FAQS

A basic installation guide for installing patio pavers would be:  

• Excavate (not always but in most cases) 
• Install crushed gravel 
• Compact gravel 
• Screed no more than 1” of sand (or less than ½”) 
• Lay pavers 
• Cut where needed and set the edge restraint 
• Compact pavers 
• Sweep sand into the joints 
• Compact and re-apply sand until joints are full

More specific installation instructions depend on the area that will be paved.

Patios and walkways: Typically, some sort of excavation is required to allow for the sub-base and stone. Normally you need about 6″-7” of excavation for 3″-4” of crushed gravel (3/4 or 5/8 minus), 1” of washed sand, and 2 3/8” for the paver itself. Some cases require the walkway or patio to be raised. This application normally doesn’t require any excavation except for the block used around the perimeter to elevate the area. With raised areas, most edges that would require edge restraint would instead have paver adhesive applied to the border stand and blocks used to elevate the area.

Driveways: Any area with recurring vehicular traffic would be installed similarly to patios and walkways, with a couple of key differences. The main difference is the amount of gravel used. Driveways require a minimum of 6”-8” of crushed gravel — up to 10″-12” depending on the circumstance. Geo fabric installation under the gravel isn’t required but is an inexpensive way to strengthen your sub-base.

If the installation is performed correctly, you should not have any issues with your patio pavers settling. However, occasionally unforeseen settling can occur below the sub-base. This is very rare but can easily be repaired by removing the affected stones and repairing the sub-base.

Most patio pavers are not permeable. Typically, less than 10% of water will make its way through the sand joint and into the soil. For normal paving stone application, water draining through the joints is a common cause of settling. There are, however, special “permeable” paving stones that are designed to allow 100% of rainwater to drain through the joints. The installation process requires crushed open aggregate so that water can make its way to the soil. Additionally, a smaller-sized crushed rock is used in the joints instead of sand.