Sabba’s Landscaping: The #1 Holiday Heights, NJ Paver Patios Professionals

Before laying pavers, make sure to check the sizes of the stones you plan to use. Bricks are standardized, but paving stones have a variety of sizes. Brickyards can provide estimates for the number of stones needed based on the size of the patio. If you’re unsure of the size of your patio, use a paver calculator to estimate how many pavers you’ll need. Alternatively, you can also ask a paver company about your local requirements.

Bricks are another popular material used for patios. This material offers a simple yet durable look. Bricks are typically made from concrete or clay. While bricks are eco-friendly and stain-resistant, there is a limited color and size range. Some brick pavers are thin, which can wear down over time from constant foot traffic. Bricks may also crack due to freeze-thaw cycles. However, individual bricks are replaceable.

One of the finishing steps for a paver patio is applying joint sand. This product, sometimes called joint compound, is spread thinly over the entire surface of the patio. It’s then brushed in with a push broom or vibrated with a plate compactor. Joint sand is also available in different styles. If you’re unsure about which one to use, contact a paver patio expert for help.

The costs of a paver patio include labor and materials. The labor price depends on the size of the patio, the complexity of the project and the location. The average labor cost is $50 to $80 per hour, or $4 to $11 per square foot. It would take a pro about 35 hours to complete a 300-square-foot patio, while a do-it-yourselfer would need fifty to sixty hours.

DIYers can save up to 50 percent by installing their own patio, but you’ll need to rent special equipment for grading, tamping, and laying down pavers. The cost of these materials will be higher than those of hiring a landscaper. However, professionals often get bulk discounts on hardscaping materials. And while you might end up saving more than half of the cost of hiring a landscaper, you will have to pay delivery fees on your own.

Once you’ve prepared the area, you can add the gravel. It’s best to add up to an inch of gravel on top of the sand. You’ll need more gravel if the area is particularly wet. Once the gravel is level, you can use a vibrating compactor to compact the gravel. Sand is another important component in paver patios. Sand is necessary for the interlocking of pavers, and the gravel acts as a drainage base.

While many people believe that concrete can’t crack, it is the opposite. Pavers are composed of small pieces that are stacked together to form a solid pavement. Then, a layer of aggregate provides a solid foundation. It’s also possible that the ground will shift, which is common in cold climates. Then, when the patio moves, it’s easy for weak points to crack. And with the right installation, your patio will last a long time.

If your paver patio begins to look dirty or weedy, it’s likely time to renovate it. To remove weeds, you can clean out the joints and install new poly sand. Professional installation of patios ensures minimal movement. Compared to concrete patios, paver maintenance is simple. It’s best to clean out debris frequently and use soap and water to clean stains. Afterward, you can apply protective sealers to prevent staining and fading.