recently decided to focus my writing on personal experience as a profession.
