New driveway pavers in Buffalo NY translate to an average of 9% ROI

There are so many great reasons to go for paver installation on your property. Pavers can transform any ordinary yard space into a wonderful entertaining area. Also, pavers are attractive, extremely durable, easy to install, and require little to no maintenance.

But like all home improvement projects, you must be prepared. Whether you are planning to hire paver installation companies or do the task yourself, there are a few mistakes to be wary of. Also, you need to follow some expert tips to make sure your paver installation project is a grand success.

Find it all here in this guide!

Common Paver Patio Installation Mistakes

Poor Drainage

You want a patio in your yard and not a wading pool. So, taking care of proper drainage in your paver installation is quite important.

Rain and snow are inevitable parts of patio life. If you install the pavers without any proper inclination or drainage, water will collect and pool in them.

So, avoid this mistake by making a slight slope on your patio. A quarter inch of drop per foot of length is a wise plan. Also, decide which direction you want the water to drain (Hint: it should be a direction away from the house).

Too Much Space Between Pavers

While installing the pavers, make sure you are using spacers. This will make sure the spaces in between your pavers are uniform.

Nice close pavers, lined up in sequence, aren’t just for appearance. It also makes for a stronger and more stable patio.

Not Compacting The Sand Base

You would want a firm and solid surface beneath the patio. For that, you have to compact the sand. This doesn’t imply getting your toddler to jump up and down on it. Use a mechanical compactor for the task.

BONUS TIP: Dampen the sand before compacting it. This will make the sand compact and level out more easily.

Skimping On Filler Sand

Never skimp on the sand during paver installation. Be generous and fill it in snugly between the pavers. It will help keep weeds at bay. Also, the tight-fitting will hold the pavers in place when the ground freezes and thaws.

Ignoring The Edges

Just like most of us love nibbling a cookie from the outside in – a paver patio usually starts to wear first around the edges. The center of the patio stays protected but the edges are more vulnerable to wear. So, take time to install the paver edging properly.

Tips To Be Mindful Of During Paver Installation

Visualize The Dream

Several landscaping companies offer you the option of 2D or 3D renderings. This gives you a more realistic look at your future masterpiece. It allows you to experiment with different colors, textures, and styles, and gives you an idea of how the patio will look upon completion.

Order Extra

Pavers come in a range of sizes, shapes, and colors at many price points. You can easily find a style within your budget. If you want, you can also mix and match different colors or size pavers to elevate the look.

But don’t underestimate the quantity in your paver installation project. Always order some extra pavers. You may need to cut a few pavers to fit in your yard space.

Dig Deep

You must prepare the section of the area where you plan to install the patio. To do that, dig 8 to 10 inches into the dirt.

If the soil is dry, water it the night before you dig. This will make the earth softer and digging easier.

Always dig out a larger area than necessary. About 2 to 6 inches outside the area where the pavers will be set is perfect. Clear out any grass or roots in the area.

Before you start to dig, call 811 and talk to your local authorities. Make sure your land is clear of any electrical or plumbing lines. If there are any cables, ask the authorities to come to your site and mark them.

Also, consider if you will need to run wires through the patio in the future. Perhaps you may have plans for a water feature or landscape lighting. In that case, incorporate a pipe or sleeve under the pavers.

Prepare The Base

The base of the pavers must be done correctly. To do that, first, use woven separation fabric to cover up the soil.

Next comes the paver installation base – about 5 to 6 inches of crushed stone. Extend the base material beyond the planned boundaries of the pavers.

Then comes a 1-inch sand layer. Concrete sand or bedding sand is the best choice for this.

Give Yourself An Edge

Install an edge restraint around the perimeter of the pavers. This keeps them from shifting and also provides weed protection.

Place And Cut The Pavers

When the time comes for laying down the pavers, position them 1/8 apart. Install the pavers into place with a rubber mallet.

Nearly every paver installation project requires you to cut some of the pavers to get the best fit. Use a rented masonry saw for this or trust this job to landscaping professionals.

Fill In The Cracks

Once the pavers are in place, seal the cracks between them by applying a shallow layer of sand. Spread this material all over the pavers and the spaces between them by using a push broom. Remove the excess sand with a blower.

Maintaining The Pavers

You don’t need to do much to take care of your pavers aside from monthly sweeping. A power washer can help you get rid of patio stains.

Need Help In Paver Installation Project?

Then, give the team of Gorski Landscaping NY a call. We have more than 10 years of experience working with clients in Buffalo NY for several landscaping projects. Our landscaping team would love to create a unique, beautiful, and functional patio for your property.

Connect with us for expert paver installation Buffalo NY services!