Frequently Ask Questions
How deep should a paver base be?
The guidelines are 4 to 6 inches for pedestrian walkways and 8 to 12 inches for driveways. Local soil conditions also impact depth needs. Generally, clay bases need to be dug deeper to facilitate drainage.
What is the best base for pavers?
Roughly crushed stone makes a good base for pavers that will be used more regularly. A base of 4 to 6 inches of well-compacted stone pieces provides a sturdy and stable foundation for nearly any type of paver installation, notes Concrete Construction, an industry...
Is flagstone cheaper than pavers?
Let's just bottom line it right up front: flagstone costs more than pavers. The material itself costs a bit more and the labor to install it costs more. A true professional flagstone guy, whether a mason, waller or good landscaper–is going to have years of experience....
What is the best flagstone for a patio?
The most common types of flagstone used for paving patios are sandstone, slate and limestone. Flagstone provides a durable and naturally slip-resistant patio surface that will last for years.
Is there a cheaper alternative to flagstone?
Cheap Alternatives to Flagstone Patios. ... Fortunately several alternative patio materials yield a similar look and feeling to flagstone without breaking the bank. Stamped concrete is an inexpensive alternative to flagstone for a patio.
Is a paver patio a good investment?
Increase Your Property Value with a Popular Paver Patio. Landscaping and hardscaping is a simple yet worthy investment that can boost the value of your home significantly. However, not all types of landscaping and hardscaping will give you a good return on your...
Do you tamp leveling sand?
A thick layer of sand allows you to adjust differences in the surface, giving you the flexibility to fix a nonlevel surface by adding more sand. ... Tamp the sand down after leveling, then measure the depth, add more sand when needed and tamp it again.
Is paver base permeable?
The standard interlocking paving stone is not permeable and does not drain water. Pavers are designed to be flexible but not permeable. The base under pavers consists of large gravel, medium sized gravel, small gravel and what are called fines (very small particles).
How much sand do I need for pavers?
The recommended depth of sand for laying pavers is 1 inch. As one inch is 1/12 of a foot, divide the surface area, in square feet, by 12 to find the cubic feet of sand required. For example, a 60-square-foot patio requires 5 cubic feet of sand because 60/12 = 5.
Do you need a plate compactor for pavers?
You don't need special pavers as you should never have to plate compact them. So no. You don't need special pavers as you should never have to plate compact them. No the paving contractor is not using a plate compactor at all.
Can I use play sand for pavers?
You can use All-Purpose/Leveling/Paver sand or Polymeric sand, which permanently adheres the paving stones together. ... Joint sand can be poured over the pavers, and then swept into the joints.
Is brick pavers cheaper than concrete?
Concrete pavers can mimic stone. Less Expensive: Concrete pavers are less expensive than brick, due to the lower cost of raw materials. More Choice: Concrete offers far more design and color options than brick.
What lasts longer stamped concrete or pavers?
Pavers are generallt thicker and more durable, so they won't crack - when installed correctly. Pavers cost about the same as stamped concrete - depending on the application. The cost efficiency over time is very low. They usually do not need to be replaced.
Is flagstone cheaper than pavers?
Let's just bottom line it right up front: flagstone costs more than pavers. The material itself costs a bit more and the labor to install it costs more. A true professional flagstone guy, whether a mason, waller or good landscaper–is going to have years of experience....
Does paver patio add value to home?
Conversely, you can build a paved or stone patio for about 30 percent less, though its return on investment is harder to calculate. Patios, terraces and decks are high on the wish list for homeowners and buyers, a whopping 98 percent want them, according to the...
Can you put too much sand under pavers?
Yes because if you use edging restraint, either your pavers or sand will fall off and there will be settling. That's not a big area, rip it out and redo, shouldn't take more than a couple hours by yourself. It's ok to have too much base compacted underneath but sand...
Are paver base panels any good?
Paver patio base panels are made from lightweight high-density polypropylene. ... Distributing the load puts less pressure on the soil and prevents the paver bricks from becoming uneven. The panels have the added advantage of providing an insulating layer that reduces...
How deep should a paver base be?
The guidelines are 4 to 6 inches for pedestrian walkways and 8 to 12 inches for driveways. Local soil conditions also impact depth needs. Generally, clay bases need to be dug deeper to facilitate drainage.
What is the difference between paver sand and paver base?
A walk or patio requires a 4-inch layer of compacted paver base, while a driveway needs a 12-inch layer. An additional 1- to 1 1/2-inch layer of sand, plus the height of the pavers will determine the final depth of the excavation. ... Smooth and compact the soil with...
Is stamped concrete cheaper than pavers?
Standard concrete slabs are generally lower in cost per square foot than the alternative. Typically, you will pay 10%-15% more if you choose paving stones over standard concrete slabs. If you decide to upgrade to stamped concrete, paving stones will most likely cost...
Is it cheaper to lay concrete or pavers?
Pavers are always more expensive than concrete due to the manufacturing process. ... As of publication, concrete costs around $3 to $5 per square foot, while pavers generally run between $5 and $15 per square foot. Your area's cost of living will affect this price.
Can you lay pavers on dirt?
A backyard patio and a casual brick walkway are two types of surfaces you can build with brick pavers. Laying bricks on dirt is not complicated. But there are several steps involved to ensure the bricks will not shift or sink into the dirt over time. ... Brick pavers...
What is the best base for pavers?
Roughly crushed stone makes a good base for pavers that will be used more regularly. A base of 4 to 6 inches of well-compacted stone pieces provides a sturdy and stable foundation for nearly any type of paver installation, notes Concrete Construction, an industry...
How much paver base do I need?
If you're using 4-by-8-inch pavers, you will need 4.5 pavers per square foot. If you want to use 3 5/8-by-7 5/8-inch pavers, you'll need 5.2 pavers per square foot. Multiply this number by your square footage to get the total number of pavers.
How much does it cost to have pavers installed?
Brick pavers generally cost 50 cents or more per brick or between $3 and $15 per square foot, but expect higher prices if you choose unusual sizes, rare colors or odd shapes.