There are 4 labor-intensive steps to constructing the perfect paver walkway, patio or wall. The following photos illustrate the process, step by step...
Stage 1
Excavation of existing soil 8" deep and 6" beyond the perimeter of the designed walkway ensured that the pavers stay level.
Most excavation sites require several yards of soil and debris to be removed and hauled off site.
Stage 2
The soil is replaced with approximately 5" of compactable gravel made sturdy and level with a power plate compactor. A strong, deep base is essential to maximize the life of the walkway.
Stages 3 and 4
Sturdy plastic edging is installed along the perimeter of the walkway design. Then, a 1" layer of coarse sand is evenly applied over the compacted gravel, thus providing a firm foundation for the pavers to be set in the final phase.
The pavers are arranged on the coarse sand in your preferred pattern. Finally, the power plate compactor is used to tamp them, forcing the sand through the joints, inter-locking the pavers.
What makes pavers the best choice for driveways, walkways and patios? Unlike asphalt and poured concrete, our pavers are virtually maintenance free and do not need to be regularly sealed or replaced. Pavers are about three times stronger than regular poured concrete and have a maximum water absorption rate of 5%. Plus, you can use your new patio, walkway or driveway immediately after compacting the pavers and sweeping with joint sand.
Will freezing and thawing damage pavers? No, damage from ice is virtually non-existent. The joints allow the pavers to move without cracking in freeze and thaw cycles.
Will snow plows damage or dislodge my pavers? No. Properly installed paving stones fit tightly together and form a uniform surface that presents no problem for plows, snowblowers, and shovels.
Will deicing salts damage my pavers? No. Our high-density concrete pavers resist deterioration from deicing salts that are applied at the proper application rates.
If a paver gets chipped or damaged, can it be replaced? Yes, very easily. We recommend that you save a few pavers from your initial installation, just in case you need to replace one or two. Pavers normally can be pried out using two flathead screwdrivers.
Is there a way to prevent weeds from growing between paving stones? Will landscape fabric or plastic sheeting help? Weeds grow from wind-blown seeds that fall onto pavers and germinate down into joints. They do not grow up from below, so using landscape fabric or plastic sheeting is unnecessary. Weeds can be removed by hand or with a biodegradable herbicide. Sealers or sand binders can be useful in helping prevent weed growth.
Do pavers lose color with age? For long-lasting, durable colors, concrete masonry stones are saturated with color throughout- not just on the surface. To achieve this, we blend pure pigment into our special concrete mixture, using only the finest iron oxides. Pigments used to color concrete paving stones and wall stones are very stable. Dirt, normal wear, and weathering may appear to change the color over time. Cleaning and sealing may restore and enhance color.
Will pavers be slippery? No, their surface texture is ideal for obtaining safe traction in pedestrian, vehicular and pool applications.
