Patios & Walkways Installation Process
When it comes to building patios and walkways, quality materials and precise installation are crucial to creating a lasting outdoor space. Our expert process ensures durability, stability, and aesthetic appeal. Here's how we do it:
Our Process for Building Patios and Walkways:
Excavation (at least 8" deep)
We begin by excavating the area to a minimum depth of 8 inches to ensure we have suitable subsoil for a solid foundation. This depth allows for proper drainage and prevents shifting or settling over time.
Geotextile Fabric
We lay a geotextile fabric over the excavated area. This fabric separates the subsoil from the stone base, preventing the mixing of materials and ensuring stability for the long-term.
Base Layer (3/4" Clean Crushed Stone)
A layer of 3/4" clean crushed stone is spread evenly, creating a strong and compact base for the patio or walkway. This layer ensures proper drainage and a stable foundation for the rest of the structure.
Leveling Layer (3/8" Clean Washed Chip Stone)
We then add a 1" screed/leveling layer of 3/8" clean washed chip stone to create a perfectly level surface for the pavers to rest on. This finer material helps ensure precise placement of the pavers.
Proper Compaction
We apply the appropriate amount of compaction to both the subsoil and the 3/4" crushed stone base to ensure the foundation is solid and won’t settle over time. Compaction is key to creating a stable and long-lasting patio or walkway.
Laying the Pavers
Our team then carefully lays the pavers or stones in your desired pattern. We use techniques that ensure the pavers fit snugly and remain in place, preventing shifting over time.
Compacting the Pavers
After laying the pavers, we compact them using a plate compactor to ensure they are firmly set into place, further enhancing the stability of the structure.
Appropriate Pitch for Drainage
We make sure to maintain the appropriate pitch (a slight slope of 1/8” per foot) to direct water away from the patio or walkway. This helps to prevent water pooling or erosion under the surface.
Polymeric Sand for Joint Filling
Once the pavers are set, we fill the joints with high-quality polymeric sand. This sand hardens when wet, preventing weed growth and stabilizing the pavers. Unlike traditional sand, polymeric sand resists shifting and erosion, maintaining the integrity of the surface.
Flexible Concrete Edge Restraint
To prevent the edges of the patio or walkway from shifting or moving, we install a flexible concrete edge restraint. This edge ensures the pavers remain securely in place and provides a clean, professional finish.
Why Choose Our Installation Process?
Durability and Stability: By excavating to at least 8" and using the right materials like 3/4" clean crushed stone and 3/8" washed chip stone, we create a foundation that is both strong and long-lasting, avoiding the problems associated with a shallow base.
Superior Drainage: Proper drainage is key to preventing erosion and shifting. Our base and leveling layers, combined with the slight pitch of the patio, ensure that water flows away from the structure, protecting your investment.
Long-Term Performance: Our use of geotextile fabric and polymeric sand keeps the patio or walkway stable and prevents weeds or grass from growing through the joints. This provides a much cleaner, more durable solution than using regular sand for bedding.
Why We Use Polymeric Sand Over Regular Sand: Traditional sand can wash away over time, leading to paver shifting, weeds, and unsightly gaps. Polymeric sand hardens when wet, providing more stability and reducing maintenance.
Flexible Concrete Edge Restraint vs. Plastic: We prefer flexible concrete edge restraint over plastic because it is stronger, more durable, and provides better protection against shifting. Plastic restraints can crack over time, while concrete provides long-lasting strength and a more professional finish.
