Patios, Steps & Walkways

Paver Walkways

Nothing does more for a quick boost of curb appeal than a paver walkway. Unmatched in both durability and charm by poured or stamped concrete, a paver walkway to a home's entrance adds instant curb appeal and long term value to your home, not to mention an inviting path for your guests.

Materials are available in a wide variety of shapes and colors. Call today and we can help select the paver that is right for your entrance!

Paver Patios

Paver patios are becoming more and more popular, and there's a reason. Not only do pavers add an element of beauty to your home's landscape, they are also extremely durable and long lasting when properly installed. With very little maintenance compared to wood decks, along with the ability to be repaired, unlike poured concrete, pavers are an economical choice for long term use and enjoyment. Our company takes great pride in our patio design, but more importantly, our installation and craftsmanship. All of our installations follow the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute's (ICPI) minimum requirements for installation, and in many cases, exceed those requirements. We want our work to stand the test of time. Our reputation and your investment depend on it.

Because pavers are a significant investment, we urge you to do your homework and find a contractor that is qualified and competent for your project, even if it is not us. Experience and knowledge matter! Too often the phone rings and I am called to look at a repair for a paver job that was not installed properly. It is something I hate to see in our industry, but the reality is, there are some contractors that are not qualified or experienced enough to properly install patios. Remember, price is not everything, and most often you get what you pay for. In addition to a warranty on the patio, look for a company with experience, and don't be afraid to ask for references and pictures of work they have done.

In the end, we want our customers to be reassured they made the right choice. We seek to educate them on proper care and maintenance, and follow up before warranties expire. This ensures that you will have years of enjoyment on your new patio, which is good business practice for us, and peace of mind for you. We want you to recommend us to others without reservation!

So contact us today, and we can start working on the design that is right for you and your family!

Pavers Q&A

We want our customers to make an informed decision when considering a large investment in their home. That is why we seek to educate you with the facts about the choices that you have. Dollar for dollar, pavers are a sound choice when considering which type of pavement to use. Aesthetically, the beauty and elegance of pavers is unparalleled. And with the high demand for pavers, manufacturers have introduced a paving stone that suits everyone’s preferences and needs. Sizes, colors, patterns, and textures seem almost endless today. That said, there is a paver that is right for you!

There are several questions and concerns people have when deciding to choose pavers versus another material, such as concrete or a wood deck. This section should help you decide.

How long do concrete pavers last? 30 years, which is much longer than other pavements under normal residential use.

Can dirty or broken pavers be replaced? Yes, you can be assured of replacement pavers by keeping extras from the job. Insert the new paver, replace the joint sand, compacting the paver into place with a rubber mallet.

Will the freeze/thaw cycle damage pavers? No, damage from ice is virtually non existent. The joints allow the pavers to move without cracking in freeze and thaw cycles.

If pavers need to be removed for below grade repairs, can I replace them afterwards? Yes, unlike other pavements, concrete pavers can be easily removed and reinstated without any visual or functional changes.

Will pavers be slippery? No, their surface texture is ideal for obtaining safe traction in pedestrian, vehicular, and pool applications, even when wet.

Installation/Technical Questions:

How will the paver installation be graded for drainage? A proper paver installation will allow for a minimum slope of 2%, or 1 inch per 10 feet, away from the house.

Will the aggregate base absorb or hold water? No, when compacted properly, its density will minimize deformation and/or heaving of the paved surface during freezing and thawing.

How will the base be compacted? In 4 inch layers to achieve the maximum density and load bearing capacity.  Each layer required several passes of a compactor to achieve this.

Will an edge restraint be installed? Yes, an edge restraint around the perimeter of the pavers is essential for eliminating horizontal creeping of the pavers and loss of bedding sand.

What is used to fill the joints between the pavers? Paver sweep sand is sufficient for paver stability. A newer product, called polymeric sand is recommended for steeply sloped areas, and pool decks. Polymeric sand is also recommended for general purpose use to minimize weed growth and prevent insects.

Will weeds and grass grow in the joints? With conventional paver sand, weeds and grass can migrate into the paver joints. If this is a major concern, we recommend using polymeric sand. Once swept into the joints and misted, polymeric sand hardens to a grout like consistency, inhibiting both weed and grass growth in the joints. This virtually eliminates all weeds and grass growing through joints, along with preventing insects.

Home | Ideas | Services | Portfolio | Products | About Us | Guarantee | Contact

© Gaining Ground Landscaping & Design. All Rights Reserved.