Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - How perfect is your paver patio?

I'm just about done with a 16X13 paver patio. I'll be adding the sand in between pavers this week. As I look around there are a few minor trips I need to correct but in general its decent although there are some "waves" throughout the surface. Meaning I didn't get the pavers to all lay down perfectly flat so some sections have a gentle wave up or down. I can only notice it from certain angles.

So before I drive myself insane worrying about not having laser perfect technique, how perfect is your paver patio? I see pictures of the pro patios and they of course look textbook. What about the average DIY guy. How did yours come out?

Depending on your region, it's gonna move. A properly installed base is important. Over time, freeze/thaw cycles will help your paver patio move up and down. Try not to sweat it, you can always pull some pavers up and fix any spots that get too bad.

After spreading the sand, the last step of vibrating the pavers should even things out.

How even it is will depend on how even and well compacted your base is since the 1" sand setting bed will re-distribute slightly as you vibrate the sand down into and uo into the joints.

Dick

I was going by the book, I dug down 8 inches and put down 2 inches of base material. But unfortunately I used pea gravel for some reason which I know, will never compact perfectly. I did use a plate compactor and its pretty tight, unless I crawl around on it and kick it all up. Then I laid down PVC, screeded about and inch of leveling sand and I put a wall around the whole thing so all the pavers are pretty neatly packed. There's just a little dip here and there. I'll compact it all again after I sand it.

Thanks

Well, its been a month or so and a few rainy weeks and Hurricane Hanna and no puddles or problems.