We used a 2"x4" about 4' long. After preparing our site and tamping it, we poored the sand on it, trying to distribute it pretty evenly as we went. I then took my trusting 2x4 and started spreading the sand out pretty much the same you would concrete. After I got it level to the eye, I sprayed it with water and let it set over night, then came back the next day and did it all over again. Probably over kill to do it over, but I did. After that step I started laying the pavers. I'd lay one then tap it firmly with a rubber malet. I did use a level at this point, but kept all the pavers just a hair of plum in the back, giving it about a 4 to 6 degree grade to the patio, so it would drain well. I purposely did not use the tamper at this point electing to only set the pavers with a malet. I Wanted the patio to have some settling room, so it would have a more aged effect.

Here is a link that might be useful: Our 2004 garden photos

you should get some 1"pipe. get two of them, the longest you can find. put these pipes down next to each other parallel, then dump sand over it. use the wood to "screat" the sand. this way, you have an even 1" of sand every time.

when finished with the area, pull out the pipes and hand fill the pipe indentation with sand.

after you are all finished, dont forget to compact again on the pavers....the 1" of sand should compact about 1/2".

this is how the professionals do it!

You should consider laying them in screenings, which is really crushed stone. Screenings will compact far better than sand which will hold the patio or walkway in place better and longer.

Sand is comprised of round grains while screenings is made up of flat, round, and other shaped grains which allows it to tamp down better.

DO NOT WET THE SAND!

SAND IS BETTER THAN SCREENINGS BECAUSE IT HAS SOME GIVE IN YOUR FINAL COMPATION OF THE PAVERS AND YOU RUN THE RISK OF HAVING THE LIME OR IMPURITIES OF THE SCREENINGS BLEED THROUGH TO YOUR PAVERS.....IE LIME RUNS...

CRUSHED STONE SHOULD BE THE BASE MATERIAL 4" COMPACTED. THE SAND SHOULD BE ONLY 1", USED ONLY FOR LEVELING.

PER A.S.T.M. AND B.I.A. SPECS