Home » Articles » Why Quality Paver Installation Matters! Avoid Cutting These Corners

Proper paver installation for areas like patios, driveways, walkways, and pool decks can transform your outdoor living space, making it visually appealing and functional. A proper setup provides a durable surface for outdoor activities like entertaining and dining, increasing the value of your property. However, it’s essential to get the installation process right to ensure that pavers are easy to maintain, durable, and weather-resistant. In this blog, we’ll cover the importance of professional paver installation and the dos and don’ts of paver installation to ensure a durable surface.

Don’t Overlook Proper Base Preparation

One of the most common paver installation mistakes is neglecting to begin with a strong base. A strong base is essential for proper paver installation because it ensures there’s a foundation for an even and safe surface that can withstand substantial pressure and won’t sink over time.. 

In addition, it improves drainage and controls erosion by directing water away, reducing the chance of damage to the paver surface. Also, unwanted weeds and grass are unable to grow between pavers if you start with a well-prepared base. Here are some general guidelines for a solid base:

• Excavate the area: Remove soil, rock, or other materials to a depth of about 6-8 inches.
• Compact the soil: A plate compactor can compress the soil, creating a firm foundation.
• Compact the base material: Proper paver installation involves using crushed concrete sand or road rock for a strong and solid base. 
• Ensure proper drainage slope: A 2% slope will prevent pooling.
• Apply bedding sand: A 1-inch layer of coarse sand should be applied as the final layer.

Don’t Overlook Edge Restraints

Edge restraints are materials like plastic or concrete that are used to secure the edges of different types of pavers, preventing them from moving over time. They help maintain the structure of the paver layout, so using proper edge restraints is an important part of professional paver installation. 

Spikes or stakes can be used to securely install edge restraints, ensuring the pavers stay in place and don’t lose their intended paver design. Using proper paver installation techniques with edge restraints will also ensure the surface stays even and safe.

Don’t Choose the Wrong Sand for Joints

The joint sand between pavers plays an important role in stabilizing the pavers and preventing weed growth, so using the right sand is essential. Using regular sand for paver joints on a surface like a patio is one of the common mistakes made by DIY enthusiasts. 

Regular sand washes away over time, leaving gaps between the pavers. When it comes to the dos and don’ts of quality paver installation, polymeric sand should be used because it solidifies when mixed with water, ensuring proper paver installation. 

Do Ensure Even Distribution of Pavers

The way pavers are distributed affects not only the visual appeal of your outdoor living space but also the functionality of the surface. If pavers aren’t distributed properly, uneven surfaces can form, resulting in pavers that can shift or crack under pressure. 

It’s best to ensure smooth transitions between pavers by aligning them perfectly with each other. When you distribute pavers evenly, it also allows for proper compaction which ensures the pavers stay in place and maintain their structural integrity.

Do Apply Proper Compaction

Once the pavers are laid, a professional paver installation company will typically use a plate compactor to ensure a stable, even surface. This process is essential for proper paver installation and long-term durability because it ensures the pavers settle securely and sand fills the gaps between them. 

Cutting this corner is a common cause of bad paver installation. Skipping this step can reduce the aesthetic appeal of an outdoor living space and cause the surface to appear uneven. It can also cause the pavers to become loose over time, resulting in sunken areas.  

Do Ensure Proper Drainage

Among the dos and don’ts of paver installation to consider, proper drainage is important because it prevents damage caused by water building up on the surface of pavers. If this step is skipped, it can interfere with proper paver installation and lead to problems like water pooling, which can weaken the base and cause pavers to move out of place and sink over time.

Water that is left standing on paver surfaces also tends to support the growth of moss and mildew. To prevent this, a 2% slope should be integrated into your paver installation to ensure that water is directed away from structures. You can also install French drain or Channel drain pipes in areas that are susceptible to excessive water accumulation.

Professional Paver Installation Services

By following the dos and don’ts of paver installation covered in this blog, you can install a proper paver installation for your outdoor living space. However, installing your own pavers can go wrong if you’re not experienced and don’t have the right equipment. For this reason, it’s usually best to choose a professional paving company, as this can save you time, money, and effort. You can also avoid making common paver mistakes that can lead to costly repairs in the long term. At Exotic Pavers, our paver contractors in Palm Beach County, FL, provide excellent installation quality and use high-quality pavers that provide long-lasting durability. Call to schedule your free estimate today!