A Complete Guide to Concrete Pavers: From Installation to Long-Term Care

Today, we’re going to talk about concrete pavers. Quality pavers create beautiful patios, pathways, and driveways that are a great option for your home. They are virtually maintenance-free and will last for generations with minimal care.

There are a few main advantages that pavers have. First of all, they come in a wide variety of colors and textures, so there’s a lot of flexibility when you’re trying to match your house or existing materials. Pavers are also more flexible. If future settling occurs in your walkway or patio, it’s very easy to pull up the pavers, adjust the situation, and lay them back down to have a patio that’s as good as new.

The Paver Installation Process

One of the first things we do in any paver installation is the base preparation.

Step 1: Base Preparation & Excavation

Base preparation begins with excavation. Typically, we excavate down anywhere from 7 to 12 inches, depending on the type of installation. It’s important not to over-excavate so you can build your base up on undisturbed soil. When you over-excavate, you loosen that soil, and it’s very difficult to get it compacted back to the point where you wouldn’t have future settling.

When putting the road base in, you must water it down prior to compaction. Dry road base won’t compact as well as wet road base. We typically install the road base in 2 to 3-inch lifts and run a vibratory plate compactor over the top to ensure it’s fully compacted. We recommend a minimum of 4 inches of road base gravel for foot traffic and a minimum of 6 inches for anything that will have vehicular traffic, like a driveway. Your road base should be flat but with a slight slope to allow for proper drainage.

Step 2: The Sand Layer

The next layer is the sand layer. We use 1-inch metal pipes and a screed bar to spread the sand to a perfectly uniform depth. This is important because the pavers will be compressed down into that sand. Sand doesn’t really compact, but it does compress, so we want to ensure uniform compression across the whole patio.

Step 3: Laying the Pavers & Finishing

After the sand is installed, we can move on to the pavers. Paver installation goes right on top of the sand layer. After laying out all the pavers, we move on to the finishing phase, starting with the containment edging. This edging is installed along the outside edge and secured with 12-inch long steel spikes to keep the pavers from sliding around. After the edge is in place, we run the vibratory plate compactor lightly over the pavers to compress them evenly into the sand.

Step 4: Applying Joint Sand

After compaction, we install the jointing sand, which is often a polymeric sand. This special sand has a glue-like binder mixed in to help it set up and secure the joints. We spread the sand over the entire surface and sweep it into all the paver joints, then run the compactor over the surface again lightly to help vibrate the sand down deep.

It’s very important to remember that polymeric sand is activated by water. After applying the sand, sweep all the excess off the patio surface, and then go over it with a leaf blower on a light setting to remove all dust. Finally, lightly water the sand in with your hose on a light misting setting. A light mist activates the binder without disturbing the sand. After a couple of mistings, give the entire patio a final rinse, and your pavers are finished.

Paver Care and Maintenance

Paver driveways, walkways, and patios withstand the rigors of all seasons. With outstanding freeze/thaw resistance, pavers can have snow and ice removed with a snowplow or shovel. Because of their density, they do not absorb salts from de-icers the way normal concrete does, resulting in a low risk of damage. For more on how we handle the seasons, check out our landscape maintenance services.

Joint Sand

In normal conditions, very little joint sand is lost over time; however, extreme conditions can require replenishing it. Stabilized sand or sealers can be used to reduce the loss of sand; consult with our professionals if this is an option you would like to explore.

Efflorescence

Efflorescence is a white, chalky substance that can sometimes appear on pavers. It is a natural aging process and is not damaging. Most efflorescence cleaners are acid-based and require professional application. If your pavers develop efflorescence, we recommend consulting with us to determine the best course of action.

Repairs

One of the key advantages of a paver hardscape is that it can be taken up for underground utility repairs and then reinstalled. If settling ever occurs, the pavers can be removed, the base reworked, and the pavers replaced. Our skilled paver technicians can complete this type of repair, leaving your hardscape in its original condition.

Sealants for Pavers

Pavers are beautiful in their natural state; however, sealants offer several benefits, including providing stain resistance and preventing weeds and ants. We recommend waiting to seal your pavers for one year after installation.

Removing Stains

Oil stains on a driveway are inevitable, but they can be removed. Act promptly to make removal easier. Wipe up any excess oil, apply a liquid dish detergent, and let it soak. Then, scrub and wash the area with hot water.

If you need help installing a paver patio or have questions about maintenance, please give us a call. We are members of the Interlocking Concrete Paver Institute (ICPI) and have certified installers on our team. You can see examples of our work in our hardscapes gallery. We’d love to help you with your project.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Pavers

Q: What to put down before laying pavers?

A: A solid, multi-layered base is the most critical part of a long-lasting paver installation. There are two essential layers you must put down before the pavers themselves:

1. Compacted Road Base: After excavating, we install a layer of road base gravel. We recommend 4 inches for foot traffic and at least 6 inches for driveways. This material is carefully watered and compacted with a vibratory plate compactor.
2. Screeded Sand Layer: On top of the compacted road base, we place a 1-inch layer of sand, which is smoothed to a uniform depth to create a level bed.

Q: What is the downside to concrete pavers?

A: The initial installation cost can sometimes be higher than poured concrete due to the detailed base preparation and labor required. Additionally, if the joints are not properly maintained with polymeric sand, there can be a risk of weeds growing between the pavers. However, a professional installation minimizes these downsides, making pavers a superior long-term investment.

Q: Is it cheaper to pour concrete or install pavers?

A: Initially, a poured concrete slab may have a lower upfront cost. However, the long-term value and cost of repairs make pavers a smart choice. If a concrete slab cracks, the repair is often expensive and noticeable. In contrast, the durability and low cost of paver repairs often make them the more economical and valuable choice over the lifetime of your patio or driveway.

Q: How much does a 20×20 concrete paver patio cost?

A: The cost of a 400 sq. ft. paver patio can vary significantly. The final paver patio cost depends on the style of the pavers, the amount of excavation required, and the complexity of the design. The best way to get an accurate price is to give us a call for a detailed estimate on your specific project.