How to Install Grass Pavers for Driveways and Walkways
Grass pavers are a newer addition to the menu of options for driveways and walkways
- Shovel
- Sod cutter (optional)
- Compactor
- Power saw
- Rake or broom (for spreading topsoil)
- Crushed rock
- Pavers
- Topsoil
- Grass seed or sod
Grass pavers are a newer addition to the menu of options for driveways and walkways. They are blocks of concrete, glass, or recycled plastic with grass growing in between blocks. This option is beautiful, and it’s more environmentally friendly than a solid slab of concrete or asphalt.
A green paver walkway or driveway allows stormwater to seep into the ground, as Nature intended. This helps prevent erosion and groundwater contamination. But green pavers do take more maintenance than a concrete slab because the grass needs mowing and you might choose to pull weeds.
Prepping to Install Grass Pavers
The first step in installing grass pavers is determining where they will go. Perhaps you’re replacing a path or driveway, so you already have an outline. If this is a new surface, mark it out in your yard. You can do this with spray paint or stakes and twine. If you want to upcycle, reuse wooden chopsticks as your stakes.
Before you get too far, call 811 or your local dig line to make sure it’s safe to dig in your chosen spot.
Plan Your Grass Paver Project
Using a shovel or sod cutter, clear the ground where the pavers will go. For a walking path, plan at least 36 inches wide. If you plan to use your path for two-by-two romantic strolls, go for 48 inches. A double-car driveway is 20 to 24 feet wide.
You can also use pavers to install your dream patio. Just know that tables and chairs on the grass part might not be even.
Clear the Ground
You will need to clear about three inches below the adjoining grass line to accommodate your pavers. Once you remove the grass, you might need to level the ground—and the cost of yard leveling varies quite a bit. If you’re installing a new driveway, give the surface a slight slope toward the street to allow for drainage. Without a slope, you might end up with soggy grass in the middle of your beautiful new grass paver driveway.
Lay Crushed Rock
Install a 2-inch layer of gravel crushed rock as the first layer of your driveway or walkway. This will give your pathway a foundation while still allowing the rainwater to seep back into the ground. Spread the rock evenly, then use a compactor to pack it down.
Install the Pavers
Now’s the time for the biggest impact. Start laying your pavers in place. Start at one end and work your way down the path or across the driveway. Remember, lifting and placing pavers is strenuous work. Take breaks as needed to avoid an emergency visit to the chiropractor on Monday morning.
If you need to cut some pavers to fit, use a power saw with a blade made to cut through stone. Be sure to take safety precautions, such as using a non-slip surface and wearing safety goggles to avoid debris.
Spread Topsoil Over the Pavers
Prepare for greenery by spreading topsoil over your pavers. Use an outdoor broom or rake to work the soil into and in between the pavers, creating an even surface.
Plant Grass Seed
Photo: Kalle Kolodziej / Adobe StockWith the soil in place, it’s time to plant the grass seed. Plant the grass seed as indicated on the variety you choose, either by hand or using a spreader. For a driveway, consider species that recover quickly, like perennial ryegrass or bentgrass. You can also use the grass that grows best in your yard.
Water grass seed two or three times a day with a light spray of water until it’s at least an inch tall. Then you can cut back to once a day.
If you prefer, you can purchase sod and cut it to fit between your pavers. Succulents along the edges are another pretty option.
DIY a Grass Paver Driveway vs. Hiring a Pro
It will cost $40 to $70 per hour on average for paver installation in your area. Of course, there are advantages to hiring the job out. The contractor will have experience and all the necessary equipment and muscle to finish the grass paver driveway or walkway project in a couple days.
If you’re willing to invest your own time, you can do the project for just the cost of materials, which starts at about $10 to $20 per square foot for pavers. Beware, though, that pavers are heavy. You might need to take breaks, which means it’ll take longer before you can show off your fancy new grassy driveway or pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grass is fragile, so try to wait eight weeks after laying seed to step on it. You might need to wait an entire season to drive your car across the driveway. Sod establishes itself in the ground in about two weeks.
You sure can mow your grass paver driveway–and it’ll look better if you do. Just push your lawnmower across like you would a paver-less lawn. For a really low-maintenance driveway option, you can use pebbles or other small stones between the pavers instead of grass. They’ll still allow rainwater to seep into the ground.
