If you want to use pavers to build a patio, you'll probably hear the advice that laying pavers over dirt is a mistake. It's true — you should level the ground and add sand and gravel over the dirt ...

Remove furniture, plants and all other objects from the patio. “Sweep off your paver patio to remove dirt, debris and leaf buildup,” Raboine says. Remove weeds from between pavers with a weeding tool.