What a Sinking Feeling

It's that sinking feeling when your dream patio becomes a safety hazard as the once-level pavers begin dipping in strange places. Or the driveway pavers that added such curb appeal for your home have developed an unmistakable groove from the weight of your car. It begs the question: Are all pavers destined to sink as they settle?

Our response is a resounding no. When properly installed and graded, pavers will maintain their level surface for many, many years barring unforeseen environmental hazards. In truth, sinking pavers are often a glaring spotlight on your installer’s corner-cutting attempts to save time and money, which you will certainly pay for later.

If your pavers are doing the wave, chances are the installer failed to lay a sufficient amount of base product.  The base is usually a varied consistency of recycled concrete dust and pebbles. A lazy installer scatters just enough base to give a level appearance before laying the pavers or stone on top. In contrast, an expert installer’s high-standards include excavating enough soil to accommodate 1-2 inches of base product for patios, walkways and pool decks, and 3-5 inches of base for driveways to sufficiently handle the weight of your vehicles.

Even with a generous amount of base product, your pavers will still shift and settle if the base is not adequately compacted. Raking the base gives it a smooth appearance, but without compaction, all that gravelly goodness will quickly give way under the weight of your pavers. Expert installers always utilize a plate compactor to create a firm, proper foundation before installing the pavers.

When your hardscape contractor follows these standards of excellence, your pavers will maintain their grade and functionality. Unfortunately, even our expert team cannot prevent storm damage, rotting tree roots or leaking pipes lurking underground, but these damages are much easier to repair when the proper foundation has been laid.

Our best hint for finding installers with the highest standards: A sound investment on your hardscape design is evidenced by a lengthy warranty. A contractor who has perfected his craft will confidently guarantee his superior product. A minimal, one-year installation warranty will most likely be followed by a costly repair project in year two. Unless you hire for quality, your pavers will settle for it in the end.