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What Are the Best Tips for Making DIY Pavers?

Sherry Holetzky
Sherry Holetzky

Creating DIY pavers can be a great way to inject some personality into a patio or other paved surface, which can help enhance a home’s exterior. The do-it-yourselfer can create the exact look he or she wants and there are different methods, materials, molds, and other tools for doing so. This is most likely a project that one will not want to repeat soon, so take care to choose quality materials for such a project. It is best to set aside plenty of time and to be careful to follow all instructions precisely.

Different types, sizes, and styles of molds for DIY pavers are available. It is a good idea to measure the area that will be paved and to perhaps draw a scaled diagram of how the pavers will be laid. This will help ensure that mold size or sizes are appropriate, and it will also help in more accurately determining how much of each necessary material will be required to finish the project. Good planning can help achieve better results.

Man with hands on his hips
Man with hands on his hips

Measuring and mixing ingredients require accuracy to obtain the desired density and consistency. Timing is also crucial when working on such projects. Measure carefully and mix to the appropriate consistency. Pour the mixture into a mold as directed, and take care to ensure that the temperature where the work is being done is appropriate, as per the directions. When using a mixture such as cement for DIY pavers, adhering to appropriate drying times is also imperative.

When working on a paving project, it is a good idea to make as many DIY pavers as possible at the same time, especially for those who want to achieve a uniform look. Pavers made from the same batch will match each other more closely while those made from different batches may not be exactly the same color or texture. Keep in mind that when a large batch is made, the last DIY pavers completed may require a few extra moments to dry than the first ones, since they will end up being completed several minutes later.

It is generally best to mix and match non-uniform DIY pavers. This will help keep the look more subtle. Otherwise, one side may look dark while the other looks like, or some variation thereof.

Consider adding a sealer to protect DIY pavers. Sealer should only be added once pavers are completely dry and have been gently cleaned. Allow sealer to dry thoroughly as well.

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