5 Things You Must Know About Paver Patios
You’ve decided that now is the ideal time to build your patio. So the plan was created, the flowers were chosen, and the landscapers were hired. You like the look of paver patios for the seating area, but you’re not sure what to anticipate from paver stones. How is the installation of the pavers site prepared? What varieties of hues, forms, or patterns are there for pavers? Will they be affordable for you? Of course, pavers are an excellent and dependable option for your patio installation. But there are a few things to remember.
Common Paver Patio Installation Mistakes
While building a paver patio yourself is possible, hiring a professional landscape contractor is better. It will avoid the common problems associated with the paver installation. For example, a poorly constructed base can cause the pavers to sag, deteriorate, or crack.
Suppose you’ve got the tools and are willing to take some time. Installing a paver patios West Palm Beach yourself is relatively simple. However, mistakes can still occur, and if you’re not careful, they can prove costly and leave an unsightly patio. Avoid these mistakes to get the patio of your dreams.
When building a paver patio, it is crucial to consider the drainage needs of the area where you plan to place the patio. If water can’t drain properly, it can collect underneath the patio and cause weeds to grow. To solve this problem, you can use special sand designed to keep weeds from growing in the joints.
Costs of Installing a Paver Patio
The costs of installing paver patios depend on several factors, including the size of the patio, the number of paver stones, and labor costs. In addition, other costs may be necessary, such as landscaping, coverings, and plumbing or electrical add-ons. The soil conditions where you live will also affect the cost.
Before installation, the site must be prepared. It includes grading, which is a process of leveling and correcting the slope of the land. Grading should be 1 to 2 percent lower than the house’s foundation. Grading also requires excavating and filling soil. It is a very important step to ensure the safety of the patio. In addition, grading requires special permits, which will add to the costs of installing paver patios.
The cost of a paver patio also includes the cost of sealing the patio. This step protects the surface from weathering and heavy foot traffic. Depending on the materials used, sealants can cost anywhere from $0.80 to $2.50 per square foot. The labor cost of sealing a patio will depend on how much material will be sealed and the square footage.
Preparation Needed
Paver patios are a great option for home landscaping, but there’s a little preparation needed before installing them. The first step is ensuring the area is level and free of debris. Once done, you can place the pavers onto the sand and spread them evenly. After placing the pavers, you should tamp them down to ensure they settle evenly. You can also use a longboard and a level to check the level of the gravel bed. It will ensure that the pavers don’t shift once they’re in place.
Paver installation requires a firm base that can support the pavers. It will ensure the quality of your project and its longevity. You can also install rebar to add extra support to the paving stones.
Types of Pavers
There are several types of pavers to choose from for your patio. These materials can be made from natural stone or concrete. They can come in different colors, textures, and thicknesses and are durable. They are also easy to install. Some types of concrete pavers have small gaps between them for drainage.
Interlocking pavers are popular and are often used in residential settings. They are easy to lay and lock together to create patterns. While all types of pavers are permeable (water flows over them), some are specifically made to absorb or convey water. Make sure you look for those that meet codes from the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Brick is another popular choice for pavers. This material is widely available and eco-friendly. Bricks come in various colors and shapes and can be repurposed for other purposes, like building a fence. However, bricks can be fragile and require regular maintenance.
Need for an Edge Restraint
If you’re installing paver patios, you may be wondering about the need for an edge restraint. This type of support is made of extruded materials and is effective at retaining the installation shape. It also prevents creeping edges that result in multiple sites of upturn or cracking.
Edge restraints are also available in plastic. They should be installed at the right depth, often with landscaping nails or spikes. The spacing between the spikes should be at least eight inches apart for vehicular traffic. A wooden edge restraint may not be needed if the patio is low-traffic and will not be used as a walkway.
Another edge restraint is the low-profile version. It is one-third of the height of a standard edge restraint and comes in six-foot-tall pieces. It can be used for tight bands, sweeping curves, and straight runs. These are also heavy-duty plastic that can flex to create a defined edge and add security to your paver patio.
