Uneven pavers are a common issue in outdoor spaces, often caused by shifting soil or poor installation. This problem disrupts the look of your patio or walkway and can create tripping hazards. Learning how to fix uneven pavers helps restore both safety and aesthetic appeal to your space.

How to Fix Uneven Pavers Step by Step

Fixing uneven pavers is the first step in creating an outdoor space that’s both safer and more visually appealing. Bumpy surfaces can cause tripping, damage the pavers, and make your outdoor areas hard to enjoy. It also signals deeper issues, such as poor drainage or settling, that can lead to bigger problems later. Taking the time to fix these areas helps protect your investment.

Uneven brick pavers forming a V-shape pattern on a pathway

At Aviara Pavers, our team helps homeowners get it right from the start. We install patios, pool decks, walkways, and driveways that meet ICPI Standards for quality and long-term durability. Our work is built on experience, proper base preparation, and attention to detail.

Step 1: Identify the Problem Area

Start by carefully looking for uneven, sunken, or raised pavers in your patio or walkway. Walk across the surface and note spots where you feel a dip, tilt, or gap between stones.

Use a straight edge, like a long board or a level, to check for irregular surfaces. Mark any problem areas with chalk or tape to easily find them later.

Step 2: Gather the Needed Tools

Collecting the right tools before you begin fixing uneven pavers will help the process go smoothly and reduce frustration.

Flathead screwdriver or putty knife: These tools let you gently pry up pavers, especially when stuck in place.
Rubber mallet: Use this to safely tap pavers back into position without cracking them.
Level: A level allows you to check if your pavers are even after relaying them.
Broom: Sweep debris from the joints and spread sand between pavers once you’re done.
Shovel or trowel: A shovel helps remove or add base material under the pavers as needed.
Gloves: Wearing gloves protects your hands during lifting and moving stones.
Measuring tape: Measure distances and mark out the area to work accurately.

Step 3: Remove the Affected Pavers

Start by identifying the specific pavers that are uneven or wobbly. Use a flathead screwdriver, putty knife, or pry bar to gently lift the paver from its spot. Work the tool around the edges to avoid chipping or cracking the stone. If the paver feels stuck, try wiggling it back and forth to loosen it gradually.

Step 4: Check the Base Layer

After removing the uneven pavers, examine the sand or gravel base underneath each one. Look for soft spots, dips, or areas where the material has washed away or compacted unevenly. Use a handheld tamper or plate compactor to flatten and firm the surface again. If you notice any holes or low spots, add new sand or crushed stone and level it across the area.

A worker laying bricks carefully on the ground for a pathway

Test for proper slope to make sure water won't pool where the pavers sit. Use a long level, straight board, and bubble level to confirm the surface is even yet slightly sloped away from nearby structures. Mist the base lightly with water to help settle the material before tamping it again.

Step 5: Add or Adjust the Sand Base

After removing the pavers, spread a layer of coarse sand or crushed stone dust into the empty spot. Use a straight screed board or a long piece of wood to level the sand to match the height needed for a flat surface. Check the level using a simple carpenter’s level to get an even result. Pack the sand down firmly with a hand tamper to prevent it from settling later.

If the area is larger or has sunken spots, you may need to add more sand in layers, tamping each layer before adding the next. For best results, keep the sand about 1/8 inch above the final height to allow settling. Avoid using just dirt, as it may cause new uneven spots over time.

Step 6: Reinstall the Pavers

Start placing each paver back into its original spot, checking that the surface stays flat as you go. Press each paver down firmly with your hand or a rubber mallet to settle it into the leveled base. Work slowly and check frequently with a straight edge or level across several pavers at once. Adjust individual pavers if one sits higher or lower than its neighbors.

It's recommended to install pavers in the same pattern you removed them in earlier steps. If you find debris sticking to the sides of a paver, use a brush to clean it before reinstalling. Placing each paver tightly next to the others helps prevent shifting and gaps. Fill any small spaces with matching paver pieces or edge restraints for a uniform finish.

Step 7: Fill the Gaps

Once your pavers are level and stable, you need to address the spaces between them. Sweep polymeric sand or paver base sand into the joints with a broom, making sure you fill all gaps evenly. Pay close attention to edges and tighter spaces to avoid missing small gaps.

After filling the gaps, mist the surface lightly with water to activate the polymeric sand. Wait for the sand to settle, then add more if any joints look low. Tapping pavers gently using a rubber mallet can help the sand settle better into cracks. If gaps remain around the edges, consider using a gap filler rod to prevent the filler from sinking.

Close-up of cobblestone pavement with textured stones

What Causes Pavers to Become Uneven Over Time?

Pavers shift due to soil movement, water erosion, poor compaction, or the presence of tree roots. Weather changes can also affect the base underneath. It’s common in areas with heavy rain or traffic.

Can You Fix Uneven Pavers Without Removing All of Them?

Yes, you can lift only the affected pavers to fix the base underneath. You don’t need to remove the entire patio or walkway. Just focus on the sunken or raised spots.

What Type of Sand Should You Use to Level Pavers?

Use leveling or bedding sand to create a flat base before reinstalling the pavers. For the joints, use polymeric sand to lock them in place. Each has a different purpose.

Conclusion

Tackling the problem of uneven pavers doesn’t have to feel overwhelming if you approach the task step by step. Regularly checking and addressing problem spots can extend the life of your patio or path. Moreover, it will create safer and neater walkways with fewer tripping hazards. Taking the time to fix issues early helps maintain a beautiful and stable outdoor space.

How to Fix Uneven Pavers