What to Know Before Installing Pavers
If you’ve ever walked through the cobblestone streets lining the ancient city of Rome or traveled across the paver bricks in Chicago, you’ve probably wondered how these cobblestones and pavers have stood the test of time. The answer? The builders learned from experience when installing these pavers, and have given us a blueprint on how to do the job right.
At Wildflower Desert Design, our design consultants want to bring your vision for pavers to life by using the latest 3D rendering software. After designing your creative and innovate ideas, we want to help you find a qualified installer who will do the job right.
Paver Installation Standards
Before beginning your paver installation, it is important to choose the correct paver material and installer. However, it is also important to make yourself aware of the standards set by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute® (ICPI) for paver installation.
In the same way there are standards set to keep the foundation of your home secure, there are standards set to keep your new interlocking pavers in place on your patio or driveway. It is essential to choose an installer who will heed these standards to ensure the quality of your pavers for years to come.
Incorrect Foundation Material
When you are installing pavers, the material that makes up the sub base, or foundation, is the most important place to start. Some contractors will try to sell you a ¼” minus sub base, which is essentially sand. This sub base will not hold up over time because, as we know, water and sand cannot bond together well enough to support the weight of the people, vehicles, and equipment that will be placed on it.
Additionally, this material is used to help an installer save money by not using the proper equipment to compact the foundation. Even though this material may be cheaper at the time of installation, it will not provide long-lasting results.
Correct Foundation Material
The correct foundation material for your pavers is an ABC subbase. This subbase keeps the pavers from dropping when weight is placed on top of them. Before hiring a contractor to install your pavers, ensure they are committed to following ICPI standards and installing the ABC subbase as the foundation for your pavers. This will guarantee that you can enjoy your interlocking pavers for years to come!
Correct Proportions for Your Pavers
When installing pavers, patios and walkways should have a minimum of a 2” foundation, and driveways should have a minimum of a 4-6” foundation. After the pavers are placed, sand is set on top and compacted in-between the pavers to secure them. The outside edge of the pavers should be 3” by 3” squared mortared edging, which helps to lock in the edge of the pavers so they do not move when they are being used.
Why Choose Wildflower Desert Design as Your Landscape Designer
We want to bring your dreams to life!
Here’s how it works:
1. You Dream – Think Big! Let us show you your dreams.
2. We Design – Our 3D rendering provides a true realm of reality.
3. They Build – We are here to fully assist you in choosing the right contractor for your paver installation.
For more questions about paver installation, contact us at Wildflower Desert Design. Call us today for a FREE consultation!