How to level sideway and install paving?

AshJane28

Hi There - starting DYI transformation up the side of my house, removing the grass and dirt track my dogs create running up it.

From what I've read, we need to pull up the grass, layer road base, weed mat and levelling sand, before measuring out and placing stepping pavers then stones to fill.

What I can't be sure of based on different advice I'm reading is:

Do we need to compact the dirt before putting the road base?

Do we then put the weed mat or the levelling sand?

Do we need to put layering sand over everything? Or just under the stepping pavers?

How much gradient to we need when levelling away from the house to support drainage?

Images attach of current and then and inspirational image we are working towards.

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @AshJane28. It's fantastic to have you join us and many thanks for your question about preparing a side path with stepping pavers and decorative stones.

You’re on the right track, but I’d slightly adjust the order. After removing the grass and any soft topsoil, compact the exposed ground first. This gives everything above it a firmer base and helps reduce sinking later, especially with dogs running along the area.

A good general order would be:

1. Remove grass and loose/soft soil.
2. Shape the area so it falls away from the house.
3. Compact the soil.
4. Lay weed mat or geotextile fabric and secure it with weed mat pins.
5. Add around 50mm of road base, level it and compact it.
6. Add paver sand only under the stepping pavers, not necessarily over the whole area.
7. Set the pavers level with each other, then fill around them with your chosen decorative stones.

For the gradient, aim for water to fall away from the house by around 10-20mm per metre. Also make sure the finished stone level stays below any weep holes, vents or damp-proof course along the wall. If the side path already holds water or the soil is clay, it would be worth considering drainage, such as an agi pipe, before installing the path.

Here's a step-by-step guide on How to lay a base for pavers.

You might also find these similar discussions helpful: How to add gravel and pavers to side of house? by @MickCollison and How to build a stepping stone path? by @MMLL .

Also, here's some inspiration in our Top 10 most popular side yard projects, which includes side paths, pavers, pebbles, planting and dog-friendly artificial grass ideas.

Please let me know if you have further questions.

Mitchell