5 Mistakes You Can Make When Installing Patio Pavers

The ground looks pretty flat, so installing a paver patio out back shouldn’t take too much of your time. Just roll up your sleeves, grab the Advil and dive in. But there are probably some common mistakes people make when they tackle this job, right? Good question.

At Neave Masonry, we hear from a fair number of customers who tried installing patio pavers on their own and, well, things didn’t end up looking quite right. Before you hit that pretty pile of pavers, take a minute to review these common paver patio installation mistakes. Then, don’t make‘em.

Mistake #1  Poor Drainage

It’s a patio you want and not a wading pool, proper drainage is really important. Rain and snow are part of patio life, and if your pavers go in without proper inclination or drainage, water will collect and pool.

So, you want a slight slope. One-quarter inch of drop per foot of length is a good plan. Decide which direction you want the water to drain. (Hint: it should be away from your house.) Then tie string to a stake on the high side and run the string across the area and tie it to the stake on the opposite side. Use a level and adjust the stakes as needed.

Mistake #2  Too Much Space Between Pavers

Use spacers when installing your pavers so the spaces in-between are uniform. Nice close pavers, lined up correctly, aren’t just for looks. It makes for a stronger, more stable patio.

Mistake #3  Not Compacting The Sand Base

You want a firm, solid surface, which means really compacting that sand that goes beneath your pavers. This doesn’t mean getting your preschooler to jump up and down on it. Use a mechanical compactor. Bonus tip: dampen the sand. It will compact and level out more easily.

Mistake #4  Skimping On Filler Sand

Don’t skimp on the sand. Be generous and fill it in snugly between pavers. It will help keep weeds out and a tight filling will hold pavers in place as the ground freezes and thaws. When you think you’ve swept in enough, add some more.

Mistake #5  Ignoring The Edges

Just like you nibble a cookie from the outside in, a paver patio usually starts wearing first around the edges. The center of the patio is nicely protected, but the edges are vulnerable to wear. Take the time to install edging properly. The edging can be bricks placed on edge, lumber or preformed plastic or metal. Edging can be added before or after laying the pavers.

Installing Paver Spacers? Leave It To Neave

Having second thoughts about installing a paver patio? Give Neave Masonry a call. We have more than 40 years of experience working with clients in the Hudson Valley area of New York and southeastern Connecticut. Our design team loves creating unique, functional and beautiful patios.

Neave knows that installing patio stones isn’t easy. That’s why your personal project manager at Neave will help you design the perfect paver patio, then arrange construction teams and sort out all the details. All you have to do is plan the menu for your first cookout.

If you’re in the Hudson Valley, call us at (845) 463-0592. If you’re in Westchester County, call (914) 271-7996; from Connecticut, dial (203) 212-4800. Or, fill out our simple web form, and we’ll contact you about setting up your free consultation.