How To Repair Paver Sidewalk

Raising Patio Pavers

Updated: Jun. 28, 2022

Remove and reset pavers with this easy iv-stride method.

FH07JUN_SUNKPA_01-2 Family Handyman

Follow these special techniques for removing sunken or dipped patio pavers and resetting them at the proper peak. Make your patio perfectly polish again.

Stride ane: Remove the sunken pavers

Photo 1: Remove the pavers

To fix a sunken patio, first pry up the paver with a thin screwdriver, pounding on adjoined pavers to vibrate packed sand loose.

Later a few years, paver block patios and walkways often develop depression spots. Withal, these areas can be brought back up to class with a few bags of sand, a length of pipage and a screed board. We'll walk you through how to set a sunken patio yourself.

Starting time, remove the pavers from the depression area. If they're packed in tight, use a screwdriver to lever the first paver out, levering each stop a little at a time and tapping on surrounding pavers until you can pull out the paver (Photo 1).

Footstep ii: Lay in a screed piping

Photo 2: Level the screed pipe

Level a screed piping using a screed lath with a notch at i end 1/viii in. shallower than the depth of the pavers.

Make a screed board long enough to rest on the level pavers around information technology. Then notch the ends i/8 in. less than the depth of the pavers. If the area is large or against the house or grass, set a screed pipe forth one side and level it against the pavers y'all're matching. If you're trying to match a sloping walk, shim the level at the downhill end to match the gradient (Photo 2).

Step 3: Add together sand and level information technology

Photo 3: Add together and screed the sand

Add together sand to the low area, and then level it by pulling the screed board along the pipe and the pavers.

Fill the low surface area with coarse, all-purpose sand, then screed it level (Photo 3). Apply a trowel like a spatula around the edges to scrape away any excess sand.

Step iv: Reset the pavers

Photo 4: Tap downwards the pavers

Remove the screed pipe and set the pavers back, tapping them down level with a board.

Brush any old sand off the sides of the pavers, then set them back into place and drive them downward until they're flush with the other pavers (Photo 4). Spread dry sand over the pavers, tamping and sweeping until the joints are completely full. That's information technology, your sunken patio is fixed!

Required Tools for this Project

Accept the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up earlier y'all start—you'll save time and frustration.

You'll also demand a broom.

Required Materials for this Project

Avert last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials prepare ahead of time. Here's a list.

Originally Published: June 28, 2022