Home DIY: Introduction to Paving

What you'll learn

Do it yourself! Learn the skills and secrets of bricklaying as part of our DIY Woodwork courses in Sydney!

This one-day practical workshop introduces participants to the fundamental skills, knowledge, and techniques of basic paving. Designed for beginners, the course combines demonstrations with hands-on practical activities to build confidence working with common paving tools, materials, and methods. Participants will learn how to safely prepare a site, construct a suitable base, lay pavers in simple patterns, and complete basic finishing work.

The course focuses on safe work practices, correct tool use, material selection, site preparation, base construction, laying techniques, cutting, jointing, and finishing. Skills gained are suitable for small DIY and non-structural paving projects such as paths, patios, courtyards, and garden areas.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify common paving materials and understand their basic uses
• Demonstrate safe work practices when using paving tools and equipment
• Set out and prepare a small paving area with correct levels and drainage fall
• Construct and compact a basic paving base suitable for DIY projects
• Lay pavers in simple patterns with correct alignment and spacing
• Cut pavers to fit edges and corners using basic hand or powered tools
• Apply jointing sand and complete basic finishing and cleaning of paved areas
• Recognise common paving faults and understand basic maintenance practices

Course content

During the workshop, participants will work with techniques and ideas such as:

1. Introduction and Safety

• Course overview and learning expectations
• Introduction to DIY paving applications such as paths, patios, and courtyards
• Overview of the paving process from preparation to finishing
• Worksite awareness and common hazards
• Safe manual handling of materials
• PPE requirements, including boots, gloves, and eye protection
• Safe use of hand tools and small equipment
• Importance of housekeeping and maintaining a safe work area

2. Tools and Equipment

Tools Covered:

• Shovel and rake
• Screed board
• Rubber mallet
• Spirit level
• String line and pegs
• Tape measure
• Brick saw or hammer and bolster
• Plate compactor (demonstration)

Topics Include:

• Purpose and correct use of each tool
• Safe handling and basic maintenance
• Importance of accurate measuring, levelling, and alignment

3. Paving Materials

• Overview of concrete, clay/brick, and natural stone pavers
• Differences in size, thickness, finish, and durability
• Base materials and their purpose
• Bedding sand and jointing sand functions
• Selecting appropriate materials for different projects

4. Setting Out and Site Preparation

• Measuring and marking out a paving area
• Using string lines and pegs for layout
• Determining excavation depth
• Setting levels and drainage falls
• Importance of accuracy in preparation

Practical Activities:

• Marking out a small paving area
• Practising basic levels and falls

5. Base Preparation

• Role of the base in paving construction
• Placing and compacting base material in layers
• Importance of correct compaction
• Common causes of paving failure

Practical Activities:

• Placing and compacting base material
• Checking levels and surface consistency

6. Laying Pavers

• Introduction to basic paving patterns (stretcher bond, stack bond)
• Establishing starting points and reference edges
• Correct placement and spacing techniques
• Maintaining level and alignment during installation
• Cutting pavers for edges and corners

Practical Activities:

• Laying pavers over a prepared base
• Completing a small path or patio section
• Instructor guidance and feedback

7. Jointing and Finishing

• Purpose of jointing in paving
• Types of jointing sand
• Sweeping and filling joints
• Final compaction of paved surface
• Cleaning and presentation of finished work
• Role of edge restraints

8. Common Problems and Maintenance

• Identifying issues such as uneven surfaces, drainage problems, and movement
• Causes of common paving faults
• Preventative construction practices
• Basic maintenance including cleaning and re-sanding joints

9. Review and Workshop Close

• Review of key skills and techniques
• Discussion of common beginner mistakes
• Tool cleaning and maintenance
• Questions and answers
• Guidance on future DIY paving projects and further learning pathways

Course content and learning outcomes are intended as a guide and may vary depending on the facilitator, class pace, participant questions, and workshop discussions.

Intended audience

Who is this introduction to paving for?

• Complete beginners with no prior paving experience
• DIY enthusiasts and homeowners wanting practical building skills
• Learners exploring basic construction skills for personal or future development

Course materials

What to bring to class

Materials are provided.

Course venue

Where is the workshop located? 

This class is held at the Summer Hill workshop. Your class venue address is listed on your enrolment confirmation.

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Wear old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
• If you have long hair, please tie it back
• Closed-in shoes are required—no sandals or heels
• Please do not wear necklaces or bracelets
• Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.