One of the easiest ways to make a beautiful and useful patio or walkway is to lay rubber pavers. Rubber pavers are easier to install than poured concrete or natural stone because you don’t need any special skills or tools. With just a few easy steps, even people who have never done this before can turn a plain backyard into a stylish place to hang out outside. We’ll go over everything you need to know about putting down rubber pavers in this detailed guide.
What are Rubber Pavers?
Rubber pavers are interlocking tiles made from recycled rubber, typically recycled vehicle tires. The recycled rubber is ground up and mixed with binding agents to create durable, flexible patio tiles available in a range of earth tone colors. Rubber pavers are designed to connect together like puzzle pieces, eliminating the need for mortar or adhesive.
Compared to materials like concrete or natural stone. rubber pavers offer several advantages
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Durability: Rubber is soft but strong enough to handle a lot of foot traffic without cracking. Rubber pavers can stand up to harsh weather and won’t break down in direct sunlight.
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Traction: Rubber pavers provide excellent slip resistance, even when wet. The tactile surface is comfortable and safe for walking barefoot.
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Low Maintenance: Unlike stone or concrete, rubber pavers don’t need to have their joints sealed or sanded every year. All you have to do is spray them down with a hose to get rid of dirt and other things that are on them.
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Easy Installation: The interlocking pavers connect together without mortar or adhesive. Complex cuts aren’t necessary as the material is flexible enough to contour around curves or corners.
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Cost Savings: Rubber pavers are roughly half the cost of poured concrete. Labor costs are also less since installation is straightforward.
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Eco-Friendly: Rubber pavers repurpose vehicle tires and other recycled rubber that would otherwise end up in landfills. They qualify for LEED building credits.
For homeowners looking for a beautiful yet practical patio material that’s easy to install, rubber pavers are tough to beat. Now let’s go over the supplies, tools, and steps for how to install them.
What You’ll Need
Laying a paver patio is considered an intermediate DIY project. While no advanced skills are required, there are some specialty tools and materials to have on hand:
Tools
- Safety gloves & eye protection
- Measuring tape
- Cordless drill
- Spade shovel
- Flat shovel
- Rake
- 4-foot level
- Broom
- Jigsaw with metal cutting blade
- Mallet or rubber hammer
- Tamper
Materials
- Landscape fabric
- Edging (plastic, steel, stone, etc)
- Gravel or crushed stone
- Washed concrete sand
- Rubber pavers
- Polymeric jointing sand
Optional materials that help ensure proper drainage and prevent weed growth:
- Weed barrier landscape fabric
- Crushed stone drainage layer
- Perforated drain pipe
How to Lay Rubber Pavers – Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps for flawless rubber paver installation:
Step 1: Define the Area
First, stake out the exact size and shape of your patio using string, spray paint or chalk. Account for a 1-2 inch overhang if using edge restraints like plastic edging or metal tracks.
Consider drawing a layout of your finished patio to visualize spacing and test arrangements. For geometric patterns, use the 3-4-5 rule to ensure proper 90 degree angles.
Step 2: Excavate and Prepare the Base
Excavate 4-6 inches deep to allow for a 2-4 inch crushed stone sub-base topped with 1-2 inches of bedding sand. Clear any debris, plants or sod from the area.
For drainage, dig a trench around the perimeter and install perforated piping leading to a drainage outlet. Backfill the trenches with drainage gravel.
Cover the entire area with quality weed barrier landscape fabric, overlapping seams 6-12 inches. This prevents weeds from sprouting up between pavers.
Step 3: Install Edging
Choose plastic, metal, stone, brick, concrete or wood edging to contain the perimeter of your patio. Install edging tightly against string lines to maintain straight edges. Secure edging with spikes.
Edging keeps the pavers contained neatly and prevents them from drifting or spreading.
Step 4: Add the Base Layer
Spread 2-4 inches of crushed stone or gravel across the area. Use a rake to level. Compact with a hand tamper or plate compactor.
The crushed stone sub-base provides drainage and a solid foundation for pavers. Compacting creates a flat, even surface.
Step 5: Install the Bedding Sand
Spread 1-2 inches of concrete sand across the compacted sub-base. Use a rake and 4-foot level to create a flat, consistent layer.
The sand bedding provides a level surface for setting pavers. It also allows for fine adjustments to level out each paver during installation.
Step 6: Set the Pavers
Start laying full pavers tightly together on one edge. Continue row by row towards the opposite edge. Use a mallet to tap and adjust their level as needed.
Cut border and fill pieces as needed with a jigsaw using a metal cutting blade. You can also score rubber pavers with a utility knife and snap pieces off.
Work across the area methodically to avoid scattered empty spaces. Fill any gaps between pavers with jointing sand once all pavers are laid.
Step 7: Compact and Set the Pavers
Use a plate compactor to tamp down the pavers into the sand bedding. This locks them firmly in place at a uniform height.
Sweep dry jointing sand across the surface to fill gaps. Compact again to settle the sand into joints. Spray water and repeat twice more to fill any remaining gaps. Allow 24 hours for the sand to cure before use.
Step 8: Edge Restraints (Optional)
For added stability and a polished finish, glue edge restraints around the perimeter with construction adhesive. This keeps pavers neatly contained. Use a mallet to tap pavers flush against edge restraints.
Once glue fully cures, backfill behind edge restraints with soil or gravel, covering the bottom lip. This neatly defines the paver area.
That covers the essential steps for how to install rubber pavers. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions for the products you choose. Now let’s go over some frequently asked questions:
FAQs About Installing Rubber Pavers
How long does it take to install a paver patio?
For experienced DIYers, a basic 100 square foot paver patio can be completed over a long weekend. After excavating and preparing the base, the paver installation itself takes 2-3 days working at an easy pace.
Can you install rubber pavers over existing concrete or an old patio?
Yes, rubber pavers can be installed over any existing hard surface. Sweep away debris, clean the surface, and apply a construction adhesive formulated for rubber bonding. Use a mallet to tap pavers into the adhesive for a secure bond.
Is stone or gravel base required under rubber pavers?
A crushed stone or gravel sub-base is highly recommended, but not absolutely necessary. Rubber pavers can be installed directly over compacted soil or sand. However, this may lead to premature settling or weed growth between pavers over time.
How are rubber pavers attached together?
Rubber pavers interlock together through a peg-and-hole or puzzle piece type design. No glue, mortar or adhesive is required between the pavers themselves. The pavers essentially “float” within the sand bedding and are contained neatly by perimeter edging.
Should gaps be left between rubber pavers?
Yes, it’s recommended to leave a small 1/8-1/4 inch gap between each paver. This space is filled with polymeric jointing sand. The sand joints allow for subtle shifting of pavers over time while keeping out weeds and debris.
Can you use rubber pavers for a driveway?
Rubber pavers are durable enough for light vehicle traffic on driveways and RV pads. However, the material is still flexible and may rut under heavy vehicles. For driveway use, choose thicker 1-1/2 to 2-inch thick pavers and install over a 6-8 inch compacted gravel base.
How do you cut rubber pavers?
The flexible pavers can be cut with heavy duty scissors if only making small nips or notches. For straight cuts, score deeply with a utility knife then snap. For detailed cuts, use a jigsaw with a blade designed for cutting metal. Go slow and steady to avoid overheating the rubber.
Do rubber pavers need sealing?
Rubber pavers are inherently waterproof and dense enough to resist staining, so sealers are not necessary. In fact, most manufacturers advise against using sealers or coatings as they can damage the paver surface. Simply cleaning debris with a hose or pressure washer is all that’s needed.
How long do rubber pavers last?
When properly installed, rubber pavers typically last 15-25 years or longer. Their durability comes from the dense, resilient recycled rubber material. Freeze-thaw cycles have minimal effect compared to concrete. Just avoid using sealants or coatings that can degrade the pavers prematurely.
Transform Your Backyard with a Stylish Paver Patio
Thanks to their durability, flexibility, and ease of installation, rubber pavers make an ideal choice for DIY patios, walkways and outdoor spaces. Follow the simple techniques for base preparation, grading and laying the pavers, and you’ll have a beautiful new outdoor living area you can enjoy for decades to come.
On Grass or Dirt
Installing rubber pavers on grass or dirt is a straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation to ensure stability and longevity.
- Getting Rid of Debris: First, clear the area of any grass, rocks, or other junk. A clean surface helps your pavers stay in place and lasts longer.
- To make sure the ground is flat, use a rake and a spirit level. Pavers can become unstable on uneven ground, so take your time with this step.
- Packing: To pack down the soil, use a hand tamper or a plate compactor. This gives your pavers a solid base that keeps them from sinking or moving over time.
- Putting down the Pavers: Start in one corner and work your way across the area, making sure that each paver fits tightly against the ones that came before it. This interlocking method provides a stable and seamless surface.
- Edge Securing: To keep the pavers in place, use landscape edging or wood framing. Use landscape spikes to hold the edges in place so they don’t move and to keep your layout neat.
On Concrete or Wood Decks
Rubber pavers can also be installed on existing concrete or wood decks, changing these surfaces into comfortable and safe outdoor areas.
- Cleaning the surface: Make sure the wood or concrete deck is clean and free of grease, dirt, and other loose stuff. A clean surface allows the adhesive to bond effectively.
- Use of Adhesive: To make the installation last, put a polyurethane construction adhesive on the back of each paver. Make sure that the glue can be used outside and can stand up to the weather.
- Dry Laying the Pavers: Lay out the pavers to plan the layout and see what cuts need to be made before applying the glue. This step helps avoid mistakes and ensures a neat finish.
- Pressing and Placing: Firmly press each paver down to make sure they fit together well. This makes a smooth surface that makes your space look better and is safer.
- Putting the edges down: Just like with grass or dirt, use landscape edging or wood framing to keep the pavers in place. For extra stability, use pins or landscape spikes to hold the edge in place.
By following these steps, you can successfully put down rubber pavers on a range of surfaces, making outdoor areas that are long-lasting and look good. Next, we’ll explore the Benefits and Drawbacks of Rubber Pavers, highlighting their durability, slip-resistance, and eco-friendly features.