You probably think the most impressive layer of your new paver patio or driveway is the top layer. It looks amazing.
But the stuff you can’t see is just as impressive, from the layer underneath that helps it drain to the edging that keeps it from falling apart to the sand that holds the pavers together to the sealer that protects the whole masterpiece.
Some of the most important parts of your hardscape project are the paver materials behind the scenes, working hard to make sure your pavers don’t sink, the great color doesn’t fade, weeds don’t sprout, and people don’t trip.
Paver base preparation is super important. Proper installation is the difference between a paver patio that looks great for years and one that starts to sink, crack or crumble, or one with drainage problems that sends water into your basement.
What goes into creating that impressive patio that will be your new outdoor haven? Or that paver driveway you love so much your ice cream melts in your grocery bag because you can’t stop staring at it?
Let’s take a look:
Paver Base Preparation is Simpler Here in Florida
If you used to live in a Northern state, you’re used to a ground that suffers through lots of freezing and thawing, which can be really hard on pavers.
Here in Florida, pavers have it pretty easy.
So what is our paver base material? Simple — a sturdy layer of crushed concrete installed below your pavers to promote drainage and ensure stability. We call it 'crushed concrete fines,' and it’s a recycled concrete aggregate routinely used as a base for pavers, roads, parking areas and building foundations.
“Fines” refers to the finely crushed size of the concrete, with pieces from 3/8 inch and smaller, down to a powder.
Construction crews excavate the area where your paver patio, driveway or walkway will go and add several inches of concrete fines on top of the existing soil. Then it’s compacted to make it extra sturdy.
Why is Paver Base Material So Important?
If your paver project doesn’t have a solid base, it can sink or hold standing water that doesn’t drain properly. Have you ever noticed a paver patio that looks uneven, like the pavers weren’t installed very well? It’s probably due to a shoddy base job.
The texture of the crushed concrete base beneath your pavers allows for drainage and helps lock the pavers into place.
Ground Source crews install five inches of crushed concrete fines beneath paver walkways or patios and seven inches beneath driveways. Driveways need a thicker base to support the heavier weight of vehicles.
It’s cheaper to use less paver base material, so not all landscaping companies use five to seven inches. If you’re installing your own paver patio, you might be tempted to use less. A quality base underneath helps ensure a quality, long-lasting project.
You don’t want to skimp on paver base materials.
Paver Base Preparation and the Importance of Drainage
When you’re out on your paver patio hosting friends and serving your famous grilled corn salsa, you’re probably not thinking about how well your pavers need to drain.
But you better hope your installers thought about it.
Proper drainage doesn’t just happen.
While you might assume your pavers need to be perfectly level, that’s not the case. Your paver project should pitch to the side a bit, so water can drain.
The area should look and seem flat and level, but will be installed with just enough tilt for proper drainage.
One-quarter of an inch decline per linear foot of the patio’s surface is typically enough to avoid paver drainage problems.
If your patio or driveway can’t drain properly, you end up with standing water, erosion, foundation damage, or even a wet basement.
Paver Patio Layers: Time for Sand
Once your pavers are laid atop your sturdy base of crushed concrete fines, a layer of sand goes over the top and is nestled down in between each paver.
Fine, dry sand, sometimes called “sweeping sand,” is the most common sand used between pavers. But a higher-end option is polymeric sand. It’s an upgrade paver patio layer that costs more, but it helps deter weeds.
Unlike regular sand, it’s bound with polymers that cause it to harden after it’s swept into the joints and sprayed with water. That makes it tougher for weeds to take root.
A Quick Word About the Right Edging
Edging isn’t a paver patio layer, exactly, but it’s a crucial part of a paver project installation.
Proper edging helps keep your pavers snugly in place and keeps them from shifting.
Here in Florida, it’s important to use concrete molded edging, not plastic edging with spikes. The soil is too sandy and soft here for that. You’ll end up with paver edging problems. Bonus: the concrete edge looks much nicer.
Paver Base Preparation: Thinking Ahead
You’re all about your new patio or driveway now, but what are your future landscaping plans?
Ground Source crews are thinking ahead. You might want to install an irrigation system or landscape lighting later. So we install PVC sleeves under your hardscape project to make adding irrigation or landscape lighting easier later.
That way, we won’t have to tear up your whole patio or driveway to do work underneath it.
Sealer: The Final Important Paver Patio Layer
Sealer is the all-important top layer of your paver patio or driveway project.
- It prevents fading. Without sealer, the sun’s harsh rays will fade your paver driveway’s great color.
- It helps keep weeds from sprouting in the sand between your pavers.
- Weeds love it when dirt settles into those cracks between the pavers, creating the perfect place to sprout.
- It protects from weathering. You don’t want pounding rain to weather the surface of your driveway.
- It locks in the sand between each paver for a tight fit, keeping your pavers in place.
- It deters pesky ants. They love building mounds in those spaces between pavers.
- Sealer repels stains from oil and grime.
Sealer isn’t a one-time thing. You’ll need to reapply sealer every 2- 5 years.
When Ground Source crews apply new sealer they also touch up and add new sand between pavers first.
Ask About the Paver Warranty
At Ground Source, we offer a two-year warranty on all paver installations, which covers defects in material and workmanship. (Remember, pavers naturally have variations in color, texture, and wear. That’s not a “defect.”)
The warranty specifically covers cracking, settling, and shifting.
Another Question to Ask: What’s Included?
Ground Source paver delivery and installation bid includes:
- Removal of your old concrete and soil/sod excavation (including hauling costs)
- Cost and installation of crushed concrete
- The pavers specified in your bid
- Paver sand for gap-filling
- Clean-up and disposal of excess material
- Hand-troweled concrete edge restraint
- Rinsing off of paver dust from plants and buildings
- Stacking of excess pavers in a specified location
Not included: sealing pavers; pressure-washing of nearby surfaces; irrigation modifications; sod repair.
Ready for Quality Paver Installation? Trust Ground Source
When you hire landscape design and installation in Central Florida for your paver patio or driveway project, make sure you’re getting a skilled, quality installation that will last.
The best hardscape companies make the whole process go smoothly, from brainstorming ideas at your kitchen table to showing you samples of pavers to walking you through the project and keeping you informed.
Let’s get started.
We’re hardscape experts, but our skills don’t stop there. We’re with you every step of the way as you plan your perfect outdoor space.
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