How to Lay Rubber Pavers: A Step-by-Step Guide for Outdoor Projects

Rubber pavers are a popular choice for patios, walkways and outdoor play areas. Made from recycled tires, these pavers are durable, slip-resistant and comfortable underfoot. Installing rubber pavers is also relatively easy for DIYers.

In this article I’ll walk you through the complete process of how to lay rubber pavers properly in your yard or garden.

Benefits of Rubber Pavers

Some key advantages of using rubber pavers for your outdoor project:

• Extremely durable and long-lasting

• Provide cushioning and traction for comfort and safety

• Require minimal maintenance compared to concrete or stone

• Allow water drainage to prevent puddles

• Available in vibrant colors and fun shapes for kids’ play areas

• Eco-friendly as made from recycled rubber tires

How to Prepare the Base

Proper base preparation is crucial for ensuring your pavers stay firmly in place. Here are the key steps:

• Clear away any grass, stones or debris from the installation area.

• Use a rake and level to ensure the soil base is smooth and flat.

• For drainage, create a 2-4 inch gravel sub-base topped with a layer of coarse sand.

• Compact the sand well using a hand tamper or plate compactor.

• Level any low spots with more sand to achieve a perfectly flat base.

Tools and Materials Needed

You’ll need these basic tools and materials:

• Safety goggles and work gloves

• Measuring tape

• 4-foot level

• Shovel, rake

• Tamper or plate compactor

• Landscape fabric (optional)

• Gravel and paver sand

• Landscape edging (for containing pavers)

• Utility knife for trimming pavers

• Rubber mallet for adjusting pavers

How to Determine Layout

First map out your paver layout:

• Measure the total area to be paved for ordering pavers.

• Decide on the pattern – grid, herringbone, random.

• Use landscape fabric to cover the base if desired.

• Install restraints like edging strips around the perimeter.

• Dry lay the pattern with pavers to visualize layout.

Cutting Rubber Pavers to Size

You’ll likely need to trim pavers to fit around edges:

• Mark cutting lines with a pencil.

• Use a sharp utility knife to score along the lines.

• Place the scored line over a board edge as a guide.

• Cut through the paver using multiple passes with the knife.

• Cut pavers 1/4 to 1/2 inch smaller than needed for spacing.

How to Install the Rubber Pavers

Follow these steps for proper paver installation:

• Sweep away any sand or debris from the base.

• Start laying pavers from the edges working inward.

• Ensure pavers align properly without gaps.

• Tamp down pavers firmly using a rubber mallet.

• Fill gaps with sand. Sweep away excess sand.

• For edging, secure with landscape spikes or concrete.

Sealing and Maintaining Rubber Pavers

• Sweep occasionally to remove dirt and debris from the pavers.

• Replenish joint sand as needed if it gets washed out by rain.

• Applying joint sand stabilizer can help secure sand in place.

• Sealing pavers annually will help retain their color and extend lifespan.

• Avoid using weed killers which can stain and damage the pavers.

Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Rubber Pavers

Steer clear of these common rubber paver installation mistakes:

• Not preparing a solid, level base – leads to uneven pavers.

• Poor planning of the layout – causes misaligned patterns.

• Cutting pavers too small – results in loose pavers and gaps.

• Not tamping down pavers adequately – allows shifting and spreading.

• Using low quality joint sand – washes away easily with rain.

• Allowing gaps between pavers – enables weed growth.