This page continues from our earlier page about how to install pavers.

6. Sand Bedding
It is now time for the sand to be laid over your base material. This next layer provides the pavers with bedding to set into. The sand bedding will also protect your sand joints from being eroded away.

Spread a layer of sand between one and one and a half inches thick. This layer cannot be too thick. It has to be just enough
 
 
sand to set the pavers into, but not too much so that the sand sinks into the base material.
It is also important to use the right type of sand, one that has the same consistency as your base material. The sand has to be sharp edged and varied in sizes as this will result in greater compaction.

7. Laying Pavers
Now you have reached the easy part of the installation process.

 Lay the pavers in the pattern and design of your choice. Lay them quite close together. If pavers need to be cut to size, use a saw or mechanical splitter and safety glasses.

Now that all the pavers are laid, use a mechanical compactor to help set in the pavers, into the sand bedding.
 

8. Sand Joints
This step involves sweeping sand over the surface, while filling up the joints.

It is important to use fine-grained sand, rather than a coarse one. The reason for this is that fine sand will compact much better and fill up joints quicker. However, if the sand is too fine, it will not do the job correctly. This will also be the case if the sand is moist, so be sure to use dry sand.      
 

9. Sealing
 First, clean and sweep the newly paved area, in order to remove all materials and debris.

Seal the area with a sand binding sealant, this will ensure that the joint sand will not disappear. This will also prevent the growth of vegetation between the joints.

Sealing your pavers can also help prevent stains from oil, grease, grime, rust, moss, algae, tire markings and day-to-day spills. The sealant
 
allows you to clean such stains with greater ease.
Sealing your pavers will also improve the brightness of their appearance and sustain it over a long period of time. Not only appearance, but also the durability and longevity of your pavers will increase significantly.

10. Maintenance
  Maintenance is not really an issue when it comes to pavers, if they have been laid properly. The overall function and use of your paved surfaces should be stable.

Re-sealing your pavers may be necessary on a regular basis, just to maintain color and appearance. Also, it will help protect your pavers against stains, algae and loss of joint sand.
Regular cleaning and sweeping of your pavers is highly recommended. This is particularly needed if your pavers are in shaded or damp areas, where they are prone to efflorescence (chalky salt deposits) and moss build-up.

There are large ranges of cleaning products available on the market; there is something for all types of situations